Hawkesbury, Ballina best bets, inside mail for Thursday, November 28, 2024

An Annabel Neasham and Rob Archibald import looks well placed to break through for his first Australian win. BEST BETS, INSIDE MAIL

Imported gelding Hiawatha (left) can land his first Australian win at Hawkesbury. Picture: Bradley Photos

Racenet and The Daily Telegraph form analyst Adam Sherry provides his best bets and race-by-race analysis for Hawkesbury and top selections at Ballina on Thursday.

The Form: Complete NSW Racing thoroughbred form, including video replays and all you need to know about every horse, jockey and trainer. Find a winner here!

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HAWKESBURY TIPS

BEST BET

Race 1 No.1: Hiawatha

Has been good in both runs this preparation and will appreciate a big drop in grade.

NEXT BEST

Race 5 No.2: How Much Better

Has boxed on well in both runs this campaign. At hi speak now and ready to break through.

VALUE BET

Race 8 No.9: Slinky

Nice run first-up and again last start. Will be closing strongly.

QUADDIE

Race 5: 2, 5

Race 6: 1, 2, 3

Race 7: 1, 2, 4

Race 8: 1, 4, 7, 9

JOCKEY TO FOLLOW

Kerrin McEvoy has a handy book of rides and can start the day off on a winning note.

BALLINA TIPS

BEST BET

Race 6 No.6: Groovy Day

Ended last campaign with a win and kicked off this preparation the same way. Drawn well and can bring up the hat-trick.

NEXT BEST

Race 5 No.2: Monte Drifter

Followed two close seconds with a deserved win. Will go close again.

HAWKESBURY INSIDE MAIL

RACE 1: CLASS 1 & MAIDEN PLATE (2100m)

Hiawatha tried hard when second to Kind Words at Kembla before a fifth to Kadavar in a BM78 at Rosehill. Will appreciate a big drop in grade coming back to the provincials. Impunity has placed at his last three starts including a third to Fleet Commander here. Ducked up to Eagle Farm last start for a third to Simply Refuse in a BM65 over 2418m. That’s Outstanding has also placed in his last three runs. Worked home for second to Tastula over 1900m at Canterbury last start.

Bet: Hiawatha to win

RACE 2: PROVINCIAL MAIDEN PLATE (1100m)

The Grey ran close seconds at his first two starts including here on his home track back in July. Kicked off this campaign with a second behind odds-on favourite Apex in a Super Maiden over this track and distance. Aged Care was a handy second to Shall Be on debut at Newcastle before a fourth to Overfull in the Inglis 2YO Challenge at Scone. Was third to Generous Harry first-up at Newcastle last month and has trialled since. Kingsland is a debutant by Dundeel from Serene Miss. Smart trial win here on Nov 14.

Bet: The Grey to win

RACE 3: 4YO&UP MAIDEN HANDICAP (1300m)

Shambretta is a first starter by Shamexpress from a half-sister to Group 1 winner Vespa. Has trialled well in each of his three recent heats including a win at Randwick on Nov 11. Nicconori made ground from near last when fourth to Shelstein at Kembla first-up. Worked forward to outside the leader when sixth to Sarrismo here last start. Drawn to get an ideal sit and will make his presence felt. Blend Of Three was first-up from a lengthy break when wide early before finishing fourth to Rotagilla at Newcastle on Nov 2.

Bet: Shambretta to win

RACE 4: 3YO MAIDEN PLATE (1300m)

Carnegie Hill jumped well then drifted back to midfield and was held up on straightening before pushing through a small gap when a nose second to Sarrismo first-up this track and distance 16 days ago. Drawn well and can go one better. First Mission battled away when fifth to Manos on debut at Warwick Farm. Sat behind the leader and was held up until near the 150m when second to Candlewick at Wyong. Miss Jones is debutant by Deep Field. Trials have been good and expect a bold run from the inside gate.

Bet: Carnegie Hill to win

RACE 5: MIDWAY CLASS 1 HANDICAP (1600m)

How Much Better race outside the leader when runner-up to Irish Bliss when resuming at Newcastle over 1300m. Bumped at the start before again sitting outside the leader when second to the barnstorming Brazil at Kembla. Gets back to a good track for the first time since his debut win. Mahogany Girl was off the scene for over two years after her debut third. Has been terrific in all four runs this preparation including a win here from Altair I Am two runs back. Lucky Bay drops back from a BM64 at Canterbury.

Bet: How Much Better to win

RACE 6: F&M BENCHMARK 64 HANDICAP (1100m)

Froebel Star raced very well in her first campaign with a second to Too Darn Lizzie in the Magic Millions Debut for fillies and a win from The Three Hundred and El Castello at Warwick Farm. Her two unplaced runs were in stakes company. Hasn’t been pushed in her two recent trials. Art Volant started last campaign with back-to-back wins at Hawkesbury and Kensington. Trialling well and ready for another strong first-up run. Impulsivity resumes after a handy Warwick Farm trial. Won first-up last preparation.

Bet: Froebel Star to win

RACE 7: CG&E BENCHMARK 64 HANDICAP (1100m)

Cassiel settled well back from a wide gate and was wide around the bend before closing well for a narrow second to Starros when resuming over this track and distance. Raced in restricted room when third to Zarni at Kembla last start. Drawn well and will go close. Don’t Doubt Merlin has won three from four and is chasing a hat-trick. The one to beat. Cryptonic was good winning first-up and is a major player again.

Bet: Cassiel to win

RACE 8: CLASS 1 HANDICAP (1300m)

Slinky closed strongly from last when fourth to Confess Our Dreams at Warwick Farm first-up then failed to run on at Randwick on Nov 5. Dropped back in grade for a half-length second top Codetta at Kembla. Can give this a shake on that run. Tuned scored a nice win on debut at Newcastle before a nose second to Media Frenzy at Kembla. Sly Boots is first-up for 12 months. Ended last campaign with a fourth in the Spring Stake sat Newcastle.

Bet: Slinky each-way