Those that didn’t quite make it…
The AROUSA Challenge Stakes is scheduled this week for racing at
PP1:
This smart filly from the very successful jockeymax3 establishment contested the G1 Sydney Oaks last start and really put in a bold showing. She ran right up to her best, hanging on for 4th place and running a tidy Sp# 90. She was still 4 lengths off the winner and remember she is well down in class today and that form will surely hold up in this event. Her form over this distance is exceptional for a 3yo filly at this stage of the year and could still be looking for more ground yet.
PP2: GRAND TEMPTATION(IRE) 5/1
A lightly raced filly, having won 3 races from 7 tries. It’s rare to see a 3yo filly getting up to this distance with so few starts under her belt. None the less she proved last start that she is ready for it with an easy win at the distance in the Come On Down Stks, where she posted a Sp# of 86 to go on and win by 2 and ¾ lengths. Still some improvement needed here, but she is only going to get better the more she races.
PP3: DANCING QUIETLY(IRE) 7/1
The bridesmaid of the field, this girl has raced 9 times for 2 wins and an astounding 5 2nds. Although sometimes finding it hard to win, she hit back hard last start, toying with her rivals, to go on and win by 3 and ¼ lengths over 8.5F. Today is her first try at this kind of distance and it may pay to wait on her.
PP4: DAZARI(IRE) 14/1
Perfect form coming into this race with her last 2 races resulting in wins at this distance and her last being at this track. Dazari loves to save her sprint to very late in the race, but when she does, she comes like a rocket. L Fontain ( 264 – 29 – 35 – 25 – 11% ) who is a little out of form this year, takes the ride, and will need to time his run to perfection. With any improvement left on her last to runs, you would think she is right in this.
PP5: KEPLER OF 4/1
Good form coming into this event, although she has been mixing her racing of late, between sprints and routes. She likes to be up on the pace in her races and today will be no exception. Untried at the distance, but recent form suggests she will handle it ok. In with a big chance if she can fend off the pace setters.
PP6: SPIRIT OF TARZ(AUS) 10/1
Ladofmanor, saddles up this nice 3yo filly, by Cox Plate winning sire, Savabeel. Originally looked like being set up for an oaks campaign, but never quite made the cut. Her form is ok over this track and distance, having raced here 2 starts back in an overnight stakes, which saw her post a good Sp# of 89. She seems to be getting a little tired in her races and it might pay to ride her with a bit of cover today.
PP7: DANZING THEATRE(IRE) 4/1
Her last 3 starts have been at this track and distance, with a mixed bag of form. She is getting better with each run, with last start resulting in a close 2nd in an open Alw when she started a raging favorite. Would like to see her dropped back in distance where she has really excelled so far.
PP8: HARD KNOX(KY) 7/1
The leader of the field, look for her to be out in front from the word go. Her form is sound, with her winning 2 and placing 4 times from her past 6 efforts. She tries hard but will need to improve just a bit to go close in today’s event. Likely to be getting tired towards the end of the race.
Whisper from the wizard (value bet):
Last week saw us miss out on the money, with Goro just running short on the win. But if you had him each-way as you always should, you still would have made a handy profit. This week, I find it hard to see Rock Hard Reef getting beaten. But a good each-way bet is Dazari. She’s won her last to at the distance and if she steps up today, we could see us getting a fair slice of the pie at 14/1. Winning form is good form. Good luck and happy punting.