This weekend’s encore starts with a showing at Cranbourne, where the track is currently rated a soft5, with an expectation the forecast will dry out the track as the 8-race program nears start time on Friday. Here’s hoping we can build the bank ahead of an action-packed Saturday at headquarters.
Cranbourne Racing Tips: Friday January 12th
Race 5: R & C Asphalt Hcp (8:15pm) AEST
(2) Royal Fox jumps off the page here for mine as the form horse of the race, on paper it should be winning but as we know anything can play out between the posts. Daniel Stackhouse earns the sit on the 5yo Gelding and with that in mind I’m pleased enough with how it reads at its current price to have a small throw at the stumps.
(4) Highland Hill strikes this race third up, with the extra fitness edge pointing to a forward showing. Both big plusses in my eyes that’ll help aid his chance in running out the trip, which cost him last start.
(5) Ausprit may be ready to roll on after winning out at Seymour last start. If she can negate her tendencies to act up inside the stall and jump with them this time, another victory will not surprise in the slightest.
(2) Royal Fox
$5.50 (2 Units)
Race 6: Procon Developments (8:45pm) AEST
(1) Masterful is expected to trim up even shorter than where it stands in the market to date. Apprentice jockey Luke Cartwright remains in the saddle after saluting on her back last start around the Cranbourne track, this time with a 3kg claim to negotiate. Watch for the locally trained Gelding late if he can find clear galloping room.
(5) The Marg Factor returns first up from a spell with its form after a break likely to deter punters away, but a sound trial has kept me interested in how it’ll handle the trip back in grade and barrier number one at her mercy.
(2) Signal has attracted some strong interest even after two attempts at both the Valley and Caulfield didn’t quite go according to plan. The market push is certainly suggesting a change of fortune is in store for her here over 1300m.
Also Backing: (5) The Marg Factor E/W $7.50/2.15 (1 Unit)
(1) Masterful
$2.70 (3 Units)
Race 7: Grand Ridge Arenas Hcp (9:15) AEST
(1) Midnight Devil jumps off a low draw and with a touch of luck it can head off the favourite and control proceedings from go to woe. More than happy to side with the value runner in this race at the each way price tag that is on offer, knowing it’ll give them something to catch over the 1200m circuit.
(3) Lazy Susan has lost no admirers after its efforts at Flemington and Moonee Valley in the run prior. The Gavin Bedggood trained Mare will sit off the front running pair in a stalking sort of role and if close enough can pounce late
(5) Only The Best has struck winning form but faces its toughest test to date here. Jordan Childs will pilot the 3yo Bay Gelding with a decision to make based on how the race is run tempo wise. Good enough to win Childs plays his cards right.
(1) Midnight Devil E/W
$7/$2.10 (1 Unit)
