Best Bets

Race 1 - #3 KICK ON (WIN)

He was the runner-up of the Group 3 Coupland’s Bakeries Mile in November last year, where he produced his career peak rating behind subsequent G1 winner, He’s A Doozy. His first two runs this campaign have only been fair, however this seems to be the norm for him, having only run 1 minor placing from 6 starts when first or second-up (third-up and beyond, he has had 17 starts for 6 wins and 6 minor placings). This third-up assignment will be his third run in 15 days, whilst also stepping back from 1600m to 1400m – which would be a perplexing start to a campaign for most trainers, but not something I’m concerned about being out of Kevin Myers’ stable. The tempo maps to be genuine throughout, with Kick On likely settling back and looking to swamp some of his opponents who are potentially vulnerable at the end of a solidly run 1400m.

Race 5 - #1 KOPUA (EACH WAY)

5yo son of Shocking who seemed to have above average ability over the sprint trips last campaign. Now stepping up to the mile after two pass-mark runs since falling in January, I’m expecting a much-improved performance from him here. He maps to get back off a hot tempo, where he can hopefully find an economical spot on the rail from the low draw (4), giving him every opportunity to close off hard late.

Race 8 - #7 APACHE ANNE (EACH WAY)

She is a talented mare who looks much more suited back in this company. She is also much better placed in this R75, carrying only 52.5kg after the claim vs the 57kg she carried in WFA company against the mares at Group 3 level last start. With even luck from the low draw (3) she looks as good as any in this at nice each way odds.

Value Bet

Race 3 - #5 YARI

Lightly tried 4yo with ability who strikes an even line-up of fit sprinters for his first-up assignment. Yari has shown a clear preference to being on top of the ground in his short career, which are the conditions he’ll find on Saturday. He maps to land a trailing spot, where he should have every chance to surge late with his light weight (53kg after the claim).