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The Australian
18-05-2025
- Sport
- The Australian
Ray Thomas' Blackbook: Five to follow from Scone
Ray Thomas reviews Saturday's stand-alone meeting at Scone, revealing the horses punters can follow with confidence at their next starts. • PUNT LIKE A PRO: Become a Racenet iQ member and get expert tips – with fully transparent return on investment statistics – from Racenet's team of professional punters at our Pro Tips section. SUBSCRIBE NOW! ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ FIVE TO FOLLOW OH DIAMOND LIL (0.9-length 1st of 12, Race 4) had been trialling up a storm prior to her return at Scone. She had never won first-up previously and was vulnerable at 1300m but she settled nicely in behind the leaders until the top of the straight where she seized control of the race and drew clear for a comfortable win. Oh Diamond Lil is an emerging mare and will only improve the deeper she goes into her preparation. SPANISH FOX (2-length 3rd of 15, Race 6) won five races in succession when last in work and his second-up effort at Scone when third to ZEALOUSLY in very fast time was encouraging. He is ready to win in the right grade next start. AKAYSHA (1.4-length 3rd of 16, Race 3) drew wide and was ridden conservatively early, drifting back to near last in the Woodland Stakes. On the home turn, she was in front of only one horse and simply had too much to do but still ran on strongly to finish third. Talented filly and is a stakes-winner in waiting. GENTILESCHI (0.1-length 2nd of 15, Race 5) was having only her second run back and was out to 1700m but her effort to finish the closest of seconds was eye-catching. She charged home wide out to just miss at Scone and will be at her peak next start. Godolphin fillies THAMES (0.6-length 3rd of 15, Race 7) and PHOTOGRAPH (1.8-length 9th of 15, Race 7) had no luck in the Denise's Joy Stakes. Thames struck trouble on the turn before charging home to lose by only a half length. Photograph never got clear galloping room in the straight and wasn't tested before finishing ninth, beaten less than two lengths. WHINCHAT (0.2-length 2nd of 15, Race 10) was having his first start in over a year and set track record-breaking pace in front only to be collared in the final few bounds by the race-fit and in-form THE INSTRUCTOR in the Luskin Star Stakes. Whinchat can only be improved by his game comeback run. • Melody Again delivers career high for Singleton in Dark Jewel ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ CRUNCH TIME ZEALOUSLY (Race 6) gave a brilliant display of sustained speed to score a commanding win. He was hand-timed to run the Scone 1100m in 1m 02.13s – no horse has ever gone faster over the course and distance. CABALLUS (Race 8) showed impressive acceleration to reel in tough frontrunner The Novelist to win the Ortensia Stakes. Caballus was timed to run his final 300m in a tick over 33s. MELODY AGAIN (Race 9) broke the race record to win the Dark Jewel Classic, recording 1m 21.23s for the Scone 1400m. Her winning time was only a tick outside the track record of 1m 21.12s that was set by Cavalier Charles three years ago. STARDOM (Race 3) set a new race record for the Woodland Stakes when she ran the 1100m in 1m 03.07s, breaking the previous standard set by dual Group 1 winner In Secret of 1m 03.75s. THE INSTRUCTOR (Race 10) set another race record when he won the Luskin Star Stakes, stopping the clock at 1m 14.41s for the Scone 1300m. He broke the previous mark by 0.08s. ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ WHAT THEY SAID 'That is like our Melbourne Cup. I thought if Melody Again had any chance of winning a race like this it would be at home and when she was at the top of her game.' — Trainer Scott Singleton. 'I always love riding for Scott, I respect him as a trainer and more so as a friend. He's been very good to me. I haven't been riding a lot but he is always giving me opportunities so it's a special moment to win this race on Melody Again.' — Jockey Christian Reith. 'I rode Caballus work during the week and when you get the chance to sit on him, you understand why they have such a high opinion of the horse.' — Jockey Ashley Morgan. 'In this class of race we expected Summer Flame to get back and I was just going to hold her together. But she jumped so well and got into a lovely rhythm. The further we went the better she travelled. Coming to the turn she was on the bit looking for somewhere to go. We got the run through on straightening and away she went.' — Jockey Jeff Penza. 'If you look at Oh Diamond Lil, physically she still has to develop which makes it so exciting as there is more improvement in her.' — Trainer David Pfeiffer. 'Generally, Gai and Adrian's horses progress out over further once they start racing so they deserve a lot of credit for bringing Stardom back to 1100m.'' — Jockey Adam Hyeronimus. ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ STEWARDS SAY CABALLUS (Race 8) was found to have bled from both nostrils after winning the Ortensia Stakes and has incurred a three-month ban from racing. RENOSU, who ran eighth behind Caballus, was also found to have bled and is out of racing for three months. THAMES (Race 7) improved into a tight run between WAVE BREAKER and SHOHISHA on the turn then was buffeted between those runners. Due to contact on its hindquarter Shohisha was then turned out into the running of Thames, resulting in Thames becoming badly unbalanced before that filly ran on strongly for third. PHOTOGRAPH (Race 7) ran only ninth but was very unlucky. After passing the 200m she was checked when disappointed for a run between LADY OLENNA and GERRINGONG. Photograph then had difficulty obtaining clear running, before being held up over the final 50m and went to the line without being fully tested. GENTILESCHI (Race 5) finishing powerfully wide out to just miss behind Cormac T. Prior to the declaration of correct weight, the connections of Gentileschi requested to view the official photo finish for first placing. Once Stewards were satisfied there was a margin between Cormac T and Gentileschi, correct weight was declared. JUMEIRAH BEACH (Race 1) was slow to begin and was then shuffled back near the rear of the field when awkwardly placed on heels. Jumeirah Beach was not suited when the race developed into a sprint home from the 600m. ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RON DUFFICY'S SCONE SNAPSHOT RUN OF THE DAY: Caballus had been nurtured back to health and was terrific winning with dominance first-up looking like a possible Stradbroke type. Unfortunately his campaign come to an abrupt halt with him being found to have bled from both nostrils so they have to start from scratch again. FORGET THEY RAN: Thames didn't have the best of luck in the Denise's Joy Stakes never really getting balanced and should have made it interesting. HORSE TO FOLLOW: Oh Diamand Lil and been carefully handled by trainer David Pfieffer working through the grades. She is a mare that is ready to take the next step into black type grade. RIDE OF THE DAY: Jace McMurray is a new name to Sydney racing after having a good grounding with nice success on the Gold Coast. He looked very polished with his winning ride on Fiorsum Fred and should get more opportunities fall his way. ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ NSW RACING – THE WEEK AHEAD Monday: Corowa, Port Macquarie Tuesday: Newcastle, Tamworth Wednesday: Warwick Farm Thursday: Wyong Friday: Inverell Saturday: Royal Randwick, Newcastle Sunday: Gunnedah, Nowra
News.com.au
18-05-2025
- Sport
- News.com.au
Ray Thomas' Blackbook: Five to follow from Scone on Saturday
Ray Thomas reviews Saturday's stand-alone meeting at Scone, revealing the horses punters can follow with confidence at their next starts. • â– â– â– â– â– FIVE TO FOLLOW OH DIAMOND LIL (0.9-length 1st of 12, Race 4) had been trialling up a storm prior to her return at Scone. She had never won first-up previously and was vulnerable at 1300m but she settled nicely in behind the leaders until the top of the straight where she seized control of the race and drew clear for a comfortable win. Oh Diamond Lil is an emerging mare and will only improve the deeper she goes into her preparation. ðŸ'Ž Oh Diamond Lil gets the perfect run and wins at Scone! @KPMcEvoy | @DavidPfieffer — SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) May 17, 2025 SPANISH FOX (2-length 3rd of 15, Race 6) won five races in succession when last in work and his second-up effort at Scone when third to ZEALOUSLY in very fast time was encouraging. He is ready to win in the right grade next start. Zealously with a big win after leading all the way at Scone! ðŸ'¨ @NockBraith | @SnowdenRacing1 — SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) May 17, 2025 AKAYSHA (1.4-length 3rd of 16, Race 3) drew wide and was ridden conservatively early, drifting back to near last in the Woodland Stakes. On the home turn, she was in front of only one horse and simply had too much to do but still ran on strongly to finish third. Talented filly and is a stakes-winner in waiting. â� Stardom holds on to win at Scone with Adam Hyeronimus doing the steering! @GaiWaterhouse1 — SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) May 17, 2025 GENTILESCHI (0.1-length 2nd of 15, Race 5) was having only her second run back and was out to 1700m but her effort to finish the closest of seconds was eye-catching. She charged home wide out to just miss at Scone and will be at her peak next start. Cormac T wins by a whisker in a very tight finish at Scone! ðŸ'� @ANeashamRacing | @tomo_sherry — SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) May 17, 2025 Godolphin fillies THAMES (0.6-length 3rd of 15, Race 7) and PHOTOGRAPH (1.8-length 9th of 15, Race 7) had no luck in the Denise's Joy Stakes. Thames struck trouble on the turn before charging home to lose by only a half length. Photograph never got clear galloping room in the straight and wasn't tested before finishing ninth, beaten less than two lengths. Summer Flame wins the Denise's Joy Stakes at Scone in a boilover! ðŸ'° @cwallerracing — SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) May 17, 2025 WHINCHAT (0.2-length 2nd of 15, Race 10) was having his first start in over a year and set track record-breaking pace in front only to be collared in the final few bounds by the race-fit and in-form THE INSTRUCTOR in the Luskin Star Stakes. Whinchat can only be improved by his game comeback run. WHAT A FINISH! 😮 The Instructor wins on the line to beat Whinchat in the Luskin Star Stakes! 🙌 @GaiWaterhouse1 — SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) May 17, 2025 • â– â– â– â– â– CRUNCH TIME ZEALOUSLY (Race 6) gave a brilliant display of sustained speed to score a commanding win. He was hand-timed to run the Scone 1100m in 1m 02.13s – no horse has ever gone faster over the course and distance. CABALLUS (Race 8) showed impressive acceleration to reel in tough frontrunner The Novelist to win the Ortensia Stakes. Caballus was timed to run his final 300m in a tick over 33s. Caballus is too good in the Ortensia Stakes at Scone! ðŸ'¥ @AshMorgan6 | @BBakerRacing — SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) May 17, 2025 MELODY AGAIN (Race 9) broke the race record to win the Dark Jewel Classic, recording 1m 21.23s for the Scone 1400m. Her winning time was only a tick outside the track record of 1m 21.12s that was set by Cavalier Charles three years ago. . @CoreyGoodSkillz pick of the yard gets up! Melody Again storms home on the inside and wins the Dark Jewel Classic! ðŸ'Ž — SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) May 17, 2025 STARDOM (Race 3) set a new race record for the Woodland Stakes when she ran the 1100m in 1m 03.07s, breaking the previous standard set by dual Group 1 winner In Secret of 1m 03.75s. THE INSTRUCTOR (Race 10) set another race record when he won the Luskin Star Stakes, stopping the clock at 1m 14.41s for the Scone 1300m. He broke the previous mark by 0.08s. â– â– â– â– â– WHAT THEY SAID 'That is like our Melbourne Cup. I thought if Melody Again had any chance of winning a race like this it would be at home and when she was at the top of her game.' — Trainer Scott Singleton. "That's like our Melbourne Cup" An emotional Scott Singleton speaks on the massive win from Melody Again! â�¤ï¸� @singletonracing — SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) May 17, 2025 'I always love riding for Scott, I respect him as a trainer and more so as a friend. He's been very good to me. I haven't been riding a lot but he is always giving me opportunities so it's a special moment to win this race on Melody Again.' — Jockey Christian Reith. 'I rode Caballus work during the week and when you get the chance to sit on him, you understand why they have such a high opinion of the horse.' — Jockey Ashley Morgan. 'In this class of race we expected Summer Flame to get back and I was just going to hold her together. But she jumped so well and got into a lovely rhythm. The further we went the better she travelled. Coming to the turn she was on the bit looking for somewhere to go. We got the run through on straightening and away she went.' — Jockey Jeff Penza. 'If you look at Oh Diamond Lil, physically she still has to develop which makes it so exciting as there is more improvement in her.' — Trainer David Pfeiffer. 'Generally, Gai and Adrian's horses progress out over further once they start racing so they deserve a lot of credit for bringing Stardom back to 1100m.'' — Jockey Adam Hyeronimus. A â�ï¸� is born âš°ï¸� â�¤ï¸� STARDOM ran up to her name and took out the Listed Woodlands Stakes in decisive fashion ðŸ'�ðŸ�¼ ðŸ�† This @torryburnstud bred and owned daughter of @widdenstud Zoustar is going from strength to strength and has a very bright future ✨ 🥂 — Gai Waterhouse AO (@GaiWaterhouse1) May 17, 2025 â– â– â– â– â– STEWARDS SAY CABALLUS (Race 8) was found to have bled from both nostrils after winning the Ortensia Stakes and has incurred a three-month ban from racing. RENOSU, who ran eighth behind Caballus, was also found to have bled and is out of racing for three months. THAMES (Race 7) improved into a tight run between WAVE BREAKER and SHOHISHA on the turn then was buffeted between those runners. Due to contact on its hindquarter Shohisha was then turned out into the running of Thames, resulting in Thames becoming badly unbalanced before that filly ran on strongly for third. PHOTOGRAPH (Race 7) ran only ninth but was very unlucky. After passing the 200m she was checked when disappointed for a run between LADY OLENNA and GERRINGONG. Photograph then had difficulty obtaining clear running, before being held up over the final 50m and went to the line without being fully tested. GENTILESCHI (Race 5) finishing powerfully wide out to just miss behind Cormac T. Prior to the declaration of correct weight, the connections of Gentileschi requested to view the official photo finish for first placing. Once Stewards were satisfied there was a margin between Cormac T and Gentileschi, correct weight was declared. JUMEIRAH BEACH (Race 1) was slow to begin and was then shuffled back near the rear of the field when awkwardly placed on heels. Jumeirah Beach was not suited when the race developed into a sprint home from the 600m. â– â– â– â– â– RON DUFFICY'S SCONE SNAPSHOT RUN OF THE DAY: Caballus had been nurtured back to health and was terrific winning with dominance first-up looking like a possible Stradbroke type. Unfortunately his campaign come to an abrupt halt with him being found to have bled from both nostrils so they have to start from scratch again. FORGET THEY RAN: Thames didn't have the best of luck in the Denise's Joy Stakes never really getting balanced and should have made it interesting. HORSE TO FOLLOW: Oh Diamand Lil and been carefully handled by trainer David Pfieffer working through the grades. She is a mare that is ready to take the next step into black type grade. RIDE OF THE DAY: Jace McMurray is a new name to Sydney racing after having a good grounding with nice success on the Gold Coast. He looked very polished with his winning ride on Fiorsum Fred and should get more opportunities fall his way. Fiorsum Fred finds the gap and powers home at Scone! ðŸ'¥ @singletonracing — SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) May 17, 2025 â– â– â– â– â–
News.com.au
16-05-2025
- Sport
- News.com.au
Ray and Duff's race-by-race tips, analysis for Scone on Saturday: $8.50 value bet
Racenet and The Daily Telegraph's Ray Thomas and Sky Thoroughbred Central's Ron Dufficy debate the key chances for the 10-race Scone stand-alone meeting on Saturday. • PUNT LIKE A PRO: Become a Racenet iQ member and get expert tips – with fully transparent return on investment statistics – from Racenet's team of professional punters at our Pro Tips section. SUBSCRIBE NOW! â– â– â– â– â– DUFF'S BEST BET Race 3 No.2 AKAYSHA DUFF'S BEST VALUE Race 5 No.16 PURE ALPHA • Two-day Scone feast on the menu for Snowden â– â– â– â– â– Ron Dufficy: JUMEIRAH BEACH (5) found trouble and still won last start, leaving those behind him with no excuses. He's up in distance but that should be OK and has to be hard to beat again. GENERAL SOHO (6) is a tough horse who was strong putting another win on the board last start. He has won three times on this track so he could run a race at odds. NORTHERN EYES (1) is going well without winning. He fought hard after doing a bit of work last start and only has to run out the distance to be very competitive again. PERFECT JUSTICE (12) doesn't want too much rain but he gets in very light with different form. Ray Thomas: It's hard to tip against JUMEIRAH BEACH (5) who beat many of his Scone rivals at Hawkesbury after having an interrupted run. He's never been in better form and handles rain-affected going. LET'S FLY (11) won at Kembla than tried hard when fifth to Jumeirah Beach last start. She just doesn't want it too wet. NORTHERN EYES (1) is close to a win but the 1700m will test him. PRINCE OF SORTS (4) makes his own luck on speed but is a slight query at this distance. • â– â– â– â– â– Dufficy: I'm sticking with ROUGE MOULIN (4) here. He ran on nicely at Randwick last start and this looks a nice race to try him at a mile. He does no work from his inside draw. The danger could be DUE CALZINI (10). This three-year-old has been a work in progress for a while, he's had a nice grounding for this, and the timing looks right but needs luck from the draw. FIORSUM FRED (5) is a big query. He is resuming at a mile without a barrier trial but has the most depth to his form, is trained on the track and sets up well. PHAROAHZANO (12) is a tough horse with a lightweight, gets in well with the claim and rarely runs a bad race. Thomas: ROUGE MOULIN (4) did work home well at Randwick and gives the impression he would be suited at 1600m. The drier the better for him. TAINUI (1) led throughout to win well at Tamworth over 2100m. He has to come back in trip here but hasn't missed a top two finish in six starts and will be in this for a long way again. DUE CALZINI (10) hit the line hard to just miss in the Guineas at Wagga last start and his best form has been on soft tracks. WIN THE DAY (9) was good in a Highway two starts back and is better suited here than she was at the Warwick Farm midweeks last start. â– â– â– â– â– Dufficy: I'm pretty keen on AKAYSHA (2). She defeated the highly-rated Beadman on debut then was good in defeat behind the promising Grand Eagle last start. She just needs luck from her wide draw and she is the one they all have to beat. STARDOM (6) has the same form-lines as Akaysha and franked that form by bolting in at Wagga Wagga last start. MISS FREELOVE (3) maps beautifully from the soft draw and did it well winning at Canterbury last start. WOLLZEILE (7) has been unextended in two trials and should be closely monitored, resuming off a big win. Thomas: I've also landed on AKAYSHA (2). She broke 56s for the 1000m at Kembla beating the brilliant Beadman on debut and that colt has since won successive races including at stakes level. Akaysha then went to Randwick and it took the talented Grand Eagle to beat her. She goes on top despite her wide barrier. MISS FREELOVE (3) can give trainer Peter Snowden the feature race quinella. She was brilliant at her second start winning by a comfortable margin at Canterbury on a heavy track. ZUMBO (4) maintained her unbeaten record with a strong win in the Miss Finland on very heavy going last start. SYLPH (15) ran on well behind the talented Agarwood at Warwick Farm and is not out of this despite a horror barrier. â– â– â– â– â– Dufficy: OH DIAMOND LIL (5) always promised to be a better mare with another preparation under her belt and looking at her two trial wins this appears so. I think this is a lovely race for her first-up. INVADER ZIM (6) had plenty to do when not suited first-up. Both his wins have been at his second run back and this race suits with more speed up front. GETAFIX (3) is better than what we have seen from his two runs back and surely back in grade he has to improve. BLAZING HARRY (1) is a nice horse who is well-graded but just a query if he's wound up for this under a big weight. Thomas: We've gone the same way again, Ronnie. I also like OH DIAMOND LIL (5). She's a talented mare who had a great preparation over summer and she has been flying in her two recent runaway barrier trial wins. She's the one to beat. INVADER ZIM (6) ran on well when a close fifth at Randwick when resuming and can only be improved. SPARKLING (2) tried hard first-up at Randwick and will be fitter. BLAZING HARRY (1) hasn't been let go in two recent trials but he does sprint well fresh. â– â– â– â– â– Dufficy: I like PURE ALPHA (16). He is back from Victoria, up in distance, all his best form is with the jar out of the track, and I feel he will be right in the finish. GOOD BANTER (14) did more than enough first-up to say she can run well here. MIRACLE SPIN (2) finished hard behind a subsequent winner last start and is set for a peak performance at this grade. QUANTUM CAT (5) 's two runs back have had merit, the bigger track suits but he's also drawn awkwardly and needs luck in transit. Thomas: QUANTUM CAT (5) loomed up to win at Hawkesbury but Jamberoo was too tough under pressure. Quantum Cat has had two runs from a spell and should be ready to peak now. This is his chance despite his wide barrier. GOOD BANTER (14) worked to the line well behind Know Thyself in a strong form race at Randwick. She's fitter, excels on wet tracks and will get the run of the race. MIRACLE SPIN (2) made good ground late behind subsequent Gosford Gold Cup winner Les Vampires at Randwick so that form reads well for this race. BACIO DEL MIST (13) is always over the odds but is a good wet-tracker if she gets conditions to suit. â– â– â– â– â– Dufficy: Good race. TANGLEWOOD (3) came of age last preparation with a placing in The Kosciuszko. Although he is coming off a decent spell his two recent trials have been very sharp and I'm leaning his way. I think DOLLAR MAGIC (7), trained on the track, is nice and fresh, she is very reliable and you know she will give her usual tough, genuine performance. LEFT FIELD (15) 's only run on this track was last year when she was placed in the Denise's Joy Stakes. You would have to say that form would look very strong here in a benchmark 78. ZEALOUSLY (6) had excuses when wide without cover last start and has to get another chance. Thomas: As you pointed out Ronnie, ZEALOUSLY (6) didn't have much luck over 1000m at Randwick but still tried hard to finish third. She's been improved by two runs from a spell and although a beaten favourite both times, stay with her as she's ready to win. DOLLAR MAGIC (7) is always competitive in this grade and she does race well fresh. PASSEGGIATA (16) and MISS ICELANDIC (4) beat Zealously home at Randwick and both rate among the main chances. • â– â– â– â– â– Dufficy: The big raps are for SOFT LOVE (6), Ray. She's an untapped and unbeaten Victorian filly who caught the eye in a recent Sydney trial. This looks a real target race for her and she has come up with a beautiful draw. THAMES (12) has to go in as she has the form around Soft Love two starts back at Caulfield then was unlucky last start. She's also trialled in Sydney recently but is not as well drawn. SHOHISHA (2) has her share of weight but is trialling well and has proven class on her side. OVERFULL (7) is trialling well in Queensland and could surprise at big odds. Thomas: SHOHISHA (2) is resuming off one easy trial but she's a promising filly who races well fresh and handles soft tracks. She was spelled after a competitive fifth to Lady Shenandoah and Lady Of Camelot in the Light Fingers Stakes back in February and that form reads very well for this race. SOFT LOVE (6) will be hard to beat for all the reasons you mentioned. GERRINGONG (8) showed considerable promise during her debut preparation last summer and her trials have been good. SUNRISE (4) has been a brilliant winner of both starts this campaign but has to overcome the extreme outside barrier. â– â– â– â– â– Dufficy: I'm having a throw at the stumps with CABALLUS (11). He had his issues last preparation and has had throat surgery since. He has moved nicely under a hold in two trials and his best form wins this race. COMPELLING TRUTH (3) is up and running, he's very fit and has a good horse's record now. OSTRAKA (1) has been crying out to get some cover early in a race and gets his chance here back in distance in a fast-run race. Don't rule him out. PISANELLO (6) is right at his peak off a win and sure to be rushing home late. Thomas: COMPELLING TRUTH (3) did a great job to win the Wagga Wagga Town Plate and is probably better suited coming back slightly in trip. He's drawn wide but has good tactical speed and will be in this contest for a long way. PISANELLO (6) was back to his best at Canterbury last start and it is worth noting he scored a monstrous win on this track last year. Watch betting moves for CABALLUS (11) who is a big tip for this race. His trials have been very good and he's set to sprint well fresh. OSTRAKA (1) has had his chances but this race sets up well for him and he can improve. • 'I gave it up, I didn't want to ride again': Morgan's comeback for the ages â– â– â– â– â– Dufficy: I like WRITTEN IN CODE (9). She should be forgiven for her last start defeat when making her run on the wrong part of the track. Prior to that she looked very progressive so I want to stay with her given she has a lightweight. ZEITUNG (15) is the danger. She is knocking on the door and won't know herself with the limit weight. COUNTYOURBLESSINGS (12) has been sharpened with a trial win since not having much luck first-up. VIBRANT SUN (1) is a big query. She's a Group 1 Oaks winner and looking at her trials she is more than capable of sprinting well fresh. Thomas: ZEITUNG (15) won a Group 3 race at Flemington during the Cup Carnival last year and has been working her way back to form this autumn. She ran on well for third in the Hawkesbury Guineas which sets her up for this race. IMPOSANT (14) has been kept fresh since her very good third in the Provincial Midway Championship Final and she is over the odds despite her wide draw. WRITTEN IN CODE (9) is going to get all the favours from her good draw. WATCH MY GIRL (10) has good first-up form and her chances soar if the track rating is near the good range. • â– â– â– â– â– Dufficy: I'm with PHEARSON (8). I thought he did enough last start, is on the back-up here and gets to 1300m which he relishes. With a nice run from the good draw he will be around the mark. GALLANT STAR (16) finds a faster race this week and should get cover from his draw which will help him no end. WHINCHAT (11) has won his two trials well, his winning strike-rate and fresh form speaks for itself. CHRYSAOR (7) did win first-up at Flemington last preparation so I suggest he would have had enough work to sprint well fresh again. Thomas: GALLANT STAR (16) had his chance at Hawkesbury but tried hard when narrowly beaten. He should be at peak fitness after three runs from a spell, will get every chance from his favourable draw, and he's never carried such a light weight in his 17-start career. WHINCHAT (11) has the early speed to negate his wide draw and he will give these something to chase. His two recent trial wins have been brilliant. BRUDENELL (2) is on the back-up after being nosed out in the Takeover Target Stakes last week and will be in the mix again. CHRYSAOR (7) can sprint well fresh.
News.com.au
15-05-2025
- Sport
- News.com.au
Shayne O'Cass's race-by-race tips, analysis for Scone on Saturday
Form expert Shayne O'Cass analyses Saturday's 10-race card at Scone, presenting his race-by-race tips and analysis. • PUNT LIKE A PRO: Become a Racenet iQ member and get expert tips – with fully transparent return on investment statistics – from Racenet's team of professional punters at our Pro Tips section. SUBSCRIBE NOW! â– â– â– â– â– No one rides Scone better than Aaron Bullock in my opinion. He's got a 20 per cent winning strike-rate at the venue. Bullock rides GENERAL SOHO (6) in the Midway and speaking of strike-rates, how about this one; six rides for four wins on the son of the now Turkey-based Epaulette. HIGHBORN HARRY (8) has some decent Midway form. Exhibit 'A' being his second to Flying Bandit over 1800m at Randwick. JUMEIRAH BEACH (5), the son of Vormista, is on a hat-trick. Bet: General Soho each-way â– â– â– â– â– ROSES IMMINENTE (14) is a local who broke her maiden here on debut in barnstorming style. She has won three from eight and as for two previous Highway runs, there were excuses but what is absolutely critical is that she doesn't have to travel four-odd hours down to Sydney this time. STRAIGHT FIRE (17) wasn't entirely at home on the Heavy 8 at Hawkesbury on Cup Day. Reckon she is purpose-built for Scone. FIORSUM FRED (5) is a big watch. Respect. â– â– â– â– â– ODAKA (14) will be ridden by Andrew Gibbons and for those keeping score, his tally for Lees is 474 wins and 756 placings with $9.6m in prizemoney. Odaka is by Ole Kirk from a great family. Her debut at Randwick on Australia Day eve was an eye-catcher and note she was $20 into $13. Trialling very well too. SYLPH (15), the filly from the same family that gave us Tobin Bronze, has drawn wide but a fast run 1100m at Scone is perfect for her. Ditto that last bit for VINGT NEUF NOIR (12). Bet: Odaka each-way, Vingt Neuf Noir to place, box trifecta 8, 12, 14, 15 â– â– â– â– â– RACE 4: Lion (Bm72) 1300m BLAZING HARRY (1) has 62kg here with no claim which looked bad at first glance but it's not as bad as all that when you factor in that all bar one of the main field have 57kg or more. Blazing Harry does have a 76 rating in this Benchmark 72 so there you go. He is known to be a good fresh horse and has trialled up well, twice, since his $300,000 Gateway second on December 7. If horses are charging home from the back, and there is no reason why they won't be, can't you just imagine ALLAPERCANTO (10) sprouting wings late. Bet: Blazing Harry to win, Allapercanto to place â– â– â– â– â– GOOD BANTER (14) is so much more talented than a horse that has won just two from 15. To be fair, one was the Group 3 Adrian Knox which boosted her value into the stratosphere being a Tavistock out of a half-sister to Danzdanzdance, etc. She was $26 into $16 at one stage of betting last start and ran accordingly; that is a fast finishing fourth to Know Thyself. MIRACLE SPIN (2) has a respectable set of numbers. The most attractive of them being that he is one for one at the track and distance. In fact, it was the Midway on this same card in 2023. Bet: Good Banter each-way, quinella 2, 14 â– â– â– â– â– RACE 6: Gro Events (Bm78) 1100m TANGLEWOOD (3) has four wins and four placings from his 12 starts. He is a Highway winner, a Kensington winner as well but his best runs are in fact 'losses'. Specifically, his head second to Clear Thinking (beating Lisztomania) in a Highway and of course his last start third in the Kosciuszko. Trials equal wow. If you're on swoopers all day, LEFT FIELD (15) is definitely on your team. ZEALOUSLY (6) has drawn well this time as opposed to last. Braith Nock is a great Scone rider. Bet: Tangelwood to win, exacta 3 to beat 15 â– â– â– â– â– RACE 7: Coolmore Denise's Joy Stakes 1100m Just for the record, James Cummings has won the last three runnings of the Denise's Joy. David Payne could be the man to end the sequence. He saddles-up SHOHISHA (2) who was runner-up in the Gosford Guineas in the first of her three runs last prep; the campaign ending with a three length fifth to Lady Shenandoah in the Light Fingers. Trialled well, drawn well. Tycoon Lil's great granddaughter SOFT LOVE (6) is three from three coming into this. They are all in Victoria but she sure did look at home the Sydney-way in her trial. Bet: Shohisha to win, quinella 2, 6, box trifecta 2, 6, 9, 16 â– â– â– â– â– Sentiment doesn't guarantee anything in racing but there wouldn't be a trainer more eager to win the Ortensia than Paul Messara for obvious reasons. Messara co-trains the favourite CLEAR THINKING (13) who is unbeaten in both home track runs, one by eight lengths. Drawn wide but don't see that as too big a disadvantage here. PISANELLO (6) has won six from 14, one of them was the amazing Class 1 on Scone Cup Day last year and he's only got better since then. â– â– â– â– â– VIBRANT SUN (1) has won a Group 1 and a Group 3 in just nine starts. Her three career wins have been at a mile and 2000m but 1400m on a big track like Scone, and fresh, is an appealing way to kick off the new campaign. Trials are trials but she looks to be flying. WATCH MY GIRL (10) has some genuine depth to her form whether that being in the odd mares stakes race she has run so well in or just in Benchmark grade keeping in mind that she was fifth to Les Vampires on March 15 at her last run. â– â– â– â– â– Best Bet time. Silent Witness' relative CHRYSAOR (7) has black-type form in three States and in some very high calibre races. His personal best at present is the Callander-Presnell beating Ducasse and co but what about that win in the Tontonan at Flemington that day. He's a great fresh horse, the trials were fantastic. Honestly, if he got a Heavy 10 on the day, he could medal in the Stradbroke. WELWAL (1) has the class. BRUDENELL (2) is in great form and so, so reliable.
