Track specialist favoured
Flemington, Listed Chester Manifold S., $140,000, 1400m
Vassilator (NZ) (Zacinto {GB}) has posted all four of his career wins over this course and distance and following his last-start success he looks primed to add to his record.
Brave Song (Your Song) was runner-up in the Listed Xmas Classic and drops 2kg while Blazejowski (Dash For Cash) has a tidy record and a decent chance if he can get away with a soft run under his topweight of 60kg.
Brave Song
Riding The Wave (Malibu Moon {USA}) has won twice since joining Lindsey Smith’s stable, including a win on the track at his most recent appearance. He should appreciate the step up to 1400 metres having won over the trip in New Zealand earlier in his career.
Never Again (High Chaparral {Ire}) was a smart winner last time out at Caulfield and he will appreciate a 4.5kg drop in weight.
Coming Around (Gingerbread Man) wasn’t sighted in the Listed Lord S., but deserves a second look in this line-up, which isn’t the strongest, and he should prove to be more effective over this distance.
Newnham holds aces
Randwick, Listed January Cup, $150,000, 2000m
Mark Newnham holds a strong hand here with the last-start winners Spirit Ridge (GB) (Nathaniel {Ire}) and Gone Bye (Al Maher). Both are lightly-tried gallopers so are likely to be open to further improvement.
Wolfe (Jpn) (Novellist {Ire}) hasn’t raced since he was fourth in the Listed ATC Cup in November, but has been kept ticking over with a trial outing and has competed well in a better grade than this in the past.
Wolfe (Jpn)
Humbolt Current (GB) (Fastnet Rock) hasn’t been sighted in either runs this preparation, but they have been over distances short of his best and it’s worth noting he is a three-time winner at 2000 metres.
Laure Me In (Ad Valorem {USA}) is genuine and has to be taken seriously on recent efforts while Newnham’s third runner Fulmina (Snitzel) isn’t without a hope. She could show improvement on recent runs with this step up in trip.
Grand staying hope
Awapuni, Listed Japac Homes Marton Cup, NZ$50,000, 2200m
Grand Bouquet (NZ) (Savabeel) has been racing well in stronger company and appeals as a leading prospect in this grade. She attacked the line strongly for third in the G3 Counties Cup and was unplaced in the G3 Waikato Cup after an awkward start, but did make good late ground.
Duplicity (NZ) (Duporth) was out of the money in the G3 Manawatu Cup following a torrid run and with a more economical passage can be right in the finish.
Grand Bouquet (NZ) | Image by Kenton Wright at Race Images
Beauden (NZ) (Bullbars) bolted away with the Taupo Cup under 62kg and does drop 2kg so is a strong chance again and Vee Cee (Canford Cliffs {Ire}) is racing soundly and a genuine pace will boost her chances.
Felaar (NZ) (Ekraar {USA}) has a similar profile and didn’t have a lot of luck last time out. Le Sablier (NZ) (Tavistock {NZ}) was fifth in the Dunstan Final and in a field lacking any depth presents as an each way prospect.
