DOOMBEN, JAN 18: GRAHAM POTTER SELECTS ...

By Graham Potter | Saturday, January 18, 2014

Regular HRO TIPSTER DAVID FOWLER IS ON LEAVE. Today Graham Potter selects:

Race 1:

A competitive opening event. Two-year-olds in transition are never easy to assess as a couple of runs can bring them some on in leaps and bounds and have others looking for the paddock. BURLEIGH BULLET drops back in to the distance over which he raced soundly when finishing second on debut. Fair last effort. In line for due reward. FREEZETHEMILLIONS should be hitting the line well. Has done that in all three starts so seems sure to be a factor. It could all come down to the timing of his run. None of the others are out of it. Several stand as likely improvers while CRYSTAL MISSILE defends an unbeaten record, albeit at provincial level. No certainties here.

Race 2:

RENEWED VITALITY looks the part but will probably be tested enough to ensure that he has to find that winning commitment in the finish which has eluded him to some degree. VIKING HEART and ACHIEVEMENTS could be the one to pressure the main fancy the most, while DELAGO PILLI looks to represent fair each-way value.

Race 3:

The smart RIVER LAD resumes and, if anywhere near his best, he should take care of his rivals here. The 60kg is a steadying burden but he carries that weight because he has earned it. Has won three out of five first-up and has five wins to his credit over the trip. DE DOZEN STARS is a likely on-pace runner who could set the target in the home straight while SIGNIFIED last effort is best forgiven. He is far better than that. Lastly, always beware the BJ Smith stable. BYMONASHEE is ultra-consistent. Smith never sends them out just to make up the numbers.

Race 4:

There was plenty to like about SECRET GARDEN’s win last time. The previous time she struck form she put together back-to-back wins and she looks capable of doing that again. The ever-game but somewhat luckless Volkhere is holding form well and he should again have a say in the outcome. If the race is run to suit MASSURI, who has yet to win beyond 1500m, could prove the wildcard while any horse bidding for a hat-trick, as ANGUSROY does here, deserves every respect. Beyond that LENTINI MIST could prove best of the rest.

Race 5:

A No Metro Wins Handicap has never been my favourite contest. Eliminated two thirds of the field, with some difficulty, leaving five contenders. PEELINGS was a winner last start after building on some fair previous form. CHOSEN TALENT had to settle for second best last time. If he can repeat that effort over the shorter trip he could go one better here. IONA FAST ONE has won three out of his last five starts which gives him definite claims here. MR THATCHER has shown just enough to rate a threat while TERMS OF TRADE is the big unknown. He has his first run for the Kelso Wood stable and runs fresh after a four-and-a-half month layoff.

Race 6:

FAIRYTALE BELLE secured her Maiden win last start. Steps up here but looks to have the scope to cope with the task. She gets 5kg from SECRET HARMONY at the top of the scale. The latter runner has the form to feature but, apart from a big weight, an awkward barrier draws further complicates his task. ROYAL FINISH could resume with a bang after an eight month layoff. Handle with care. ROJO GRANDE is showing some promise and runs for an in-form stable while MY BOY BRANDO’S first-up effort is best ignored as he was never on the track. At best could surprise them all.

Race 7:

TOP RADA is the benchmark runner here. He has to overcome both the top weight and a poor draw to get a result but on ability shown thus far he looks equal to the task. STAR SAMMY was an unlucky loser last time when denied a hat-trick of wins. It would be no surprise to see him bounce straight back. Can expect more this time from CUM DIVIDEND second-up. Cahill gives the gelding his vote of confidence and the number one draw is another plus. KEEP IT MOIST resumes and should be kept safe. Take note: SAN JOSE is D Browne’s only ride on the card. Must consider on that basis alone. MISHANI PERSUADER and BELIEVE’N’RECEIVE can threaten if the main fancies falter.

Race 8:

BIG DECISION and DOCTOR DAVID are the two that catch the eye here. The former was a winner over 1200m last start. Up in distance but his form could be gaining momentum. Doctor David has a good strike rate and has shown fresh promise this preparation. LITTLE BROWN HORSE is ever-game and she can again be expected to be in the thick of the action when it matters most. Similarly, ALL TAKEN is usually thereabouts. GUNNER KNOX could be the value runner. Second-up is a worry but he does have winning ability in this line-up. MACS’S ADDICTION is another double figure priced runner who is not out of it.

Race 9:

It wasn’t an easy start. It is not an easy finish. BINGO ROSE Has winning form leading into the race but gets a wide draw which does her no favours. Her consistency alone suggests she will contest the finish but there is some doubt as to whether she will get the luck in the running she might need. BY CHOICE will be a big factor if he can make good use of pole position That pattern might not suit him though as he flew from the back last time and obviously relished the chase. CHALUPA has solid city form to recommend his chances. MORE THAN MONEY was another placed eye-catcher last time while COUNTRY COMMAND, BUAKAW and DROP SHOT are others worth a second glance in a long list of possibilities.

QUADRELLA SELECTION:

First leg: 1, 5, 6, 10, 11.
Second leg: 1, 4, 7.
Third leg: 1, 6, 8, 10, 11.
Fourth leg: 4, 6, 7, 13

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