Race-by-race preview and tips for Thursday meeting at Wyong
By Neil Evans
Track Soft 6 and Rail out 2m
RACE 1
3. Twinkling Star missed narrowly in two provincial runs before being turned out for five weeks. Was strong through the line in a recent and good class Randwick trial, and with first use of the inside draw she rates clear on top. 2. Satin Sparkle can improve third-up back in provincial company, although up sharply in weight for a drop in depth. 6. Our Jewel ran home well when resuming in a deeper field at Gosford, and is an improver. 7. Celtic Sin resumes off two improving trials from a handy draw.
How to play it: Twinkling Star to win
Racing returns to Wyong on Thursday.Credit: Getty Images
RACE 2
1. Limburg is a talented four-year-old by Justify resuming for his first run for the Joe Pride stable. Was close up in three game efforts in Melbourne and Sydney last prep against deeper opposition when hard in the market before being turned out. Drawn to hit the ground running here, with blinkers coming off. 5. Carnegie Hill emerges as the big threat resuming off three trials, with a 1.5kg claimer booked to ride and the blinkers back on. Gap to the rest headed by 2. Space Ace also resuming behind two trials, while at much bigger odds, home tracker 6. Matete second-up can add value into trifecta and first four plays.
How to play it: Limburg to win
RACE 3
7. Ninette is a talented filly who held her ground okay on debut behind a smart winner at Canterbury, and this looks a lovely follow-up assignment back against provincial opposition carrying half a kilo less. 1. Apollo Ridge fought on strongly when only beaten a long neck first-up at this track, and the more the track dries out, the better placed he is. Big watch at good odds on 6. Indefensible resuming for only her third start off two forward trials, and drawn to get a handy run. 3. Justice Warrior is over the odds third-up for a prominent local stable after beating all bar the winner in two runs back. 8. Oakfield Universe drawn inside for her second start is a clear improver and the best of the rest.
How to play it: Ninette to win
RACE 4
2. Formal is progressive, and finished less than a length from the winner in two runs back from a freshen-up. Drawn to sit right behind the speed, and gets in well at the weights after the jockey’s 2kg claim. 3. La Signora Dane shoots for a third straight win stepping up in quality, and can run the quinella. 4. Wingardium is a sparingly raced mare coming back a level at the right time; while 5. Mr Trackside is very fit and honest and the best of the rest.
How to play it: Formal to win
RACE 5
1. West Head is a promising three-year-old by Pierata who is beautifully placed to strike second-up. Hit the line late into a place as a heavily backed favourite when returning for his first outing since Boxing Day, and another one well suited by the drying track. Naturally big watch on 6. O Cara Mia who draws the fence, and beaten all bar the winner in two runs back from a break. Keep safe at much bigger odds 8. Literature Tycoon who has been somewhat disappointing this prep, but she has the ability, and blinkers going on over a bit more ground is a plus. 4. Johnny Smash improving third-up over more ground, and at long odds 11. Slam Dunk who is trained on the track both go into wider exotic plays.
How to play it: West Head to win
RACE 6
6. Perfect Justice represents terrific value deep into his prep, with the blinkers coming off. Was never further back than second in three runs up to Midway BM 64 level before way out of his depth tackling a group 2 carnival feature. Stuck on well in BM 64 company at this track three weeks back, and he’s ready to win again with a much stronger and more experienced rider taking over. 8. Existential Bob is the immediate threat peaking fourth-up from a handy trailing draw, and dropping back from metropolitan opposition. 3. Presley resumes with gear changes behind two easy trials, but has to get over from a wide barrier. 5. Alpine Kandy has built a handy record and definite each-way value from a softer draw in a slightly thinner race. 4. Tenniel drawn out third-up over further is the best of the rest.
How to play it: Perfect Justice to win
RACE 7
2. Pelosa is a progressive metro filly who was stiff not to win when charging home late to fail by a nose on the Kensington track. That came after a dominant maiden win at Hawkesbury, and back against provincial opposition drawn to get to the outside at the top of the straight, she can return to winning ways. 1. Corrupted is over the odds coming back a level deep into the prep from a soft draw. 5. Super Nui is fairly placed fourth-up despite climbing in weight, while both 4. Oh Golly Gosh drawn to get a soft run behind the speed, and 6. Tango Queen fourth-up can run in the minor money at good odds.
How to play it: Pelosa to win
RACE 8
3. Missile Seeker is well placed in an open race to strike fresh off a nine-week break. Trialled okay, drawn to find a handy trail around midfield, and comes to hand early in the prep. 5. Willie Oppa is progressive stepping up from a handy second-up Super Maiden win. 6. Gorbachev draws wide, but was close up in similar company here three weeks ago. 9. Ceasefire second-up with a key gear change, and 10. Wealthy Investor who has a solid record here, and both trained on the course, head the rest and go through trifecta and first four bids. Gap to the rest.
How to play it: Missile Seeker to win
BEST BETS
Race 3: 7. Ninette
Race 5: 1. West Head
BEST VALUE
Race 7: 2. Pelosa
Supplied by Racing NSW
Full form and race replays available at racingnsw.com.au