Selections:
#12e. Russian Summer - $6.00
#4 - Chinchero - $7.50
#10 - Ripple Effect (ROUGHIE OF THE DAY) - $15.00
#9 - Throntari - $17.00
BEST BET - #12e. Russian Summer
Tempted to say the emergency runner Russian Summer towels this lot at a nice price. He’s been up for a little while but seems to be holding form really well and after a few sharp runs that included a win he raced at Morphettville in Saturday company where he had to overcome doing it three and four wide the trip to place third behind The Guava in a very bold effort. That is clearly the best form in this field and last time out when he stepped onto this course he looked ready to power over them in the straight but was badly held up and has to be given another look here. Keen on his chances, I think the market is underestimating him
THE DANGER - #4 - Chinchero
Not really sure if Chinchero will be ready to go come jump but he is one I will be watching in the yard, for any whispers etc and go from there. He comes into this off the back of a 26 week spell and having his first start for the Feek’s. Last campaign he kicked off with three wins before a let up where he never really hit form again after then but overall the splits / times he ran read very well for this. He’s a first up winner, gets Craig Newitt aboard and should be afforded at least a chance here.
VALUE BET - #10 - Ripple Effect (ROUGHIE OF THE DAY)
Very interesting horse for Mick Williams in Ripple Effect who has had just the two career starts and resumes here off of a 26 week spell. The first start came in New Zealand where he began awkwardly and took another knock early but came on so strongly late over the 1000m he was able to beat all but the winner there. He was sent away for some time after then before resuming in a 1400m Warrnambool race where he had the gun run but was truly outstanding first up, clocked some good times and displayed what looks like a dynamic run style to overcome traffic. The query is how he lines up here / how he returns from the long lay off but you’re getting a worthwhile price right now.