Ascot, Perth, January 17, 2009 FIRST LEG 3.35 WA

time SECOND LEG 4.15 WA time

THIRD LEG 4.57 WA time FOURTH LEG TIME

Energyhouse Hcp, 3YO, 1400m This is a race of promising boys and girls, and very difficult to match the form; making it more difficult is the fact that a maiden filly, (13) Simplyirresistible, is first up after an amazing second to the smart Cassandara Shadow over 1400m at Belmont on August 30, and has not been seen at the trials. That run was so impressive – she made up five lengths in the last 150m –we’re inclined to put her right up at the top, despite the wide gate, and the lack of racing. Right up there, and fitter, must be (1) Shajezar, who followed a most unlucky fourth to Videro and last week’s all-the-way winner Kim Coin, with two strong wins at Pinjarra. He comes in 0.5kg over the limit after the claim, and has great turn of foot. Well suited here. (2) Fremantle was very strong at Pinjarra over 1200m, before leading and fighting hard when 2nd to the swooper, Search Me, at Ascot (1200m) on Dec 27. Well-suited by the 1400m. (3) Scenic Link was very strong to the line when second to Magic Eight over 1200m here last week, and the extra trip will suit. (6) Reason To Laugh, (7) Jeverre, (9) Admiring and (5) Need Luck have claims.

13,1,2,3 – 6,7 – 9,5

Kalgoorlie Sprint, F&M, 1200m Here’s the rub: (1) Princess O’Lara, who has the form and the class (6 wins from 28), has never won two in a row. Her last-start strong finish and win over Rose Of Dante, Dance Across and (11) She’s Royalty had all the performance ratings to suggest she can win again; but that record? We’re inclined to suggest that this is a field leg, with every runner having some claims. If that’s not possible, we’ll suggest (9) Peppi’s Pride (particularly if she is taken to the lead, a new and attractive form of racing for the 7YO) and the promising (4) Dane Smile, who had every chance when second to Flight Path over 1200m at Pinjarra on Jan 7, but the winner may be very good. (3) Clarecastle trialled impressively winning over 1000m at Belmont on Jan 5, and, although this is a big class jump, (7) La Belle Jeune was strong at the line when second to Kriso Melli over 1200m at Ascot on Dec 27. The draw doesn’t help (2) French Favorite, but she has a class factor over most of these. Although her recent form doesn’t look strong, it is better to consider a win and four placings from her last six, back to May last year.

1,2,9,4 – 11,3 – 7

Aircon Mart Hcp, 3YO+ (0-86) 1100m The safe form line for this even affair seems to be through the Summer Scorcher – a 1000m scamper that lived up to its name when Danny Beau ran a state record for the journey, beating a closing Star Laser (won here on Wednesday), the front runner (6) Formal Attire and (2) Centrum, who looked likely to get second, but tired. Formal Attire was first up after 15 months, but had trialled well. He’ll lead and must be included. (1) Stratazoa, an 8YO, chased home the flying Dante’s Volonte at his past two, and is well in with the claim. Then we have promising 4YOs, (12) On The Carpet and (3) Broome Time. Of that duo, we’re excited about On The Carpet, who was dominant in a 950m trial at Lark Hill on Dec 29, then was even more impressive over 1000m down the straight at Pinjarra on Jan 9. That was a 0-73 event, but was a field of quality, and his win was so soft. This is a big class rise, but this is a very smart sprinter. Broome Time has won five from 13, with three from nine at Ascot, but may need it longer. Include (4) Diamond Highway and (5) Dane Crusher if going wider.

12,2,6 – 1, 3 – 4,5

Wanneroo Gas &Air Hcp, 3YO+ (0-79) 1400m There’s a lot of form in this race, but we’re going to be bold and make it a match in two – (2) Double Barrel and (6) Chance In Time. Both ran in a 0-73 1200m event at Bunbury on Jan 4, with Double Barrel wide throughout and winning impressively first up, and Chance In Time having no chance, hemmed in, squeezed, squashed throughout, eventually finishing sixth, 2 ½ lens ($2.50) from the winner. Forget he ran. His previous two runs here were great form for this event, and with Pike back in charge, we really like his chances. However, let’s not forget Double Barrel; his first-up run was reminiscent of his amazing win at Belmont (1600m) on July 19, when he was four and five deep the whole trip, and was still able to hold out Flirtson and (4) Stramos. That run is etched in our minds as one of the great performances of the year, in any grade. Stramos battled for fourth to Dante’s Volonte (1200m) here on Jan 1, at his second run back. He won one of eight last time in. Others with chances: (7) Dance Across, (12) Coiled Spring, (15) Neige.

2, 6 – 4, 12, 7, 15

FOCUS ON FOURTH LEG THE PLAYS (for a 50c unit)

$32 13, 1, 2, 3/1,2,9,4/12,2,6,1/2

$64

13, 1, 2, 3/1,2,9,4/12,2,6,1/2,6

$64 13,1,2,3,6,7,9,5/1,2,9,4/12,2,6,1/2

$140 13,1,2,3,6,7,9,5/1,2,9,4,11,3,7/12,2,6,1,3/2

We’ve forecast the need to go wide, very wide in the first three legs, and we’re going to be brave with a very confident push for two runners in the last – (2) Double Barrel and (6) Chance In Time. For those who have a perthracing.com.au account, please check out the wins of Double Barrel at Belmont on July 19 and first up at Bunbury on January 4. You’ll feel very confident of his chances. But perhaps temper your enthusiasm a little by saving on Chance In Time. $280 13,1,2,3,6,7,9,5/1,2,9,4,11,3,7/12,2,6,1,3/2,6

OUR FAVOURED BET $280 13,1,2,3,6,7,9,5/1,2,9,4,11,3,7/12,2,6,1,3/2,6