Now that the Sydney Spring carnival has come to a close we move north to Newcastle this Saturday. Today will see another running of The Hunter with a cracking field assembled while there are strong support races across the afternoon.
The weather has been warm and sunny all week and we should be racing on a good 4 come the start of the first.
Billy Bestford is back once again to bring you his best bets and race previews for all the key races.
Newcastle Racing Tips - Saturday November 12th
Race 3
Pretty keen on (1) French Bonnet who brings an unbeaten 2nd up record into this race today. She was very good against the boys first up and this looks a much easier race. She has a great record this track and trip and is aided by a claim for Tyler Schiller.
(2) Short Shorts looks the obvious danger and is on the quick backup after a dominant win at Rosehill. Clearly she is flying but I’m not sure she will get as easy a time in the lead here.
(3) Miss Madison is another horse who is going very well. She comes out of a strong race behind Waterford and will be suited dropping to 1400m.
(4) Thalassophile has a good fresh record and while she can mix her form, her best is good enough for this.
(1) French Bonnet
$4.50 (1 unit)
Race 4
(8) King Frankel is an up and coming stayer and I think he gets his chance to measure up to some better horses now. Dropping from 59kg down to 50.5kg here will see him with every chance and he has been impressive in every start since arriving in Australia. He only looks as if stepping out over further ground will suit him so up to 2300m suits.
(4) Sound Of Cannons looks a big price for mine. Ran on very strongly last Saturday to finish a close 2nd and the quick backup here tells me he is going well. Berry takes over which is a tick.
(6) Gin Martini has been building towards a peak run over this sort of trip and ticks a lot of boxes today. Drops 5kg off last week’s run and 4th up should be set to peak.
(1) Kukeracha has group one form around him from the last start run. Hasn’t won for a while but this looks an easier race for him.
(3) Chalk Stream could show big improvement finally getting onto a dry track.
(8) King Frankel
$3.10 (2 units)
Race 8
The feature race of the day sees a strong lineup of horses contest the $1 million The Hunter.
(6) Vilana goes on top for me following a complete forgive run in the Golden Eagle when drawn the car park and never a hope. Was dominant in the Silver Eagle the start prior and draws much kinder today. Nash sticks for the ride and I think he is a big chance to bounce back.
*SCRATCHED* If (18) Through The Cracks can sneak into the field he looks a great value chance. Has a cracking record here at Newcastle and should strip fitter 2nd up. Rising to 1300m looks a big positive and draws a great barrier.
(4) Gem Song was beaten less than 2L in the Sydney Stakes first up and looks well placed in a race like this. Likes racing at Newy.
(5) In The Congo just couldn’t run out a strong 1500m in the Golden Eagle but looks a huge chance here back in trip. Went within a nose of winning the Sydney Stakes fresh and should be ready to peak now.
Getting onto a dry deck will suit (1) Apache Chase who has improved at each run this prep. A lack of speed here will see him every chance up on speed.
(6) Vilana
$6.00 (1 unit)
Race 9
(1) Waihaha Falls will still have to lump 61.5kg after the claim but looks very tough to beat in a BM88. Was arguably the run of the race in the Sydney Stakes off the back of some sharp trials and just looks the best horse in this race. With even luck he should be winning.
Don’t want to lose on (18) Democracy Manifest because his run last start was enormous. Only got clear running late and exploded through the line. Looks nicely placed dropping in the weights from a good draw.
(11) Cotehele comes out of that same race and was too good for them there. Probably doesn’t get it run to suit here but is going very well.
(8) Jojo Was A Man can usually sprint well enough fresh and measure up in some deep races last prep.
(12) Loch Eagle found the Golden Eagle a bit tough but the first up win was enormous. Wouldn’t shock to see him bounc back dropping in grade.
Waihaha Falls
$2.70 (2 units)
