Almanac Racing: Sal’s Preview – Let the Group 1s begin

 

Greetings all,

 

The wasted weekend doesn’t quite kill the momentum into the finals but it is pretty close.  Much discussion on where the bye should be placed, ideally nowhere however the advent of concussion protocols could have a significant impact on the Grand Final with only seven days between it and the preliminary finals there is every chance a player will miss the game due to concussion.  If there is to be a bye then it really belongs the weekend prior to the Grand Final to minimise the risk of a player missing due to these protocols.  But we have the bye and the girls get cracking plus the Memsie opens the Group One races in Melbourne.  But first…..

 

Friar Time

 

Despite defeating the top two sides in recent weeks both the seniors and reserves missed out on a finals berth on percentage defeating Aquinas in both games last week.  Disappointing knowing to be competitive with the best, but learning consistency is need all season.  Nevertheless, the Thirds have shown the depth of talent in the club and play in their Grand Final this Sunday morning against Mazenod at Parade College where they should be very competitive.

 

Track Time

 

Caulfield hosts the first group one in Melbourne for the season while at Randwick Nature Strip (SR7, #1) returns after an unsuccessful autumn campaign what does he have left in the tank?  Has trialled well and not up against the very best it will be a good test to see whether he still wants to be a racehorse at nine.  Worth a punt depending on the price.

 

It’s a tough program at The Heath that we will try and pick through, plenty opening their campaigns with lofty targets so an important meeting to review.  The Moody/Kah combination on Nunthorpe (MR3, #8) will be hard to beat but pretty short, reckon more value with Yellow Sam (MR3, #9) the Smith/Yendall combination might not be as prolific, but they do go well.  The MacNiel is an important race for the 3yo, always interested in the new kid on the block over the ones we have seen plenty of.  The Moody-Coleman must be confident in their filly Legacies (MR5, #12) taking on the boys.  A few with lofty targets are entered in the Heatherlie, sticking with Jimmy the Bear (MR6, #15) who found form last start and usually holds it.  Benedetta (MR7, #7) also has lofty ambitions so should be winning this as should Asfoora (MR8, #6).

 

Caulfield Race 9 – Memsie Stakes (G1, 1400m, WFA)

 

I Wish I Win (2) kicks off his campaign for the Everest has plenty a quality against him but has a great fresh record and can win this.  Obvious challengers are Mr Brightside (1) unbeaten over this journey and a solid winner last start, then Alligator Blood (3) also excellent first up but noting he was beaten well in this race last year.  Of the others Princess Grace (13) was just caught in the Winx Stakes and is undefeated second up, keen to see bothOsipenko (10) and Annavisto (14).  Great opener!

 

Selections – 2-1-13-3

 

Quaddie Time

 

Another Quaddie and made a little bit this week!  Could be a challenge to get a return this week with a couple of well fancied runners in the first two legs.

 

Leg 1- 1, 7

 

Leg 2 – 6, 7, 12, 13

 

Leg 3 – 1, 2, 3, 13

 

Leg 4 – 2, 7, 14

 

Represents 96 combinations, a $30 investment return 31.25% of the dividend.

 

Go Friars, Go Jimmy

 

Cheers, Sal

 

 

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Comments

  1. Thanks for this, Sal. Good luck on the punt.
    Agree – put the bye prior to the gf

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