The clocks spring forward and so do the horses: Marc Cookson
Marc Cookson • September 27th, 2024 3:15 PM
Daylight savings means we “spring forward” into action at the Phar Lap Raceway on Sunday.
Race 1
Shoemaker is, seemingly every week, a great top 4 chance to start things off and with that consistent form should start favorite again. Mode is first up off of a two day back up a month ago. Matthew Williamson looks to have a good book of each way chances on Sunday.
Race 2
The Mantis Is down to race Friday at Addington. He has raced in strong maiden fields in his first three starts this campaign. He has a great gate to use with a positive driver. Drawn to its inside will be Carrera Bravo, a talented three-year-old who could get a cosy run potentially in the trail. If The Mantis starts it will be a good chance to play a same race multi around these two. Carrera Bravo will still be one of my plays of the day.
Race 3
Lochdarragh stepped nicely at Wednesday’s trials and led all of the way. That trial seemed a nice hit out ahead of this where a similar tactic could be applied.
Race 4
Scott Four Shoes showed gate speed at the Rangiora trials and extended the lead margin over the last 600m, coming home in 57.2 with seemingly more left in the tank. Gate number one in this after scratchings gives this filly a chance for a cracking debut.
Race 5
Paramount Lady drops out of the Trotters Classique at Addington behind Empire City, where she trotted well sitting three back the fence. She drops into a nice race here and I think she will be prominent. Meanwhile, Swift Dream looks to be a good top 4 chance after the way he hit the line at Methven fresh up after thirteen months.
Race 6
Post Painter drops out of up to rating 70 company at Addington compared to the majority of this field who are out of up to rating 40/50. Good draw advantage also.
Race 7
He’s Tough gets reunited with Mathew Williamson, who can give this horse a cleaner and faster beginning than last Sunday, attributes which will be needed around here. Hugo gave trainer, John Mcdermott, 75 training wins just two days before his 75th Birthday. He and stablemate, Ruby’s A Delight, are in the top 4 chances.
Race 8
Bullit Train dropped in grade at “The Mot” last week after a 6-week let up and didn't get the runs in the straight. However, he showed a good turn of foot when clear. Once he clears the start cleanly he can come close to the, to date, elusive 2nd win.
Race 9
Flo Motion is drawn closer in and could show similar tactics to Methven two starts back where the seven-year-old drew similarly.
Race 10
Rush is looking to make it a hattrick after a stable change in between her recent two wins. Will be looking to her to sit behind go forward horses like Jordan Anne and MM Sunshine. Another top 4 chance is Holly Highlander, who has been racing super her last couple when either trailing or three back.
Race 11
Glory's Delight hit the line within a length of Tanzania fresh up and comes into this as one of the highest assessed horses. However, will be racing on an almost even keel with only one horse of the front and the rest off twenty metres. Foveaux Gambler could again leave the tapes quickly and get into a prominent spot once again for trifectas and first 4s.
Race 12
Both What A Minx and Micaitlin Denario are handy types but both have second row draws. Judgement Bay gets back to a handy draw once again and would be a top 4 chance around Timaru on that. Watch for Take The Deal and Mouton Cadet for some spice in same race multis in the last.
Best Bet
Race 4-Scott Four Shoes
Next Best Bet
Race 3-Lochdarragh
Value Bets
Race 1-Mode
Race 5-Swift Dream
Race 9-Flo Motion
Same Race Multi
Race 3-The Mantis/Carrera Bravo TOP 3
Photo at the top of the page: Rush is looking for a third victory in a row on Sunday in Race 10. Here she is winning at Motukarara last Sunday for her new trainer, Mark Jones. Credit: Race Images
