Scone Sunday: Your Winning Race Previews

The racing season is in full swing, and with a heavy track predicted, punters will need to be strategic with their selections. Here’s a breakdown of the contenders and potential winners across the day’s races.

Race 1: Fresh Talent on Display

This opening race features several debutants and horses looking to break their maiden status.

7. Flirtation: This Snitzel filly showed promise on debut, finishing second at this track just over two weeks ago. Having had the benefit of a race experience, she’s well-placed to go one better and claim victory.

* 9. Little Miss Sass: A newcomer to the racetrack, Little Miss Sass has completed two barrier trials, with a respectable performance in her latest outing. She’s one to watch closely in her first official start.
* 11. Supido Star: A recent placegetter at Quirindi, Supido Star has demonstrated the ability to be competitive. A repeat of that performance could see her in contention again.
* 5. Bees Knees: Another debutante, Bees Knees, comes into this race after finishing third in a trial at Muswellbrook. Her trial form suggests she could be a factor.
Tip: Flirtation to win.

Race 2: Promising Debuts and Resumes

The second race presents a mix of horses making their debut and those resuming from a spell, with several showing strong trial form.

2. Terrawatt: This Nicconi colt makes his debut after a solid preparation of barrier trials. He finished fifth in his latest trial on the Beaumont track at Newcastle and, with Aaron Bullock in the saddle, is expected to perform well.

* 3. The Breakers: Having finished second on debut at Newcastle, The Breakers is poised for another strong showing. His first-up run indicates he’s ready to contest the finish.
* 9. Kursaal: Kursaal has impressed in her two trials, winning her latest outing at Warwick Farm. This suggests she’s well-prepared for her first official race and is a genuine contender.
* 10. Sambuca Sky: A previous third-place finisher on debut at this track back in January, Sambuca Sky has since won two trials. She appears fit and ready for her return to racing.
Tip: Terrawatt each way.

Race 3: Experience and Potential

This race sees a blend of horses with solid recent form and those looking to recapture past glories.

12. Moana Gold: Moana Gold boasts a consistent record, with three placings before finishing sixth and fourth at Wyong in her most recent starts. If she can replicate her earlier form, she will be very difficult to beat.
5. Seditio: Making his debut after two trials, Seditio is considered a strong chance. His trial performances indicate he possesses the necessary ability to be competitive at this level.
6. The Prospect: Resuming from a spell, The Prospect has shown enough talent in the past to suggest he can make a significant impact in this race.
4. Mega Pixel: After a first-up run that saw him finish well back, Mega Pixel is expected to show considerable improvement. He has the capacity to surprise.
Tip: Moana Gold to win.

Race 4: Consistent Performers and Strong Formlines

A competitive race where consistency and recent wins are key indicators.

1. Aussie Nation: Aussie Nation has been in excellent form, with four second placings and a recent victory at Gosford. With a favourable draw and Aaron Bullock back in the saddle, he is a strong contender to win again.
7. Prince Is Game: A dominant winner at Taree last start, Prince Is Game is expected to be a prominent force in this race if he can reproduce that performance.
8. Spacetime Legend: This galloper finished strongly to win at Newcastle last start and appears capable of featuring in the finish once more.
2. Scottish Pearl: A last-start fourth at Hawkesbury, Scottish Pearl demonstrated good form and has claims for a place in this competitive field.
Tip: Aussie Nation to win.

Race 5: Proven Winners and Persistent Challengers

This race features a past winner and several horses who have been knocking on the door.

2. Hulu: Hulu was a winner at Tamworth three starts back and comes into this race following a solid third behind Shotgun Bella at this track. That recent form is very encouraging.
5. Hellcibell: Despite being unplaced in three runs since her spell, Hellcibell has been running consistently and deserves significant consideration.
6. King Larry: King Larry has been placed in his last two starts, indicating he is in good touch and capable of being in the mix again.
10. Eighty Eight Stars: A respectable run at Gunnedah last time out suggests Eighty Eight Stars is a genuine place chance in this event.
Tip: Hulu to win.

Race 6: In-Form Mares and Resuming Talent

This race showcases a mare in good form and others returning from spells with promising trial runs.

2. Athena’s Treasure: Athena’s Treasure has been performing well, with placings at Newcastle and Muswellbrook before a close-up sixth in the Northern Wild Card for the Country Championships. Fresh for this, she’s expected to finish strongly.
6. It Stays In Vegas: A winner at Gunnedah before her spell, It Stays In Vegas resumed with a third in a recent Muswellbrook trial, indicating she’s ready for a competitive return.
4. Crook: With an impressive record of four wins from eight starts, Crook resumes from a spell. Her victories at Orange and Bathurst late last year mark her as a serious contender.
11. Shoutaboutit: A capable mare, Shoutaboutit could provide some cheek and potentially cause an upset without it being a complete surprise.
Tip: Athena’s Treasure to win.

Race 7: Resuming Contenders and Improved Form

The final race of the day features horses looking to build on recent improvements and those resuming with strong credentials.

9. Parfumier: Parfumier showed grit and determination to secure a dead-heat victory at Taree last start. While an improvement on previous form, she has always possessed ability, and this race looks well within her reach.
1. Whateley: Whateley has been consistent without winning recently, including two eighths in Highway grade and a fourth at Newcastle. His second at Mudgee four starts back suggests he can figure in the placings.
2. Pontevedra: After a flat run on resuming, Pontevedra is expected to improve significantly. Her two consecutive wins at Muswellbrook last October and November position her as a leading contender based on that form.
4. Smart Buy: Smart Buy finished ahead of Pontevedra when they last met at this track, indicating she can produce a strong performance against this field.
Tip: Parfumier each way.

Best Bets:

Race 5: (2) Hulu
Race 6: (2) Athena’s Treasure

Best Value:

Race 2: (2) Terrawatt