SELECTIONS - 27 August 2006

POOMA selections:

Ballarat 8-1 Escadaire

Non-POOMA selections (and ruffies in red below):

Hobart 1-5, 9-3
Hamilton 1-9, 1-10, 6-2
Kalgoorlie 4-1
Port Macquarie 3-1, 4-10

Lay of the Day: I'll take on Sunshine Coast 2-1 Caesar's Jewel $2.80; Steps up in trip and has the apprentice jockey from a wide gate - [LOTD 18 from 22]

Today: I reckon it's a good day to watch telly, especially if the mighty Magpies can overcome eternal nemesis, Carlton. In the first at Hamilton I'll be looking to back 9-Waddyano and 10-Wild Kingdom, with a preference for the Patrick Payne accompanied Wild Kingdom. They've both trialled OK over jumps and Wild Kingdom has better flat form than most of these with the exception of Hoofn It, which is also a chance. Our POOMA selection at Ballarat, 8-1 Escadaire, is very nicely placed in this race. He'll position right up on the speed and will be in the fight 200m out. It's a competitive field and there's a fair chance of getting some good value (which is what it's all about) on this one.Over at Kalgoorlie, I'm keen on 4-1 Just A Halo to bring up a hat trick at the track. He steps up in class and weight on his last win, so he's got to take another step up, but he looks like he's capable of doing so. I'll be looking for around $3.50.

Yesterday: I reckon I am a deadset legend for nominating that 10YO people's horse, Dandy Kid, was a big chance yesterday. He sat 3 and 4 deep all of the way before fighting his way to the lead half way down the straight and holding on for a narrow win. He now holds the record for most number of wins at Moonee Valley - 15. The general selections didn't do that well, though. Spielmeister won again, as expected. He has grown another leg this preparation and Sunshine Power stepped up in grade to win the last race very nicely. She's not a bad mare. In Sydney, Court's In Session's win was terrific. After being taken on for the lead by Desert War (who finished a strong 3rd) he then held out Racing To Win, who's no slouch of course. However, I thought the runs from the beaten brigade were disappointing outside of the placegetters and I'm prepared to write off their spring prospects already with maybe the exception of Aqua Damore. The wins of Walk Alone and Gold Edition were comprehensive and they can both keep winning on those performances. I've never been taken with Malcolm as a racehorse. I've always thought he was a bit over rated. His performance yesterday showed that he is clearly a rung below the good horses like Racing To Win.

POOMAs: 1 from 2 yesterday. Al Garhood led throughout to win the Steeple easily at Moonee Valley paying $2.20. Blue Lago didn't show any speed at all and was well back in running before finishing well for 4th. Another small profit for the day.

LOTD: We took on Bikkie Tin Blues and he kicked our arse by winning easily at $1.30. The other horse that I could have potted also won so I was always doomed!