It’s the first weekend of the New Year and Geelong’s feature ‘Coastal Classic’ meeting will headline our action, where three last-start winners will step out for OTI connections.
Thursday to Saturday last week yielded seven minor placings, so we were very happy to see Tierra (below) break through in dominant fashion at Stony Creek to get us back on the winners list.
Chimed is the first of our hand at Geelong on Saturday in the 2400m BM70. He has won four times this campaign (three of his last four) but up into metro grade now, he’ll need to lift his game again. It is hoped the added journey helps with that, and he’s a horse who is full of confidence that loves firm ground. He gets his chance to be competitive.
Samurai was a deserving winner last time but is another heading into a tougher assignment over 1700m. The wide draw is a little frustrating as it will make life a bit tougher for him but outside of that, he’s fit, well, racing in good form and finds a pretty even Saturday affair. With even luck, he can be in the finish.
The last event at Geelong is a very interesting one, with a high-quality field of 3yo’s assembled. Danxia, an impressive winner on debut at this track in July, kicks off his campaign in the deep end. He has trialled up very nicely in preparation and if he’s featuring in the finish over a trip short of his likely best, the signs will be very promising for the future.
Rounding out the Victorian runners on Saturday is French import Everything Counts (below), who is out to continue his good form at the Cranbourne night meeting in the 1600m BM64. He seems to be coping well with his racing, his last two performances read well for this and he gets his chance to be fighting out the finish again.
In Sydney, Perfumist looks likely to be our sole representative at Randwick with West Of Africa a strong chance to be saved for the Magic Millions Carnival next week. The filly raised the bar again last start, winning well in town and now finds herself in Saturday company. The decision to come back to 1400m is an interesting one, but she gets in with 52kgs and will enjoy the big galloping track. She can win again but this is obviously tougher in 78 grade against the older mares.
Pick ‘N’ Mix will hopefully finish off our weekend well when she steps out over 1200m at Mornington on Sunday. She was a very impressive winner on debut and although statistics don’t favour those leaving maiden grade at start 2, she gives every impression she’s destined for better things. She looks likely to lead them up and take some catching.
If judging on betting markets, all our runners get their chance to be thereabouts this weekend, so we wish all those involved in our horses the very best of luck!
