RESULTS - 30 April 2005

When Vitesse Dane just failed to pick up Anwaar and then didn't win on protest I thought our run of outs was set to continue and when we got to 0/5 I was sure. Bouncing Around goes into the never-to-be-backed-again category after her pathetic effort. Whipasnapa stopped the rot by winning in Adelaide and then Bentley Biscuit came out at its first start and knocked 0.24s off Impreza's track record winning by over 8L. What the heck was it doing at Kembla?? Sea Search was a tad disappointing when 4th and Rich Megadale just missed in Brisbane to kill my quaddie, as I'd stood her out. Our Quivera ran exactly the race expected and won at Sandown at nice odds. Merlot Now then got the chokkies in Adelaide before Modaney brought up a selection hat-trick in Perth. Boots And Spurs then did the right thing for us at Kembla. Was a good pick, that, even if I say so myself. Perlin paid pretty well given he looked over the line. Miesque's Magique did the right thing for us with our last pick so overall we finished 9/19 at a 10 unit profit (47% @ 52.6%).

Belmont           3-5   $2.50 $1.30
Belmont           4-4   $1.70 $1.20
Benalla           3-10  $0.00 $0.00
Benalla           4-5   $0.00 $1.10
Doomben           2-14  $0.00 $0.00
Doomben           6-17  $0.00 $1.90
Kembla Grange     3-3   $1.20 $1.20
Kembla Grange     6-2   $5.70 $2.10
Morphettville     2-7   $0.00 $0.00
Morphettville     3-8   $3.90 $1.70
Morphettville     6-1   $2.40 $1.40
Morphettville     7-1   $0.00 $0.00
Rosehill          2-5   $0.00 $1.80
Rosehill          6-1   $0.00 $0.00
Sandown           6-6   $6.40 $2.00
Sandown           7-2   $1.80 $1.10
Toowoomba         1-11  $0.00 $1.50
Toowoomba         5-7   $0.00 $1.50
Toowoomba         6-2   $3.40 $1.50

SELECTIONS - 30 April 2005

Belmont 3-5 Modaney is a very nice galloper who's had a few problem, as shown by the fact he's only had 7 starts and is a 5YO but he's won 4 of those and is well up to this race. Has had a four week break since winning over a mile last time so the freshen up will help him drop back to 1300m. Is very nicely weighted and will get the run of the race.

Belmont 4-4 Great Nation went down as a POOMA selection last time but was only beaten narrowly and this race is slightly easier. Couldn't find the lead that day but should do so here and be hard to run down.

Benalla 3-10 Rundownwind is having his first start in a weak race. Trialled well in good time in March and wouldn't need to be much chop to win this.

Benalla 4-5 Thunderbox was involved in a speed battle all the way last time, sitting wide all the way. Accelerated to the front on straightening and ran 2nd to one that had a soft run. Has drawn wide again but there's not the same level of early pace so he should go close. Ignore the fact that his form looks ordinary before his last start, as he's by one of the poorest sires of wet trackers, Dehere, and those runs were all in the wet.

Doomben 2-14 Omee Boy wasn't suited by the conditions last time but still managed to carry the weight of POOMA expectations and win narrowly. Has drawn the outside but you can win from out there at this start and the in form Michael Cahill will help, as will the step up in distance.

Doomben 6-17 Rich Megadale ran 5th in the Weetwood at Toowoomba last time when I suggested she couldn't win. Back to 3YO company is a big plus and she'll be able to camp right behind the speed, which will probably come from Garth. With Gai's Aqua Damore likely to start favourite I think we'll get a fair price about this one.

Kembla 3-3 Bentley Biscuit is a Gai Waterhouse first starter by one of my favourite sires, Peintre Celebre (>50% winners to runners). He won a trial at Rosehill recently and looks well placed to open his account on debut. Unfortunately, the raced ones look poor so we might have to take a short price.

Kembla 6-2 Boots And Spurs was a POOMA selection at his first start in a Canterbury Class 3 race last time out when 7th beaten less than 3L. Trainer Rick Worthington is an up and comer from Goulburn and the step up to 1600m should suit this horse, as he was still finding the line at the end of his race. Gai has a first starter in and it might be favourite but on its trial form you'd have to back against it.

Morphettville 2-7 Bouncing Around has been a beaten POOMA at her last two runs and has little luck in those events. With the claim for young Roff, who's a good apprentice, she should finally pay us back for our patience.

Morphettville 3-8 Whipasnapa came from dead last of 12 on the turn at Cheltenham last time to run 3rd to Crevette in the Eliza Park Stud Stks, which is a Listed race. The pre-post favourite, Bretcarlyle, is stepping up from 1050m to 1500m, which seems a tough ask. The inside draw, step up in trip and longer run home should really suit our pick. Danger might be Iguana who ran 7th in the same race last time at his first start when in the market at 7/2.

Morphettville 6-1 Merlot Now has won 6 of his last 7 with the only defeat coming at the hands of Roman Arch on a soujourn to Caulfield to run in the Group 3 Victoria Handicap in which he finished a good 5th after being last on the corner. Has won his last 5 runs at this track and looks ideally placed.

Morphettville 7-1 Super Elegant is a top notch sprinter that people always seem to underestimate. Has won 3 of his last 4 first up engagements with the only miss being a narrow 2nd in this race last year when held up for a run with the same weight as he's got this year.

Rosehill 2-5 Vitesse Dane flashed home last time in a tougher race than this to miss narrowly behind Captain Bax. The Waterhouse trained Anwaar will start favourite but he only just beat Go She Said in a weak race last time and that horse came out and went like a plastic bagpipe last time, which is no form reference for this. Vitesse Dane will get a good trail behind the speed and be hard to hold out.

Rosehill 6-1 Sea Search is well placed here after the claim for Kathy O'Hara. Ran well last time in a similar race when working to the lead and only being collared late for a 0.6L 4th. The others are in and out types so you'd have to think the danger would be the lightly raced Hawkes' runner, Rosa Brava.

Sandown 6-6 Our Quivera is going to be my quaddie standout selection in this leg. Her last 9 runs have been in black type races with the last 4 being in Group 1 company. Last time out she was beaten 2.7L by Charge Forward in the Galaxy at Randwick. Before that she led them up in the TJ Smith and finished 1L behind Shamekha, which followed a 6.4L 7th to Alinghi in the Newmarket. Has had a month off to freshen up and should simply be too good. Foreplay will be running home but I think the 1000m and 58kg are against him.

Sandown 7-2 Perlin is a terrific horse who has had a lot of problems in his career, which is why he's only facing the starter for the 8th time here. Has come with a paralysing late burst at his last two runs and the long run home at Sandown should be to advantage.

Toowoomba 1-11 Alpenfest has had one start for a 7th at Eagle Farm over 1000m behind Upilio, who really brained them that day. She was beaten less than 6L in that race and it's hard to see any of these others getting that close to Upilio. Is an unlikely $9 on the overnight line.

Toowoomba 5-7 The Fitter returns to Toowoomba after getting lost at Eagle Farm last time. Is coming through the grades at this track and over this distance. He's been running faster times here than the rest of them, which when coupled with the light weight should see him playing a part in the finish.

Toowoomba 6-2 Miesque's Magique is $3.80 on the overnight line but that seems pretty generous. At Ipswich last time out he came from near last to run 2nd over 1350m and the step up to 1600m should suit. I like the three picks at Toowoomba and will have an e/w allup running.

RESULTS - 28 April 2005

With the one scratching we ended up with 3/7 and an OK profit. Nice analysis of the first race at Tamworth even if I say so myself. The track downgrade at Cranbourne was unexpected but perhaps I might not have made any changes there. King Hunter won as expected at Rocky with his 60.5kg. He's up to a city race, that one. Irish Loup was never in danger in the last at Tamworth. She can get away with a city race if she's placed (and ridden) correctly.

Cranbourne        3-6   $0.00 $1.60
Cranbourne        7-2   $0.00 $0.00
Queanbeyan        7-7   $0.00 $0.00
Rockhampton       3-1   $1.50 $1.60
Tamworth          1-2   $5.00 $1.90
Tamworth          2-1   $0.00 $0.00
Tamworth          8-2   $3.70 $2.10

SELECTIONS - 29 April 2005

Cranbourne 3-6 Another Archie is still learning what this caper is all about judging by his two runs to date. First up at Stawell over 1100m he drew the outside of 14, settled midfield and a deep and steamed to the line late. He followed that up with a 3rd at Bendigo over 1300m when he sat midfield and really didn't get balanced properly until late when he charged to the line. The 1600m should allow him to settle better and make a run at them. Chances are the 'Rogerson' trained Usage will start favourite but he looked only average in his trial and I'm prepared to go against him.

Cranbourne 7-2 Mr Big was 2nd in the same trial that Usage ran 3rd in but really looked good that day and has subsequently won two of three starts since a spell. First up over 1500m he stormed home to win from a long way back on the turn at the tight Mornington circuit. He then went into town and got a bit lost in the run going to the line without the jockey really asking for much of an effort. He then stepped up to 1950m at Yarra Glen and got home strongly to knock off POOMA selection Mint Royal in the last hop. By Umatilla he has the makings of a good stayer and the step up to Class 3 shouldn't worry too much, as there's not much difference between a Class 1 and Class 3 over the staying trips. He drops 3kg and Danny Brereton goes back on board.

Queanbeyan 7-7 Gemrun returns to her home track where she's had 11 starts for 3 wins and 4 placings. Two starts back she ran a close 2nd in Class 5 F&M company and this race is no harder in spite of being a Class 6 event. She's drawn ideally and English hoop, Paul Goode, will pump her to the line well.

Rockhampton 3-1 King Hunter looks an over the line job here. Thrashed a better field two starts back with 59.5kg then ran a good race at Doomben to be beaten less than 3L last time. Only rises 1kg here and it would be a surprise if he was beaten.

Rockhampton 6-14 Amber King is a ruffie at odds who has the 'consistent' record of 20 starts for 1 win, 1 second and 1 third. All of his racing has been in NSW and he'll find this much easier. On his ratings he has enough talent to win at his first start in the area though has to overcome the carpark draw.

Tamworth 1-2 Offshore Account is one of those selections in a race where the exposed form is no good. He won a trial in good time at Scone recently with a heavyweight jockey on board. Greg Ryan takes the ride and he would have had the choice of a few in the race if he knew they went OK so I reckon you'll find this Secret Savings 2YO goes well. You'd also think that the one from the Craig Martin yard, Al Ward, would go well after his trial win.

Tamworth 2-1 I Know I Am looks the goods here. Has finished off well at her two starts since a spell over 1300m and 1450m so the step to 1600m looks what she needs.

Tamworth 8-2 Irish Loup is a good filly who was beaten as a POOMA selection last time in a fillies' race at Warwick Farm last time when ridden particularly poorly by being back in the field in a slowly run race. She came home well but gave away too big a start that day. With the claim is down 1kg in what is a slightly easier race to what she won in two starts back. Should have a nice run from her draw and be right there at the business end.

RESULTS - 28 April 2005

Sea Zulu won for us but paid diddly. He goes pretty well. Vitegic and Canadian Twilight both got beaten a head in the last bound. Canadian Twilight settled near the rear and was ridden along to stay on the bit. He was taken wide 600m out and kept making ground to put himself right in the race. Got to the front near the line before being grabbed late. Clearly needs more ground and I'm tipping he has a staying future so I've put him in the black book for races of 1600m+.

Port Macquarie    7-1   $0.00 $1.40
Townsville        1-1   $1.40 $1.04
Townsville        3-2   $0.00 $1.80
Townsville        4-1   $0.00 $1.40
Townsville        5-3   $0.00 $0.00

SELECTIONS - 28 April 2005

The races at Geelong and Hawkesbury look particularly poor, which is similar to yesterday so we'll leave them alone. Can't see anything that stands out at all.

Port Macquarie 7-1 Canadian Twighlight stepped up to 1400m for the first time and it really suited him, as he scored a comfortable win. This race is no harder and he carries the same weight. His starting prices in 7 starts have been 7/1 once and never more than 7/2 in the other runs, which would indicate people think he has ability.

Townsville 1-1 Sea Zulu beat a POOMA selection pointlessly last time and looked extremely smart in the process. Has raced against 3,6,7,8 & 10 and has them covered. 5 & 9 look no threat, which leaves the two winners of their only start as threats (2, 4) however neither of them got within cooee of Sea Zulu's time.

Townsville 3-2 Vitegic had a torrid run last time out and tired late. Has the lethal Crossland/Chillemi combination running for him and looks really well placed here.

Townsville 4-1 Cavalier Approach has paid for his consistency with a big weight but he should still be too good for these. All four runs in his last campaign were in Class 1 company and he was unlucky not to win one. Should appreciate the drop to Maiden class and has drawn to advantage.

Townsville 5-3 Knockback is a consistent type and won in this grade nicely last time out. The longer trips really look to be his go and the step up to 1960m should suit. He's beaten home 1,2,5,8, & 10 at his last few runs and should continue that here.

RESULTS - 27 April 2005

A much better day than recently with Megadeal running the race expected at Sandown and then Federal Reserve reversed some luck by winning on protest at Canterbury. It might be OK and worth following for a couple more runs. Bit Of Magic was quite disappointing at Ipswich.

Sandown           1-7   $4.50 $1.70
Canterbury        3-4   $7.20 $1.70
Ipswich           7-4   $0.00 $0.00

SELECTIONS - 27 April 2005

Can't find anything at Bunbury, Devonport or Gawler and only a few elsewhere. They are appalling looking fields with nothing that really stands out.

Canterbury 3-4 Federal Reserve had one run last preparation behind the much spruiked Gonski and finished 6th beaten 7.7L. That was a much stronger race than this. Tuned up with a good trial when 2nd to Hadaaf recently and has Darren Beadman on board. Is $11 on the morning line but with DB riding we won't see any of that.

Ipswich 7-4 Bit Of Magic rattled home to be beaten less than 2L first up at the Gold Coast last time. Second up last preparation he won over 1400m there and the step to 1350m should suit.

Sandown 1-7 Megadeal wasn't brilliant away but was involved in a three way battle for the front at Bendigo last time. In that race Camaro began very quickly from out wide and led into the straight with Megadeal in the one-one trail to using the harness term. Megadeal picked up Camaro, who fought hard, and nearly caught the winner. Being by Redoute's Choice she should be suited by 1200m and was certainly going strongly on the line. Any backing for first starter, Nella Dane, from the Ellerton camp would be significant given it's by Danehill out of Tennessee Morn and would have cost a motza.

RESULTS - 26 April 2005

Followers of the POOMAs lately would be pretty pleased with a $0.10 win loss and break even result for the place! The thing in the first at Goulburn pulled up short so we never got a run for our money. I took care of No Penalty on the weekend when she went wrong in the run, one of our recent selections lost the jockey and Delta Eagle weighed in light a couple of weeks back and was disqualified (at least he won for us yesterday). The POOMAs should be called the KOD (Kiss Of Death) selections with that attrition rate. Regardless, we unearthed a potential good 'un at Pakenham today when Chic Choice gave them a decent start at the 400m and won by 2L in a hand canter. Pity she only paid $2.60 given I picked her without having any knoweldge of her ability. She is very smart and can be followed through the classes. People may wonder how/why I pick winners in these types of races. Long time followers of Ausrace selections will remember a $30+ first starter win at Goulburn and a variety of other $10+ of the same type. It's also the method that allowed me to single out $28 winner Spinney at Morphettville yesterday (and then not tip it here), which is to have a look at all Maiden races where there are first starters and analyse the ratings achieved by the raced runners. If they are below a certain level then I know the first starters don't need to be outstanding to win. I then look at the breeding of the first starters to determine distance/going/age suitability, which creates a short list. If there is any other information such as barrier trial runs then that obviously comes into consideration but only from stables that use trials for conditioning (such as Waterhouse) rather than experience (such as Hawkes). So there you go, there is a method to the madness. And you just thought I really was picking them out of my arse.

Goulburn          1-5   $0.00 $0.00
Goulburn          4-11  $3.30 $1.30
Goulburn          5-7   $0.00 $0.00
Pakenham          1-8   $0.00 $3.30
Pakenham          4-1   $0.00 $0.00
Pakenham          7-11  $2.60 $1.40

SELECTIONS - 26 April 2005

Goulburn 1-5 Six Love trialled well before spelling without a run. Is from the powerful Danny Williams stable (Kablammo etc) and leading jockey, Michael Cahill, will guide him from the inside draw.
Goulburn 4-11 La Fiorenza ran well for 4th here in October last year at her only start. Has trialled will for this and should go close.

Goulburn 5-7 Verbalize comes off three 5th placings at Newcastle and Kembla Grange and should be suited by the step up to 1400m in this. Has English jockey, Paul Goode, on board. Watch for him and his distinctive European style to pump this one home.

Pakenham 1-8 Mister Twister debuts over hurdles here and has all the right credentials to make a successful transition to the jumping caper being a city winner on the flat. Obvious dangers are the top two who ran behind Jungfrau Peak last time. That horse has made the form look good by winning by 13 lengths and change at Victoria Park yesterday.

Pakenham 4-1 Fantabulous won for us recently and there's no reason to think she won't bring up the hat trick here. Is in the same class (actually a slightly weaker race) with the same weight as last time and the step to 1750m will be fine given the way she finished off last time.

Pakenham 7-11 Chic Choice is a Redoute's Choice filly that has found a nice, weak race to debut in. Trainer Mick Kent has been on fire with his small team recently and Peter Mertens is riding well. From gate 3 she should park behind them and be in the finish.

RESULTS - 25 April 2005

At least 5/21 was better than yesterday's effort but a $5.20 loss for the win and $2 profit for the place. The worst part of the day was that I'd written up some selections that I deleted for, in hindsight, all the wrong reasons including - Spinney $28, Deuxieme $13.60 and Fence Post Wal $10.30. Would have got back most of the losses but when you're out of form then that's what happens.

SELECTIONS - 25 April 2005

Bathurst 3-2 Delta Eagle is the pick to knock over the odds on favourite. Won powerfully last time but, unusually, weighed in light and was disqualified. Gets the chance to atone. The dangers are obviously Feu De Joi, as well as Red Rebel.

Bathurst 6-7 Instant Hero rounded them up last time in the same class and meets some of them again. He's only had 4 starts, won twice - both here - and only been beaten in town. Has top jockey Matt Cahill to steer and should steam home to win again.

Belmont 3-2 Daka's Gem steamed home to win first up and should go close to repeating the dose here, as he's up against three runners who he beat home that day. I'll mark Bleepak as the danger.

Belmont 4-5 Tanta Dancer capped off a series of 2nds with a solid win in F&M company last time over a mile. She's a good mare who has only been unplaced once in 14 starts, which was first up this preparation over 1200m. Keeps finding the line and the step to 2000m suits ideally.

Eagle Farm 8-5 Party Express ran home well last time for 4th in a similar race last time. Is always competitive in these types of races and has beaten a number of the opposition home when they've met over the last six months. Is very effective on wet ground, from gate 2 should have a perfect run and will be in the finish.

Flemington 2-11 Sojustrememberthis won very well in a MV F&M Maiden under lights before stepping up to Listed company and being beaten a head by a neddy called Cocinero. That horse thrashed them on Saturday and being back to fillies' class should see Sojustrememberthis winning again.

Flemington 3-7 Monet Rules went straight into the Black Book after his win at Bendigo last time. Worked to the front quickly, dictated the pace, kicked away and was very strong on the line in a widening 2.3L win. Steps up from 1000m to 1400m in this race but he really looked like he wanted further and might be a pretty good one.

Flemington 4-9 Irish Darling is a 3YO filly up against the mares but is really getting her act together as a racehorse, as demonstrated by her last start win. She should be able to get a good position in running and has a terrific turn of foot when let down.

Flemington 6-5 Accumulate is an up and coming stayer who has won his last two against the older horses. Three starts back he came from last of 13 on the corner in the Group 2 Tulloch Stks to finish 6th beaten less than 5L behind Stella Grande. Bart will have him cherry ripe for this. Danger is Pure Silence.

Flemington 7-14 Da Capo is right in this race at a distance that is what he's looking for. Ran 3rd to Fantastic Love beaten less than half a length over this course in the spring in a Group 2 race and in his previous 2500m run won at Moonee Valley last May. Last time out he shared the lead with Delvecchio at Flemington on that day when the swoopers won every race coming down the outside on the heavy track. He was still boxing on well at the finish. I'm going for the girls to score with Sally Wynne riding for trainer Lisa Bonella, who is a good trainer of stayers.

Flemington 8-4 Ulysses strikes a much needed dry track and is in very well under the conditions of the race. He's had 16 lifetime runs and a formline of 4122130726024959, which are split up by wet/dry as 076099/4122132245. Now that's a dry tracker if ever I've seen one. Two starts back he ran 5th beaten 3L in the Group 1 Rosehill Guinease. That'll do me.

Gosford 2-13 Sally's World is a first starter from the Waterhouse camp that looks ideally placed. Won a trial easily last month and only needs to have even luck to take this out.

Gosford 3-12 Rationalize is another Waterhouse first starter that looks well in. Trialled recently for a close 2nd to well performed mare, Magsaya, and will be the second leg of a Gai first starter all up for me.

Moe 1-7 Ruby's Eclat stepped up from 1400m to 2050m last time at Moe, sped across to the lead early, ran them along and boxed on very well to finish a 3L 4th. This field is one of the worst ever assembled with just 5 placings in 75 collective starts so you'd think all she needs to do is lead again and her fitness would carry her to victory.

Randwick 1-3 Pocketfullofdreams was entered for Newcastle on Saturday and could also have run at the provincial meeting at Gosford so the fact she's entered here means they think she can win. Is very nicely bred and clearly any betting moves will be significant.

Randwick 4-4 Pass The Bubbly was beaten as 13/8 favourite last time out in a stronger field than this. Is looking for the step up in distance and is a promising type who Danny Beasley will position just behind the pace from gate 1. Should look the winner at some point.

Randwick 5-7 Rebridled is second up at 1400m after being outsped first up over 1200m when drawing off the track. Went back to last and nver got a clear run up the straight but kept getting to the line. She won 2nd up last time in at Kembla over this trip and drops back to F&M grade here. From the perfect draw she should have a decent run and be some sort of chance at odds. Fumble is stepping up in grade quite a bit and Isle Of Gibraltar has run some nice races in good company but still only has a Benalla win to her credit in October '03.

Randwick 6-1 No Penalty should finally break through this preparation after some good runs. Stablemate Danzarber should lead, which means that professional spoiler Plywood can't take a Waterhouse favourite on in the lead like it did last time. Stewards should really open an enquiry into the running of that horse last time. No Penalty should get a cosy run and take this one out.

Victoria Park 1-2 Starbucks won for us last time at Strathalbyn and we'll stick with him in this. He worked hard mid-race, took the lead early, which left him a sitting shot for anything running home but he fought on well to just get in. He's only had 3 jumps starts for a win and a 2nd and with the likelihood that Jungfrau Peak will start a short favourite we might get $4. As it was last time, Starbucks is a superior flat horse to these and with natural improvement over jumps should be hard to run down.

Victoria Park 6-13 Sleatbank sneaks into this race with just 49kg after a very good run last time in Class 4 company under 58kg at Bendigo. Kate Walters took him wide and then to the front 1000m out and he fought on valiantly when headed to just miss. Has run well in stronger races than this in Brisbane and might be one at odds.

Victoria Park 7-1 Southern Class is very well in here with the claim for Kyla Stra who has a better strike rate than most of the male jockeys in this race. There are a few that press forward to set the speed, which will give her a good drag along. With even luck over the last furlong should be able to run them down.

RESULTS - 24 April 2005

Well that's gotta be the worst tipping performance since General George Custer surveyed Little Big Horn and said, "There doesn't seem to be too many of 'em. Should be an easy day." We were 0 from 14 until Cobamuse managed to reverse the trend by winning on protest and then Jungle Jazz won with our 17th selection of the day. Typical of how things went was picking against a couple of short price horses that won and then, when we selected a short price one, it got rolled by a 30/1 shot in the last hop. In the very next race Wallis was also caught on the post and 10 minutes later Regal Rumour was a certainty beaten. Another Fantasy got shuffled back to last behind a tiring horse and never got a proper go and then Designer Cleo did everything predicted of her...except hold out one of the only two first starters in the race. You could back random numbers and probably do as well as that. You wouldn't think I watched videos, listened to races and looked at all of the form in the race before making a selection. The highlight of the day was good old Cape Crusader running home for 3rd at each way odds. He's had 6 first up runs and extended his sequence to 4 3rds. He's an honest neddy who can be followed in this class.

Clare             4-3   $0.00 $0.00
Clare             7-3   $5.10 $2.10
Edenhope          2-1   $0.00 $0.00
Edenhope          3-13  $0.00 $1.10
Edenhope          4-2   $0.00 $0.00
Edenhope          5-4   $0.00 $0.00
Launceston        2-3   $0.00 $1.30
Launceston        3-8   $0.00 $0.00
Mornington        2-4   $0.00 $2.80
Mornington        3-9   $0.00 $1.50
Mornington        4-11  $0.00 $1.10
Mornington        8-2   $0.00 $0.00
Narrogin          5-6   $0.00 $0.00
Narrogin          6-8   $3.80 $1.50
Taree             4-1   $0.00 $1.60
Taree             6-2   $0.00 $0.00
Wagga             4-1   $0.00 $2.90

SELECTIONS - 24 April 2005

Clare 4-3 Another Fantasy is unbeaten at non-metro tracks and should keep that record intact here. Is 2 from 3 first up from a spell with the only defeat coming when running 6th behind the terrific Sassbee. The opposition are all pretty exposed and this one has some upside.

Clare 7-3 Cobamuse is a tough campaigner who will get a nice drag along behind the pace, which will come from the favourite, Maduro, and be able to run that horse down. The other danger is Navy Shaker in what looks like a three horse race.

Edenhope 2-1 Deadly Dan has drawn off track but has put in some sterling efforts of late that belie his ordinary looking record of 29 starts for 8 placings. He really shouldn't still be a maiden and with a touch of luck from his draw I'm tipping he won't be after his 30th start.

Edenhope 3-13 Regal Rumour got home hard over a mile last time and the step up in trip will suit. Has drawn to get a soft run and will go really close. Quinella horse looks like Sky Vain.

Edenhope 4-2 Campaspe River was off the track the entire trip last time and put up a terrific performance to keep finding the line for 2nd. Hasn't drawn ideally and will need some luck early to get a position but will be hard to beat.

Edenhope 5-4 More Beer got back at his first run from a spell in a much stronger race than this. Kept to the fence and made a sharp sprint to be in the mix in the straight but ran out of room late, which might have cost him a place. Is very effective 2nd up and has drawn to advantage.

Launceston 2-3 Wallis ran 4th at his two starts before a spell behind Scottattitude, the latest in a Stakes race. Both those races were harder than this. He comes off a good barrier trial win, has drawn well and should run a race. Can't see us getting the $13 on the overnight line.

Launceston 3-8 Alittle Hazy ran 5th on a heavy track at her only start before a spell. She ran 2nd in a trial behind the smart Brakim Lass in fast time recently so I wouldn't be surprised to see a big run at good odds.

Mornington 2-4 Forest Baby is only a little thing but has some form around good horses. At her first start at Sandown the form guide shows she was beaten 8.4L but the winner that day was the smart Jadescent who won by 5L. The second horse home was Long Walk who then came out and won at MV. Being beaten 3.4L by a city winner is OK form. She then went to Ballarat and was ridden for speed before striking trouble and battling to the line behind Latino and Falloir. Next start she fired to the front at Ballarat from the 11 gate before being caught in the last 100m by Red For Lou. That horse then went to town and ran 3rd behind the smart Luminary. Last time out she came off a 5 week break over 1000m at Bendigo, was out the back early, worked through the field to be close up around the corner but got tired in the last furlong. From the inside draw I expect her to lead and be in front on the corner around a tight track, which should suit.

Mornington 3-9 Bella Command is a bet against the favourite, Generals Command, who is by wet track duffer sire, General Nediym. Bella Command is first up in Victoria after running around in much harder races in Sydney against the likes of Commands Nothin' and Basra. If she runs those ratings then she'll go very close.

Mornington 4-11 Ransom Dollars ran 2nd at Sandown last time behind the smart Caller One. If she runs up to that will win this by a fair way.

Mornington 8-2 A Dreamer is a Taswegian with the highest recent ratings in this race. Is first up after three placings in Listed company down south. First up last time in was narrowly beaten by the smart Western Romeo. Won at Flemington last campaign and looks a strong chance today.

Narrogin 5-6 Kentucky Legend has a good record at this track and has returned from a spell in good fettle. Will be just off the pace and should look the winner in the straight.

Narrogin 6-8 Jungle Jazz is in good form for this and Dion Luciani seems to have found the key to getting the best out of him. Led them up at Belmont over a mile last time and held on well. Should dictate the pace again today and be hard to catch.

Taree 4-1 Designer Cleo is a filly taking on the colts, has a big weight, is up to 1200m for the first time and a wide gate, which just means we'll get a better price about her. The rest simply look ordinary.

Taree 6-2 Troy Dan let us down at Mudgee last time but wasn't beaten far under the big weight. Paul Abra goes back on board, which brings him in at just 0.5kg over the limit. Trainer Luke Griffith must think he's a chance because this is the only runner he's got at the meeting, which is a 4.5 hour trip from his home base of Scone. I owned a horse that was trained by Luke's brother, Mack (Bozeman, Mack 'N' Me, Dancing Sun etc), that he decided to take to Taree from his then base of Scone, which was the only horse he took there that day. It was a highly strung thing that went into the barriers, got stirred up, burrowed under his gate snapping it off in the process before galloping full tilt around the course. Mack wasn't happy taking the horse home without a run. Was favourite, too.

Wagga 4-1 Cape Crusader is a horse I know quite a bit about, which I should do given I bred him out of a mare I owned, Irenic Lady. He's a wet track duffer and if you take wet runs and metro runs out of his form then it reads 233161 so it's better than it looks. He goes well first up and the barrier won't worry, as he gets back in his races. Will be charging late and I'll be cheering him home.

RESULTS - 23 April 2005

Well we started off nicely with the first three winners saluting before the wheels fell off today. Some excellent runs from Wasimah and especially Stylish Bow, who demonstrated why she is in our black book. Picking Plastered might be considered a waste given his price but he's a horse that has won every time we've tipped him. Mummify had too much weight for the kid. I daresay he'd have finished closer with a senior jockey on board even with the bigger weight. Not deterred by recent results - we've been in a hole before and got out - we'll continue to focus on horses that are very well placed. One note - the aim of the POOMAs at present is to have around 3 selections per meeting, which is obviously a tough ask.

Belmont           4-7   $1.10 $1.04
Belmont           5-5   $0.00 $1.40
Caulfield         1-2   $1.90 $1.10
Caulfield         2-3   $0.00 $0.00
Caulfield         7-1   $0.00 $0.00
Cheltenham        1-1   $1.30 $1.30
Cheltenham        5-10  $0.00 $0.00
Doomben           2-13  $0.00 $0.00
Newcastle         5-3   $0.00 $0.00
Randwick          1-1   $0.00 $0.00
Randwick          2-8   $0.00 $0.00
Randwick          3-1   $1.70 $1.10
Randwick          4-8   $0.00 $0.00
Randwick          5-7   $2.10 $1.30
Randwick          6-1   $0.00 $0.00
Randwick          8-3   $0.00 $2.30
Werribee          2-6   $3.30 $1.50
Werribee          4-7   $0.00 $1.20
Werribee          7-3   $0.00 $0.00
Werribee          9-9   $0.00 $0.00

SELECTIONS - 23 April 2005

Belmont 4-7 Plastered is a terrific horse and potentially the best stayer in the country. Is up to open age company for the first time here but you'd struggle to see him being beaten.

Belmont 5-5 Star Laser gets his chance under the conditions of this race to add to his consistent record. Will go to the front, as he usually does, probably with Inzaghi on his outside. He hasn't won beyond 1200m but was narrowly beaten at his only start over 1400m with 58kg as a 3YO. Lakeside Rhythm rated his socks off last time and is the obvious danger.

Caulfield 1-2 The Boot looked home before being picked up late by Shadoways last time after a strong win in a good Maiden at Ballarat. The drop back in distance will be just what the doctor ordered and he should put the boot into the rest of them.

Caulfield 2-3 Braequest looks fantastically well placed here after winning his last 5 runs in the Apple Isle including in open age Class 2, 4 & 6 races before lumping 59.5kg against his own age group last time. I'll mark the danger as Pinions who like Braequest has drawn well and comes off a nice win at Geelong. Topweight Cocinero is a nice horse but has to overcome a big weight and I can't see how he'll get a decent run from barrier 11.

Caulfield 7-1 Mummify is a multiple Group 1 winner with a trillion classes on them who ran 3rd behind Grand Armee last time, which I don't reckon any of the rest of these could do. Gets in with 62kg after the claim, which seems pretty fair and he's won a Group 2 Metropolitan under 60kg. With Perlin out of the race the main danger looks to have been removed.

Cheltenham 1-1 Davout won his first two starts nicely and was then never really in the race when 4th last time. Returns from a spell here in a small field where he'll be able to dictate the speed and then find the line. Danger is probably his stablemate, Morning Colours.

Cheltenham 5-10 Intierra is a dead set stayer in the making who is going to be very well suited at the step up to 1800m. Hasn't been able to get an ideal run at her last two runs and has enough early pace to position well from the inside in this race. The tight Cheltenham track isn't going to suit some of the favourites such as Kylikwong and Redeploy who are backmarkers that are going to be giving Intierra a start at the top of the straight.

Doomben 2-13 Decibeel was first up for over a year when finding the line well off a slow early pace over 1200m. This Zabeel filly won her first start and has obvious talent. The perfect draw and step up to a more suitable distance will suit.

Newcastle 5-3 Northfield Drive is the pick in a race in which I can't work out why John Hawkes would start the odds on favourite, Happier. That horse has come off a Listed race win in fillies' company into an open age provincial race. Disregard age and gender, put Northfield Drive into the race Happier won last time and he probably wins, as well. At the weights and odds I'm prepared to take the talented 4YO bloke against the 3YO filly.

Randwick 1-1 Hadaaf returns to racing after two wins from three starts. Comes off a trial win against a field that has form from only a couple of races, which doesn't seem up to what he was running in.

Randwick 2-8 October Son won his only start at Geelong easily. He worked to the lead that day, was taken on all the way before kicking away and scoring a good win over 1330m. Was given as easy trial, typical of Hawkes, recently and looks to have a heap of upside.

Randwick 3-1 Wasimah is a very talented mare who won nicely first up and will be even better in this. Won narrowly second up last time and the others are only average.

Randwick 4-8 So Determined hasn't got much of a strike rate but neither do most of the rest. The 1400m should be really ideal after two runs from a spell in which he's been flashing home late. Should be good odds and give us a fair run for our money.

Randwick 5-7 Stylish Bow went straight into the black book after her last start performance when off the track all the way at Canterbury yet still too good for some smart fillies. Rises in grade here but looks to have plenty of upside.

Randwick 6-1 So Assertive has a thousand classes on them, which is why he's been given 61kg. His form last preparation includes a 5th in the Epsom behind stablemate Desert War, a Canberra Cup win and a 5th in the Mackinnon behind another stablemate in Grand Armee. Is a 'high speed' staying type who will position up handy and even with the weight should be right in the finish. I expect to see stablemate Cateclipse put on a solid pace, which is its normal racing style.

Randwick 8-3 Xlerate has had two runs in Australia for two even efforts at 1200m in which he's been finding the line hard late in the race. The step up to 1600m will suit this Zabeel gelding as, I suspect, will the dead track, as in his two races he's had a slightly head high action, which is normally a sign a horse is feeling its legs or feet.

Werribee 2-6 Macris Cabin has been backed at her last two starts for two placings. Drops back a notch here to F&M grade and the in form Primmer takes 3kg off so she gets in very well.

Werribee 4-7 It's Ironic is first up from the Ellerton stable, which has been a bit off the boil lately but this one might help get the average back to where it normally is. Tom Campbell is riding well of late and the barrier is no real disadvantage.

Werribee 7-3 Air Kiwi looks well placed stepping up to the trip, as she's a get back and run home horse. Has been a beaten favourite at her last two starts but the conditions really suit today.

Werribee 9-9 La Estancia has two duck eggs beside her name since resuming from a spell however they were in $20K+ races and this is an easier race. Has run well at this trip off a break before and will be nice each way odds.

RESULTS - 22 April 2005

Only one winner today but the selections meant it was always going to be that or a bit of a roughy arriving. O'Mee Boy got home at the Gold Coast in spite of not relishing the conditions. French Bride ran 5th at Canberra in a very good run so she stays in the black book and we'll keep following her.

Canberra          7-3   $0.00 $0.00
Gold Coast        4-2   $2.30 $1.40
Gold Coast        6-4   $0.00 $0.00
Wodonga           7-6   $0.00 $0.00
 

SELECTIONS - 22 April 2005

Canberra 7-3 French Bride won for us at Queanbeyan at her first start and we put her in the black book with the comment she'll be suited over a longer trip than the 1100m last time. The 1400m should be right up her alley this time and with natural improvement should be right in the finish.

Gold Coast 4-2 O'Mee Boy was 14th of 15 on the corner at Eagle Farm last time and rocketed to the line to win by over two lengths in good time for a Maiden race. There are some horses with OK form but it takes a pretty good horse to do what this one did first up and he might be pretty good.

Gold Coast 6-4 Defecting Playboy should lead comfortably and be hard to beat in this. Has been in good form since resuming. Danger is clearly Save Me Some and I think they'll run one-two.

Wodonga 7-6 Smart Young Lady is a bit of a rough pick. She drew off the track at Albury last time and was never in the race. Previously managed to get beaten in a race at Holbrook. Is going to be pretty good odds in this race and will get a good run behind the pace.

RESULTS - 21 April 2005

Well, that was a crap performance. If Sunboy hadn't have won then our best result would have been the money back for the scratching at Mackay! Been a bit frustrating lately with a large number of 3rd-6th finishes, which means the selections are putting themselves in the race and then not finishing off. Damascus Calling couldn't even run a place in a 6 horse race, Extract ran around like a duck and lost its radar on the corner, odds-on favourite Octrivia got nabbed on the post by a 50/1 shot - of course it did. Pretty much summed up the way things have been going. However, we've been in this position previously and come good so that's the plan.

Bendigo           2-5   $2.90 $1.40
Bendigo           3-5   $0.00 $1.10
Bendigo           4-9   $0.00 $0.00
Bendigo           8-9   $0.00 $2.40
Bunbury           3-14  $0.00 $0.00
Port Lincoln      6-4   $0.00 $1.50
Mackay            1-2   $0.00 $0.00
Wyong             1-1   $0.00 $1.40
Wyong             5-7   $0.00 $0.00
 

SELECTIONS - 21 April 2005

Bendigo 2-5 Sunboy is first up for the Mick Price stable and has the services of Blake Shinn. I'm expecting a decent run from this Desert Sun 3YO and he wouldn't need to be a world beater to feature.

Bendigo 3-5 Octrivia is in a race he can win after running around in 3YO metropolitan races. Should be able to get a great run from his draw and I expect this one to win. I think I might have a lot of friends, though, and he might be quite short.

Bendigo 4-9 Lets Negotiate ran a good race first up at Echuca and was then 6th in the race won by Sanchez. He sat 3 deep for the entire 2100m of that race, went wide on the corner and just ran out of condition over the last 200m. Gets in with no weight and will be nice odds.

Bendigo 8-9 Prairie Rose ran a good race last time out when 3rd in a F&M C4 race at Kilmore. Drops back in distance here but will sit right behind the pace and should be in the finish.

Bunbury 3-13 Recoverable is first up after four city runs in which she hasn't been disgraced. Has Paul Harvey on board, which will knock a few points off her price.

Port Lincoln 6-4 Lincoln Sea has been running around against most of these in the various country cups and has a positive record. Ran 2nd beaten 3.5L behind Mr Iceman in the Streaky Bay Cup last time and gets the chance to turn the tables this time.

Rockhampton 1-2 Damascus Calling meets Quesadilla 4.5kg better for a 0.4L defeat last time when coming off a month's break. Has drawn 1, which will allow him to position behind the pace and he should be right in the finish.

Rockhampton 4-1 Sequalo Buck made his debut in the region with a nice Maiden win. This isn't much harder and he should continue on his winning way.

Wyong 1-1 Mayaleen is first up for the Waterhouse stable after a 2nd at her only start. Chris Munce is down to ride. It's unusual for him to go to a meeting like this so it might be a guide. She trialled well recently and looks hard to beat.

Wyong 5-7 Extract has had one start for a placings at Canterbury as a 6/1 shot. Given an easy trial recently and with the prospect of Gai's horse being short we might get a fair price about this one.

SELECTIONS - 20 April 2005

Selections only as no time for writing the analysis today.

Canterbury 2-5
Canterbury 4-1
Canterbury 6-1
Ipswich 6-4
Ipswich 8-3
Murray Bridge 2-8
Murray Bridge 5-3
Pinjarra 2-11
Pinjarra 4-9
Pinjarra 5-1
Pinjarra 7-1
Sandown 1-1
Sandown 4-8
Sandown 6-9

SELECTIONS - 19 April 2005

Rockhampton 2-2 Jonoble has the imposing record of 1 win and 6 placings from 20 starts. However she's first up here after running those races in NSW and southern QLD. First up last time in she was 5th at Hawkesbury over 1400m. The previous preparation she won first up at Hawkesbury over 1200m. She has placings in Class 2, 3 & 5 company and has placed at Canterbury. Has drawn ideally and I reckon the long run in (400m for the 1200m circuit) will suit this one at good odds.

Rockhampton 3-6 Orrong has run consistently since moving from Victoria last December. Last time out he drew the visitor's draw at Mackay in a slightly tougher race and ran very well for 3rd. Previously he won comfortably at Townsville. Is placed very well in this race where there are no stars running.

Rockhampton 7-3 Mighty Stronghold has drawn less than ideally but races off the pace anyway. Went to town last time for a stronger race than this and finished down the track. Drops back to this more suitable grade in which he's always competitive. There'll be a fair amount of pressure in this race, as quite a few go forward, which will give our bloke the chance to pick them up in the last furlong.

Rockhampton 8-3 Go Jack is the selection in a race where, on face value, the topweight, General Arthur, looks the obvious pick, as he's run more placings (8) in his 15 starts than the rest of the field put together (6) from their 45 collective starts. However, General Arthur simply doesn't find the line strongly and is stepping up from 1000m to 1300m here. He's also trained by C. Jackson who has trained 2 winners this season at the mighty strike rate of 4.7%. Taking 6/4 under those circumstances seems a sure way to the poor house. Go Jack is coming off a last start 3rd at Caloundra over 1400m and he'll certainly find the conditions of this race more to his liking. It's also worth noting that as 2YOs Go Jack and General Arthur met twice with Go Jack beating the other one home both times.

Sale 7-4 Silver Birch would absolutely thrash these on his best form. The question is whether he's back to his best after some problems over the last 6-9 months. His first up run was a bottler behind Dealer's Edge who ran 4th the other day in the Tatura Cup. From the inside draw Brad Rawiller will have him where he wants him in the run and he'll be in the finish.

Sale 9-9 Hoolipop is by hopeless wet track sire, General Nediym (in the Marauding/Rory's Jester league in that regard), whose 3 non-metro, dry track runs have yielded a win, a 2nd and a 3rd. She's been a bit out of her grade in town and the wet tracks have hampered her chances otherwise. Last time out she went back to the tail of the field from her outside gate 12, worked past a few to 4th last, was hampered when making her run, had to switch course in the straight, which cost her momentum and just failed to catch a POOMA selection in the smart Helium by a head. That was her first run for over a month so she should be cherry ripe now. She's drawn ideally and I expect her to be right there at the business end. (* NOTE - the track at Sale is currently rated as dead but there is a fair chance of an upgrade. However, if there is no upgrade then this one is NOT a selection *)

Scone 4-13 La Peru comes into this weak affair off a good trial win at Scone recently. Wouldn't need to be much good to beat most of these and she has the in form Dale Spriggs to overcome her wide draw. I'll nominate the main danger as Meena from the Paul Perry stable. Obviously, Baradine Jack has good form but he has a bit of weight to contend with, which I reckon will find him out.

Scone 6-2 Wool Spinner looks a leading chance here for up and coming trainer and former jockey, Jason Deamer. He's run two close up efforts in slightly stronger company than this. Has a good alley and the leading jockey on board to thrash him to the line.

Scone 8-4 Piper Jo will be right at her peak for this after her last start narrow defeat by Northfield Drive. Gets in better at the weights and has drawn barrier 1. She won in town last time in (mares' company @ 50/1) and her trainer, Luke Griffith, is on a roll recently.

RESULTS - 18 April 2005

1 from 5 today for a 3.2 unit loss. Nordic Flight was hopeless at Nowra, as was Miss Garfield at Yarra Valley. We'll add the former to the barred list. From Yarra Valley Fantabulous won nicely and is up to better but I'd want to see what she's up against before backing her, as she might not quite be metro class. Mint Royal went down by ead to the main danger, Mr Big, in the last. They are both worth following over the staying trips including midweek metro. Strategic Prince started nice each way odds and paid well for running 2nd. We'll stick with him also.

Coffs Harbour     7-1   $0.00 $3.10
Nowra             2-1   $0.00 $0.00
Yarra Valley      5-12  $0.00 $0.00
Yarra Valley      7-1   $1.80 $1.20
Yarra Valley      2-1   $0.00 $1.20
 

SELECTIONS - 18 April 2005

Coffs Harbour 7-1 Strategic Prince has drawn off the track, has an apprentice on and hasn't won beyond 1200m. However, he is simply a better horse than these, has a light weight (for him) and has run well over 1400m in Melbourne metro company. He is not as adept on wet ground as dry even though his form shows wins and placings on slow tracks. All young Chau needs to do is give him a clean run at them to win.

Nowra 2-1 Nordic Flight is a good mare that has appreciated the drop in grade at her last few starts. Won here two starts back and only rises 1kg after Lai's claim. Danger is Meccatuna.

Yarra Valley 5-12 Miss Garfield ran two placings at her first preparation. Only needs to run up to her first up run to feature here.

Yarra Valley 7-1 Fantabulous is on the up and strikes a similar strength field to the one she comprehensively defeated last time. Carries the same weight but one kilo less against the limit, which should make her hard to beat.

Yarra Valley 8-1 Mint Royal is another one on the up from the Moody stable. Came from near last to win comfortably last time over a mile at Sale. The step up to 1950m should be right up his alley.