Blacktown Workers Hawkesbury Guineas 1400m - Group 3
This week we head over to Hawkesbury for their only stand-alone Saturday meeting of the year, which features three Group 3 races on the card. One of those races is the Hawkesbury Guineas for the three-year-olds, and we've got comments on every runner along with tips for the race.
The track is currently rated a Good 4 but there is rain predicted in Sydney on Saturday so there is a chance we could see a downgrade throughout the day if the rain hits Hawkesbury.
Let's go through the runners:
SPILL THE BEANS: Recorded a very strong win first up in the Eskimo Prince against some quality opposition but has since struggled. Granted this is easier and he gets the blinkers off today but questions over his ability at 1400m. Don't discount him.
HANDFAST: Really progressive Godolphin horse who has won three of his last four races, the last of which was a decent little race at Randwick three weeks ago. He looks hard to beat from the ideal barrier and he can handle the wet if the rain comes.
NO MORE TEARS: Group 3 winner in NZ who went horribly first up in Australia but bounced back last start when narrowly defeated in a Group 3 at Randwick. That was a good performance and from barrier 6 she should get a great trip today. Much better at 1400m and won't mind any rain. Rates well.
SERENE MAJESTY: Took her a couple of runs to find some form this prep but she showed her ability last start when finishing off nicely behind Handfast, despite being beaten by 5 lengths. Not sure how advantageous barrier 2 will be for her if she gets back so far but she's found form and can go well again.
SUSPENSE: Suffered his first defeat to Handfast last start after four consecutive wins to start his career. That was perhaps due to the wet track so if the rain comes then he might struggle once again. Needs it dry to be competitive.
RED EXTENSION: Two wins and a 2nd to start his career which is respectable but those wins were in maiden grade and Class 1 so this is significantly harder than what he's faced so far. I can't see his form holding up here.
SIR PLUSH: Has recorded three consecutive wins at Orange and Mudgee, the last of which he won in a canter in Class 3. This is significantly harder than what he's been winning against but he's been absolutely jogging in and it wouldn't surprise me to see him run a big race here, but he needs a dry track.
LADY JIVAGO: Ran a good race first up and ran okay last start without impressing. I'd think she would need a firm track to be at her best here but she comes in 3rd up so should be peaking. Won't be getting any of my money though.
DENMAGIC: Been running out of her skin for a while now without winning many and she can be very competitive here. Despite drawing well she will hold a position towards the back of the field and she should handle any rain that comes.
DENPURR: She's drawn awkwardly at all three starts this campaign so I can make one or two excuses for her relatively poor performances so far. With the aid of a good draw here she may be able to run a big race at odds, but she's another that may not appreciate the rain.
Summary
Really hard to go past the favourite Handfast here who has won thre of his last four and won quite comfortably at Randwick last start where he defeated a few of these. From the ideal barrier he rates very highly, especially given he has proven he is just as good on a wet surface.
No More Tears bounced back to form last start and off that performance she can go well again from the good draw. She's another that won't mind a bit of rain, while Denmagic and Serene Majesty can also go well.
Denpurr and Sir Plush are ones to include in wider exotics, though the latter will need a dry track to be competitive.
1st HANDFAST
2nd NO MORE TEARS
3rd SERENE MAJESTY
4th DENMAGIC
Take note: Any of the tips in this article are simply the author’s opinion, so bet at your own risk and always gamble responsibly. Also be sure to check out the Before You Bet Twitter Page for all our thoughts in the lead up to bets! Happy punting!
