Almanac Racing: Winx is probably overs

Winx is primed to save ATC’s Championships. Her appearance in the $4m QE will guarantee profile for a meeting which, to be honest, could attract the same cattle for many millions less. The current forecast is positive so the track should improve on Wednesday’s posted 9 and hopefully encourage a few more patrons than the paltry 20,000 who turned up for Chautauqua’s heroics last Saturday.

 

She goes around at 3.15 (just before halftime if, like me, you’re at the ‘G). $1.10 looks overs.

 

The other race likely to snare me from other distractions is the Oaks (SR6, 2.35pm). Bonneval (3) arrives from NZ with flawless form and the M.Baker polish. Kiwi bridesmaid Devise (6) is also in the market. Lasqueti Spirit (1) will ensure an honest pace. Lubiton (7) might be the pick of the locals at double figure odds for red-hot D.Lane.

 

The Cup (SR8) is underwhelming. I’m not lured by the 7/4 Big Duke but unable to find a viable challenger.

 

The Coolmore (SR9) is the other G1 and again there are more reasons to stay out than to get involved. Winning form is irresistible for good mares so it is easy to put Silent Sedition on top. It helps that she’s very good. Main query is the distance juggle of 1500m back to the William Reid sprint and now up to a sloshy mile. The obvious danger, Foxplay, has also had an unorthodox pathway, now dropping back from a Heavy9 10 furlongs. But they’re the best in the field so go in as top picks. Beyond them you’re speculating on improved performances from good mares which haven’t yet hit their straps – which may be because this is the $1m target race. But it is speculative. 1, 17, 4 as the bolter emerging through a different formline (Palentino!).

 

Melbourne’s metrop meeting is at Caulfield and there’s some Listed blacktype at Morphettville for the Laelia/Port Guineas Day.

 

Four weeks until Warrnambool.

 

Good luck!