MICK’S MELBOURNE MAIL – Sandown – Lakeside Course 15/6/24

Track – Currently Slow 6 (Thursday) – chance of an upgrade before race time

Rail – Out 5M the entire circuit

 

R1 – An excellent group of lightly raced winter 2yo’s here. I really like the versatility and scope that the unbeaten top weight Interest Point has shown in its 2 wins. It’s well on top for mine and my best of the day. Supercilious was a huge run against very good opposition at its only start and was then tipped out. Resumes here, has jumped out nicely in preparation and is drawn to race on speed.

Husk and Cora Lynn are hopes.

Good bet No. 1 Interest Point (applies to race 1)

 

R2 – La Fracas won like a very nice horse at Pakenham, and I can’t see any reason why he can’t continue on his winning way.  Enna’s Dream is racing well and its last run against the airborne Miss Aria stamps it as the danger. The imported Moody/Coleman trained Ten Deep is 3rd pick, has ability, is drawn sweet in 1, although I suspect she may be better suited at the mile now.

Backing No. 7 La Fracas (applies to race 2)

 

R3 – A wide open race greets us here with multiple form angles. I’m looking for value with the first upper Riverplate, making the trip from Murray Bridge. Will need a bit of luck from the sticky gate but he boasts excellent runs when fresh in addition to great track/distance stays. The ex-Queenslander, Name Dropper, is the massive query here, any market moves should be noted. Chances to Truffle Finder and the resuming Oceans Above.

 No. 2 – 1 unit win x 3 unit place

 

R4 – Batrana’s run first up showed it’s returned in good shape, maps perfectly to sit off them, and finish hard late. The beautifully bred Miss Roumbini is ultra-consistent and will be very hard to beat albeit drawn a little awkwardly. I’ve got these 2 well in front of the others. Rough hopes to Matawai & Socially Sassy.

Backing No. 5 Batrana and No. 12 Miss Roumbini

 

R5 – A very open, mares mile race, where most can win. Princess Raya will relish the step up to 1600m and is drawn to get a sucky run on the fence midfield. I’m expecting her to be around the finish. The Kiwi Cindy Falls is an interesting runner, having her first run in Oz for Team Hope, she is drawn perfectly and boasts some nice efforts back in the Shaky Isles. The resuming Speak from the Maroney yard has better than a flukers hope at massive odds. The consistent Arqana is next best although she seems to find one better.

Small bet No. 12 Princess Rayaa, tiny speck 8 Speak

 

R6 – The Maroney trained Falcon of Malta is on top here, peaks 4th up, is one from one at the track, and four goes for two wins and two seconds at the distance. He will race on pace and give a great sight, he’s a brave horse. The McEvoy import Concorde has prepped nicely for this and is a hope, although he might get buried from barrier one. Jabbawockeez is a definite chance, and look for Matron Bullwinkel late, she’s nearing a win. Hard to Cross goes into the Quaddy also, he’s racing consistently and gets in well after the in-form Jaylah Kennedy’s claim.

Backing No. 5 Falcon of Malta

 

R7 – Not a race I want to get overly involved in here. Etienne resumes and I have an opinion of this fella, I will be looking for a positive market move before I bet. Mrs Christie is racing well and will be hard to beat.  Squad showed a return to form last start and is a live chance, as is Wondereach who was good a few weeks back and can go on with it.

No bet at this stage, watching the market for a lead with No. 12 Etienne.

 

R8 – Is It Me finds the right race here, drops hugely in weight and is drawn to stalk the speed from midfield and pounce at the 200m. Showmanship has been freshened since its encouraging run at the ‘Bool, is now hopefully over its injury issues and loves 1400m. Niccolini Vito in rare form, is a definite hope, and if Regardsmaree returned to anything like his best form he could win this at cricket score odds.

Betting up on No. 16 Is It Me

 

R9 – I like Wyclif here at double figure odds. This horse improves markedly 2nd up and is one from one course n distance. Love the booking of Carleen Hefel for the Maher stable, she will give it every hope.

Beltoro was a very good run last Saturday and backing up tells me he’s done well this week. Cadmus had no luck last start and is right in this, as is Deepstrike who can figure after two fitness runs and is far better than a $31 chance.

Backing No. 12 Wyclif and playing exotics with No’s. 6, 16 & 17. 

 

Best Bets

R1-1

R6-5

R8-16

Value Plays

R3-2

R9-12

Summary

R1 – 1xxx best/day, 6, 4, 5

R2 – 7x, 6, 10

R3 – 2 Value, 16??, 15, 10

R4 – 5 & 12, 11, 15

R5 – 12, 6, 8, 14

R6 – 5xx, 9??, 13, 14, 1

R7 – 12, 13, 14, 18

R8 – 16xxx, 2, 4, 12

R9 – 12 Value, 6, 16, 17

 

Good luck