With the spring officially coming to an end, we find ourselves with a quieter weekend ahead, albeit still with runners in two country cups.
Friday, December 2
Randwick Kensington
Current Track Rating: Good
Cloudland
Cloudland is out to continue his winning run despite a less than ideal lead up into this race. He lands here six weeks between runs but has a great base of fitness underneath him. He’ll see good ground for the first time on race day but we are expecting him to appreciate that, and if he’s afforded some luck early, can be making his presence felt late.
Race 7 – 7:00pm | 1400m CG&E BM72 | T: Kris Lees | J: Glyn Schofield 56kg | Barrier 11 | Saddlecloth 15
Saturday, December 3
Pakenham
Current Track Rating: Soft
Future Score
Future Score heads into the Pakenham Cup third-up, after an encouraging start to his campaign. He came through his gallant effort in the Ballarat Cup in great shape, and should be further improved heading into Saturday.
Race 7 – 4:20pm | 2500m Listed Pakenham Cup | T: Matt Cumani | J: Fred Kersley 55kg | Barrier 1 | Saddlecloth 3
Chicago Bear
Chicago Bear was terrific in his Australian debut on Champions Day, without being afforded much luck in the run home. The Busuttin & Young team have been delighted with his progress since that run and are expecting a forward showing on Saturday. Hopefully, the breaks will open for him at the right time on Saturday from the inside draw.
Race 7 – 5:40pm | 1600m BM78 | T: Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young | J: Blake Shinn 59.5kg | Barrier 2 | Saddlecloth 5
Gold Coast
Current Track Rating: Soft
Holstein
Holstein has been performing better than the results sheet suggests and is met with a big drop in class here. He’s been a tricky horse in the past who often mixes his form, but he’s done nothing but please at home. The wide alley at least means he’ll be outside horses, hopefully proving strong in the finish now he’s at peak fitness.
Race 8 – 5:50pm | BM68 | T: Matthew Dunn | J: Luke Dittman 58.5kg | Barrier 15 | Saddlecloth 4
Sunday, December 4
Werribee
Current Track Rating: Good
Vardani
It has become quite clear that the key to this fellow is good ground, which he will get in Sunday’s Werribee Cup. Whilst his form on paper has been just fair this time in, he gets his chance to put his best foot forward on a surface to his liking and up to his preferred trip.
Race 8 – 4:55pm | 2000m Werribee Cup | T: Archie Alexander | J: Declan Bates 55kg | Barrier 12 | Saddlecloth 8
Best of luck to all connections!