We kick off our coverage of the Perth Spring Racing Carnival with a preview of Ascot this Saturday and the two Group 3 races of the day - the WA Champion Fillies Stakes and the RJ Peters Stakes.
Our horse racing expert Tim is a Perth local with an intimate knowledge of the Perth racing scene, so we are hoping for a few winners with his horse racing tips during this carnival. Don't forget to keep an eye out on our Twitter feed for updated tips and commentary throughout the day.
WA Champion Fillies Stakes
The first Group 3 of the day in what is essentially the lead up day to Day 1 of the Perth Spring Racing Carnival. This contest for the 3YO fillies over the mile looks a race in two between Blackwood and Perfect Reflection, despite owner Bob Peters having half the field entered.
BLACKWOOD: Really keen on this filly. I had a message before her first up run this prep saying she was lighting up the track during trackwork and it took until she got over 1400m last start for us to really see that. She belted the field despite racing in an unfamiliar position outside the leader. The step up to 1600m will suit her down to the ground and from barrier 3 she can sit right behind the leader. Think she can turn the tables on Perfect Reflection.
PERFECT REFLECTION: The pick of the Bob Peters/Grant Williams horses and we know as much given William Pike takes the ride. She's undefeated and her win last start proved she has the class to win this. Missed a run in the lead up to this due to a little issue and she's now had 24 days between runs which puts a slight query on her fitness. Barrier 8 or 8 is also a little spanner in the works. If she wins here she will prove she is very good indeed.
SPIRIT BIRD: Beaten 2.5 lengths by Blackwood last start and has to give her an extra 1.5kg in the weights today so looks unlikely that she will be turning the tables.
ARCADIA DREAM: Second pick of the Peters/Williams horses and despite narrowly beating home Blackwood two starts ago, she was beaten 2.25L by her last start. She's another that gives Blackwood a 1.5kg swing in the weights so unlikely she can win.
ESPERANCA: Took on the older horses last start and ran reasonably well at a big price but she's not as good as the top fillies in this race and looks to be aiming a bit high.
IMPASSIONED: Has put two consecutive wins together, both as short priced favourites. Big step up in grade and doesn't look as classy as her stablemates.
WAR BLOSSOMS: Finished 3rd to Perfect Reflection three starts ago after leading at a good tempo. She steps up from 1200m to 1600m and I doubt she will get the trip at the first time of asking.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS: Comes to town after breaking her maiden in Bunbury last start. She cost a bit of money as a yearling and she may have a bit of a future ahead of her but at only her third start this is a tough ask! Drawn to get a good run.
Summary
Very keen on Blackwood here.
1st BLACKWOOD
2nd PERFECT REFLECTION
3rd FIRST IMPRESSIONS
4th ARCADIA DREAM
RJ Peters Stakes 1500m
Another interesting little race that looks like being fought out by those few at the top of the market. Once again the team of Peters/Williams/Pike hold a strong hand with Battle Hero but competition comes in the way of Hazzabeel who is ready to peak.
TOWER OF LONHRO: Always takes two runs to get fit and he will need this run today before stepping up to 2000m. Look out for him next start as he is undefeated from 4 starts when 3rd up from a spell!
ASK ME NICELY: Winner of the Boulder Cup in Kalgoorlie two starts back but he's since been for a short break and is on a Perth Cup campaign so this is much too short.
BATTLE HERO: Runner up in the Northam Cup last start as the $1.50 favourite. Have to say it was a disappointing defeat. He's nominated for the Railway Stakes so he'd want to be winning this. Looks a great chance but his defeat last start has turned me off him here.
FULGUR: First start in WA after being transferred over from Chris Waller. His best racing is usually done over 2000m and he normally takes a few runs to get fit. My best advice would be watch the market as this is a betting stable.
GOLDBO: Ran well first up from a break when finishing 2nd over 1400m against the girls. Takes on the boys here but she will strip fitter for that run and is sure to get a nice run from barrier 1. Place hope at $81.
HAZZABEEL: Ready to fire today and has no excuses. Was the talk of the town last prep when easily winning all three of her starts but needs to deliver here. Last start was encouraging when she ran 3rd behind a star horse called Real Love. The 1500m suits and 4th run back from a spell he should be peaking. Barrier 4 means he should get a great run for Lucy Warwick. Happy to be backing him.
MY SISTER LIL: Finished 2nd behind the star Real Love last start, in front of Hazzabeel. She came from last that day and from barrier 9 she will have to do the same. Not convinced she will run a strong 1500m though. Looks short enough.
OPERATIONAL: Resumes from a short break after competing over 2300m in the Kalgoorlie Cup. This will be too short.
REPSONDENT: WA Derby winner going back a few preps and that was over a horse called Itsahymn who has struggled since. Didn't come up last prep apart from his 2nd placing behind the handy Fuschia Bandana. First up over 1500m is a big ask but gets in pretty light for the first time in a long time. Runner to watch going forward but not here.
Summary
Hazzabeel looks set to peak today and has no excuses. Today is D-day for him and if he's not on song this race has Battle Hero written all over it.
1st HAZZABEEL
2nd BATTLE HERO
3rd GOLDBO
4th MY SISTER LIL
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!
