Round 2 Preview – A briefing in every way!

Greetings All,

 

A short week and a short preview this week. To kick off though, a disappointing end to the series in India with the capitulation in both innings, but a great series nevertheless with India being able executed a bit better in most facets of the game on their own patch. Last week’s probably raised more questions than it answered apart from the fact this pundit lost much credibility – assuming it was there any way!

Let’s try and make it up straight away.

 

Dusty ($2.22) vs Pendles ($1.80)

Does the Tiger form against Carlton match that of the Pies against the Premier despite the loss? Both midfields were impressive last week – but I reckon the quality runs deeper at the Pies and that they can prevail in what should be a very good contest.

 

Victors ($1.60) vs Vanquished ($2.60)

The Grand Final rematch but in the Doggies Loungeroom which they protect pretty well, however Sydney have won their last 10 at the venue including three over the premiers.  The Bullies looked a bit too happy with themselves last week, I am sure Beveridge will be aware of and address. While the Swans have history faltering at the opening hurdle but still recover. A much closer game than the satchel swingers make it and I reckon the Swans might hit back.

 

Hodge ($2.26) vs Giant Slayers ($1.79)

The Hawks clearly missed Hodge last week, probably Mitchell and Lewis too! Very hard to assess them though given all the unknowns on the Bombers. They take on the Crows who could not have been more impressive in spiflicating the flag favourites. Certainly Adelaide Oval was a factor but their ball movement was very slick. Thinking Hawthorn can hit back, but another loss will certainly be ominous and the Crows are certainly capable of inflicting one.

 

New New Boys ($1.16) vs Old New Boys ($6.40)

Expected more from both the Giants and Suns last week. As both clubs lick their wounds I suspect that the Giants will be pleased to return to the Showgrounds and notch up a victory.

 

Mitch and Co ($1.17) vs Broken Halo ($6.40)

As many pundits have jumped on the Eagles bandwagon as have alighted from the Saints.  I bit early on both – unsure of the Eagles opposition last week and Melbourne might be mighty. However with Reiwoldt and Armitage out injured and playing at Subi, I suspect a bridge too far. The Sam Mitchell recruitment might be a master stroke!

 

Queensland Champs ($3.20) vs Comeback Kings ($1.45)

Some great signs for Brisbane in their win last week despite the scare with some young players stepping up, meanwhile for the Bombers the old hand stepped up in the return game and could not have been more impressive. Suspect they might be OK and prove too good for the Lions.

 

Oh Jimmy ($1.24) vs Waite a Minute ($5.00)

A shame for Jimmy Bartel not to be playing, but poor timing on letting out his frustration.  Nevertheless the Cats were pretty good without him and even coped without the 3rd man up against Herman, meanwhile Jarrad Waite kicks one from ten for the Roos who looked to lack depth across the ground. Not really surprising given what they cut last year, but expected a bit better. At the Cattery – Geelong win.

 

The Grand Old Flag ($1.23) vs Spoon Feeding ($5.10)

The Blues ended the Dees finals aspirations last year when they were ripe for the picking – there is some hope for the Blues this week as there is an air of contentment among Demon herd. But it would be a very big stumble – Melbourne look well served in most parts of the ground, whereas the Blues will continue to struggle. They simply need to find who can play and who can’t, wins and losses are irrelevant at this stage – Melbourne easily.

 

Recharged ($1.30) vs Frebuild ($4.30)

Expected more from Freo with their top end talent back in, however better examination of the list exposes a pretty average tail. Meanwhile Port have quietly recharged themselves brought in a youngster who is ready to go and have taken a serious scalp. Can they keep it going? Suspect they will this week.

 

The Championships

Sydney has seen some better weather and the prospect of at least a soft track for the opening day of “The Championships” where four Group Ones will be contested including the Doncaster.

 

It begins with the Sires Produce Stakes (1400m, 2yo SW) and reckon the Hayes-Dabernig team can get this with Tulip (15), Frolic (14) is the main threat with Gunnison (6) and Single Bullet (7) to fill it out.

Selections Race 6 – 15-14-6-7

 

The Australian Derby (2400m, 3yo SW) is a classic Aussie vs Kiwi encounter – the NZers have prevail in the leadups in the slush so Gingernuts (2) and Jon Snow (4) will be hard to beat. Prized Icon (1) and Inference (3) followed them home and So Si Bon (5) has always been competitive. Also watching moves for Ruthven (8) for Ciaron Maher who does not travel his horses for a holiday! Great Race if the track stays soft going with Inference (3).

Selections Race 7 – 3-2-1-8

 

Is Chautauqua (1) back? We will find out in the TJ Smith (1200m, WFA) and he has some quality competition. I am with the three year olds in Russian Revolution (14) and Astern (13) with Speith (7) and Malaguerra (2) to complete the selections – but plenty more chances.

Selections Race 8 – 14-13-7-2

 

The Doncaster Mile (1600m, HCP) has them coming from everywhere and we might have a couple that have beaten the handicapper – in particular Spectroscope (19). The Magic Man will need to be just that to deal with the horror draw, I am a Star (14) is appropriately monikered this is her biggest test. Redkirk Warrior (10) pulled off a great win in the Newmarket and might just do the same here and Antonio Giuseppe (16) gets in nicely. Great race heaps of chances.

Selections Race 9 – 19-14-10-16

 

Have a great weekend,

Go Blues,

Cheers, Sal

 

 

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