Courier-Mail racing editor Nathan Exelby runs the ruler over the main races at Caloundra on Saturday

COURIER Mail racing editor Nathan Exelby runs his ruler over the main races at Caloundra on the Sunshine Coast on Saturday and reckons Hopfgarten is the value bet.

Nathan Exelby

3 min read

April 22, 2016 - 6:00PM

COURIER Mail racing editor Nathan Exelby runs his ruler over the main races at Caloundra on the Sunshine Coast on Saturday and reckons Hopfgarten is the value bet.

SATURDAY MEETINGS (AEST Times)

ROSEHILL (9 races, start 12pm), CAULFIELD (9 races, start 12.15pm),

SUNSHINE COAST (8 races, start 12.08pm), MORPHETTVILLE (8 races, start 12.58pm),

ASCOT (8 races, start 2.24pm).

HOT TIPS: WEEKEND BEST BETS

BEAT THE BOOKIE: VALUE BETS

Track: Good (4)

Weather: Possible shower, 28C

RACE 5

Princess Stakes

1600m 3YO F LR, 2.28pm

In the run: Lyricist can cross to lead and Kebede should also roll forward to be prominent. Not much other exposed pace here.

Take note: Queen Of Wands has form that stands out now after He’s Our Rokkii won again last week. Previous win was good and she’s been best backed so far, in from $3.60.

Did you know: Look To The Stars has a Timeform rating 9 pounds (4kg) clear of every other horse in the field. She’s yet to fire this prep, but gets a monster class drop here and wouldn’t surprise to see sharp improvement.

Early money: Punters view Kebede as the standout of the ‘locals’ after romping home at Doomben and her trainer Matt Dunn is in white hot form. Should have an in-run advantage on the two Sydneysiders.

Nathan’s tip: Queen Of Wands $3

Nathan’s danger: Kebede $4.20

RACE 6

Tails Stakes

Lock's Legend gets a chance here to atone for his last-start defeat. Picture: Grant Peters, Trackside Photography

1600m, Qty Hcp LR, 3.07pm

In the run: Should be at least an even tempo with Allknight Saint, My Quilter and Kurtley challenging for the front. Shotover River and Lunar Rise can also roll forward.

Take note: Lock’s Legend gets 4.5kg swing on My Quilter. Wily trainer Brian Smith also has Jetset Lad and both should run well. Lock’s Legend just didn’t quite finish off last time after looking certain to sweep past them. Giving him one more chance.

Did you know: Sir Moments is fourth up here. At the same stage last year, he produced a career best to just miss in the Hollindale Stakes. Will relish the mile here.

Early money: Sir Moments is the one they all want at this stage, firming from $3.50 earlier in the week.

Nathan’s tip: Lock’s Legend $5

Nathan’s danger: Sir Moments $2.80

RACE 7

Ascot Handicap

1200m, Hcp LR, 3.47pm

In the run: Not huge speed for a 1200m LR event. Whiskey Allround and Sambuca Shot the two most likely pacesetters.

Take note: Architect couldn’t get into the race at all first up when Wicked Intent ran them off their legs. Different story at 1200m and Jeff Lloyd jumps back on here. He has placed 6/7 on the gelding.

Did you know: Worthy Cause was 3-0 versus Hopfgarten last spring and they meet on similar weight terms. Not convinced that’s a true indication though, as Hopf’s preparation went amiss after two luckless runs at Caulfield. He flies fresh and won his only attempt at this track.

Early money: one way traffic for Architect, with punters forgiving the first up miss. He’s been $15-$6.50.

Nathan’s tip: Hopfgarten $7.50

Nathan’s danger: Worthy Cause $5

RACE 8

Mick Dittman Plate

James Orman pilots Blue Desert Moon to victory for Tony Sears in October last year. Picture: Grant Peters, Trackside Photography

1000m, 3yo LR, 4.27pm

In the run: Mad speed here and a few will be out of their comfort zone. Still, will take a tidy effort to head off Blue Desert Moon, who is a speed machine early (and late!).

Take note: Hard to know how good Blue Desert Moon is. Meets a few of these worse at the weights, but she had margins to spare over them last prep. Looks a good starting point for her.

Did you know: Big Tree gets huge weight advantage on most of his rivals here and for a change he draws a good gate. Has placed 7 of his past 8 starts and hard to see him missing the drum here, as he will get a gun run behind them.