DOOMBEN, DECEMBER 20: DAVID FOWLER SELECTS ...

By David Fowler | Saturday, December 20, 2014

Form assessed for an expected upgrade to a good 4.

RACE ONE:

A drop back in distance is not ideal for SAGA OF THE STORM (13) but I thought her debut run at 1200m was sound. Hardest to beat. MADOTTI (2) makes a late MM surge in this. Did nothing wrong early season. SWEET REPEAT (3) is your leader but will fade late. Rough chances 1 and 6.

RACE TWO:

SHOTOVER RIVER (1) has been solid past 2 runner-up runs at this track and this field is no harder. Fawke’s 3kg claim is significant. ROCBOLT (8) might be one on the way up and M.Cahill plus one alley are advantages. MORE THAN A HOLIDAY (4) should have finished closer last time out. Value hope. Rough chances 3, 6, 11 and 13.

RACE THREE:

ROYAL JESTER (4) was quite professional this track and trip a month ago and should be afforded a good run in transit here. TORNADO MISS (7) is a last start track and trip winner and gets all the favours off the inside alley. KURTLEY (1) goes forward in his races and is very consistent. Rough chances 2, 3, 6 and 10.

RACE FOUR:

JUMBO PRINCE (1) is today’s best bet. Profiles strongly for this race at a distance that really suits him. Don’t consider it a strong race. GID UP STROP (9) was sound latest D’bn 4th but has to make up two lengths on JUMBO PRINCE. ELITIST (4) will be on pace and can run top three. Rough chances 3, 7 and 12.

RACE FIVE:

REAL FAVULOUS (12) is terrific value at $13 or $14 fixed. Well weighted, rolls forward and latest track and trip 3rd was solid. FRIENDLY DRAGON (5) chased hard behind Whiskey All Round here a fortnight ago at 1200m so extra 150m is spot on. HANDYMAN BOB (3) keeps running well. Rough chances 1 and 2.

RACE SIX:

FINISHING CARD (4) has a great chance here around $9 fixed. The one alley is a big plus, should be able to settle 3rd or 4th. Easier than latest Group 3 run when drew poorly and previous track and trip 2nd was excellent. TUKIYO (9) will secure a good trip here and be competitive while DOCTOR DAVID (10) is a late finisher. Rough chances 3 and 8.

RACE SEVEN:

It’s a big leap but I think WHISKEY ALLROUND (8) can lead all the way. Flying this campaign. BIG MONEY (1) has a great strike rate but can he run 135om with 59.5kg. Similarly, CAPE KIDNAPPERS (2) runs at 1350m for the first time with a wide gate to contend with. Rough chances 3, 4, 5, 7 and 11.

RACE EIGHT:

Wide open. CRAIGLEA CRUZ (3) is in-form with a good gate and a 3kg claim so the $9 or $10 fixed looks appealing. PLATEAU GOLD (1) is worth watching 1st-up., FAITH N COURAGE (4) keeps running good races and will finish late. Rough chances 2, 5, 7, 8, 14, 15 and 17.

BEST BET: JUMBO PRINCE (Race 3)

BEST EACHWAY: FINISHING CARD (Race 6)

BEST ROUGHIE: REAL FAVULOUS (Race 5)

QUADRELLA: 1, 2, 3, 5, 12 / 3, 4, 8, 9, 10 / 1, 2, 3, 4, 8 / 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 15, 17

David Fowler