Judgment: Heathcote's Perth Raid with Buffering and Fire Up Fifi
TRAINERS and bookmakers give their final say to help you find a winner ahead of this weekend's major races.
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TRAINERS and bookmakers give their final say to help you find a winner ahead of this weekend's major races.
KENSINGTON
Race 5: Time Thief at Darley Handicap (1400m)
Joe Pride (trainer) Terravista: "He looks like a ripper. Barrier 11? If you had a choice you would pick one better but I'm not really worried. He has good speed and sat up on the pace in a 1000m race two starts back. If you can do that you have the sort of speed to be up there.''
Gai Waterhouse (trainer) King Cobia: "This is a great race for him and he'll be a good price. He is rock hard (fit) and he is running his heart out this campaign. He has in form apprentice Damien Thornton steering him in this race, and with the claim, the 'King' will carry nothing on his back. That to me adds up to a horse with a mighty chance. He will be on pace all the way.'
Glenn Munsie (TAB): "We get to see this smart galloper in Terravista again here. Already a winner on the 'Kenso' and shoots for 3 wins in a row this time in. Only tasted defeat once in his career and that was at the hands of Boban so no disgrace. Steps to 1400m which could be a worry but a number of his opponents haven't been savaging the winning post lately. Generalise has experience here when winning 2 starts back before being beaten narrowly at Rosehill. Palasport could be the best of the rest resuming.''
Mark Morrissey (bookie): "Terravista is a very progressive horse that looks perfectly suited here stepping up to 1400m with the sting out of the track, Hugh Bowman can control the race up near the speed from the wide draw and I think this horse can go on to better things next preparation. Goldstone and Reflectance are racing well this time in but don't think they can get past the favourite with tempo an issue. Babel is one to include in exotics as likely to get softer time in the run than experienced last start."
Tommy from Campbelltown (punter): "Generalife is not that genuine but that will be corrected under the Power of Nash. At 1400 going with him over Terravista who is on trial at the trip. Reflectance is starting to hit form and has ability while King Cobia could get a soft lead here.''
Verdict: Terravista
ASCOT
Race 7: Winterbottom Stakes (1200m)
Robert Heathcote (trainer) Buffering: "A lot of people are expecting a real hot speed and that we're (Buffering and Barakey) going to chop each other up, I don't quite see it that way. I will leave the riding instructions to Damian (Browne) but I don't imagine Buffering going head-to-head with Barakey in a speed battle. I've got a healthy respect for Barakey on his home patch."
Jim Taylor (trainer) Barakey: "He was a bit fresh on the day and went a bit keenly. It was the only race he could run in and if it was 1100m and not 1200m he would have won by three or four lengths. He is in better condition than when he won this race last year. He's much freer in his action. Buffering has been up against Black Caviar and Hay List and is the one to beat but Barakey will be giving him a run for his money."
Glenn Munsie (TAB): "I have to look away from Buffering because I don't think he can cross Barakey which to me is vital to his chances. Where to from there? Spirit Of Boom ran a bottler in this race last year and carries similar, if not better formlines into the race today. Great value along with Moment Of Change who looks the one to camp on the leaders. Was dictated to by Buffering down the straight and will be better suited here. Local Power Of Princess looks next bet.''
Mark Morrissey (bookie): "Confident that Buffering and Moment of Change will be in finish here - they carry the best form with them from the Melbourne Spring carnival. Barakey was only fair winning first up and despite some reported issues in the lead up I have to oppose at anything less than 4/1 against stronger opposition."
Tommy from Campbelltown (punter): ``Only three hopes for mine in this and how can you go past Buffering. Great, tough sprinter ideally suited around Ascot. Spirit of Boom gets a nice suck run behind him and sure to run very well. Moment of Change is honest and genuine and with the right run represents the value in this race.''
Verdict: Buffering
Race 8: Railway Stakes (1600m)
Robert Heathcote (trainer) Fire Up Fifi: "She's earned her way there and with 54kg she's going to be suited. At her last start (Myer Classic) she carried 57kg when third behind two classy Group 1 mares in Red Tracer and Catkins and they didn't run along.
Peter Moody (trainer) Plucky Belle: "Plucky Belle is as good a horse as I've bought over to WA. She'll have no excuses in the way of fitness, she is in super form. The only time she tried a mile she wasn't beaten far by Skyerush at Randwick.''
Glenn Munsie (TAB): "Fire Up Fifi appeals here if you take a line through her recent runs to Red Tracer in which she has raced her at levels weights and been competitive. Gets visitors draw so will need a slice of luck. Mutual Trust ran a nice race at Sale and will roll along in front and give you a sight for a long way. His previous run behind Solzhenitsyn in the Toorak was enough. Ranger hasn't been successful for a while but looks to be one to throw in for the placings as his last couple have been better.''
Mark Morrissey (bookie): "Impossible to fault Smokin Joey's last two runs which have been quite outstanding, the Boban form line looks the right one and from a perfect barrier really looks hard to beat. Longport is flying for the new stable and last win was dominant while Conservatorium and Mutual Trust appear the best chances at double figures to be in the finish."
Tommy from Campbelltown (punter): "A bloody lottery this! Longport has always had ability and may be gifted the lead here. Big odds and a chance. Conservatorium is underrated and will run well. Smokin' Joey is back to his best under new whiz trainer while Plucky Belle can swoop late and will run well too.''
Verdict: Fire Up Fifi
Perfect four for Coffey ends ‘lean patch’
Harry Coffey had a perfect day in the saddle at Caulfield with four wins from as many rides to break a self-described lean run.
Striking colt grabs Attention for Guineas tilt
Public Attention announced himself as a Group 1 Randwick Guineas contender with an impressive return win in the Group 3 Eskimo Prince Stakes at Randwick.