Belmont Saturday Perth Racing Preview BY JOSH RODDER

Track is a Dead (4) as of Friday lunchtime, penetrometer is 6.2 (Perth measurements are different to those in the Eastern States, because of a different sand-based track).

The rail moves to the nine-metre position. It was 18m midweek (swoopers favoured down middle of track) and 6m last Saturday (leaders favoured for most of day).

There were 12ml of rain on Thursday night and 44ml for the week, with more rain and strong wind expected on Saturday.

According to track manager Gordon Menzies the pad at nine metres is in good shape and the ground is still firm. He predicts that with more rain the surface will be a Dead (5).

FORECAST FOR SATURDAY SHOWERS, WINDY MIN 11 MAX 16 Race 1 – Westspeed 3YO Handicap [57+] 1200m 2:30pm [EST] Lots of natural pace engaged, with solid pressure expected early. Game Plan (6) has shown speed at trials, Sky La Belle (11) should be prominent and I’m Here To Win (8), Hallowell Express (1) (blinkers on) and Simply Mak (10) all capable of being handy in the run. Tricky start to the day with some youngsters having showed glimpses in their first campaigns resuming without trials (Hallowell Express and Comparison (3)), and soft conditions greeting many of these for the first time. I’m sticking with the race-fit I’m Here To Win, who was outsped by Classic Miss at the Belmont midweeks last start when a game second. She is a big, scopey filly who would have come on from that run, and I liked the way she fought hard in the run to the line. The time of the event was excellent, just outside the time run by the impressive Killindini, comparable to the older mare Fine Memories, faster than the highly-rated Thorn Dancer and older horse Finally China, who all won 1200m races on

the same card. Had been very good on debut when making ground behind subsequent winner and WA Guineas contender Black Nijinsky. With that experience under her belt she looks ready to break her duck. Comparison is a Tale Of The Cat half-sister to Brava Fortune resuming without the benefit of a trial. Her debut win was full of merit, but the subsequent form lines are not strong. Her past two runs at the top level can be forgiven, and expect a much more polished filly this time around. She will drift back from her wide gate and finish with a rush. Watch betting. I was quite taken by the Belmont trial second of Impressive Jeuney (9) late last month. She resumes with winkers off and has been entered for the East Coast fillies’ features. Debut run was better than it appears on paper; expect a forward showing fresh. Hallowell Express resumes with blinkers on and showed in his first campaign that he would return a more complete racehorse. The Tiger Hill colt won at Ascot in February and always gave the impression he was still a big kid. Drawn awkwardly, but does have tactical speed to overcome the draw. Loath to dismiss Belmont midweek debut winner Cheval Roi (2), who overcame a sluggish start to run down the red-hot favourite Against The Sky on July 29. (Against The Sky was beaten as favourite again on Wednesday). Simply Mak (10) was strong on resumption (Northam, July 30) when beaten a head by subsequent midweek metro winner Sothern Comfort and will be hitting the line.

THE VERDICT No confidence, but happy to back (8) I’m Here To Win 1 x 2 unit win/place basis and save on (3) Comparison. Include (9) Impressive Jeuney, (1) Hallowell Express, (2) Cheval Roi and (10) Simply Mak in boxed exotics. (11) Sky La Belle can go in wider bet types.

Race 2 – perthracing.com.au Hcp [3YO+] [74-86] 1650m 3:10pm [EST] Small field, with some real quality in the line-up. Genuine tempo will be set by Late Night Flight (6), with the favourite Kasabian (5) prominent and Dress Suit (2) handy. The pressure is sure to be on throughout with Late Night Flight having regular and winning hoop Chloe Chatfield back on board. Hard not to be impressed with the progress Kasabian has made this time in. He has won four of his past five, and has finished out of the money only once (9: 4-2-2) when unable to match the brilliant speed of Darntime earlier in the year at Ascot. He has been well managed by Darren McAuliffe and his back-up stats read well. The ability of this horse to do it at both ends and then find another gear is a great quality. Despite his winning form of late, it still seemed a game to the smart son of Choisir. There were some real positives with his win last week, especially when he was challenged by seasoned horses such as Rocky Range and Zuytdorp – he pinned the ears back and responded. Again he will take up a prime position outside the lead and is the horse they all have to get past. Cohort (1) has returned from a failed Melbourne experiment with two encouraging runs and you would think he is set to peak at his third run back over 1650m. Comes back a grade and that is matched by a 3kg claim by Campbell McCallum. He gets a charmed run, midfield one off the fence, behind a strong speed and will hit the line hard. The big question is he a 3kg apprentice’s horse? Dvoryan (8) is in career-best form and is well placed in a truly run 1650m, with a small field to weave through. He ran on well again last start (fourth to Kim Star over 1400m at Belmont on August 1) following back-to-back barnstorming wins and, down on the minimum, he will be running on strongly again. Veteran former Sydney galloper Dress Suit was ridden aggressively last time to great effect and will be competitive from a box-seat draw. Marine Drive (3) is racing well and Late Night Flight is better than he showed last time.

THE VERDICT Odds dictate whether to keep backing (5) Kasabian, but he is top pick. (1) Cohort is ready to peak and will be closing late. (8) Dvoryan goes in all multiples bets with (2) Dress Suit, (3) Marine Drive and (6) Late Night Flight.

Race 3 – Perth Racing TV Hcp [3YO+] [74-86] 1200m, 3:50pm [EST] Hay List (9) is out to repeat a dominant first-up victory in this field with good depth, high speed and hot pressure engaged. The blinkers come off and winkers go on Hay List and he has such brilliant natural speed that he should lead without much trouble. Cool As Hel (11) and Centrum (3) will be prominent and On The Carpet (6) has the ability to take up a position. Astute local horseman Jim Taylor knows what he has under his care with Hay List and is one of the best managers of a horse program you will find. Still eligible for restricted grade this potential topliner will take small steps before being tried against the fastest horses in this state during the Festival Of Perth Racing summer sprint features. The imposing son of Statue Liberty) blew his opposition away first-up at the beginning of the season, with many pundits declaring he is the next WA sprinting star. Even Taylor found it hard to remain conservative post-race, declaring Hay List the real deal. He is unbeaten (four starts) and should just keep winning as he makes a charge towards open company. Honest sprinter Centrum has been unlucky to run into another speed demon, Ma Ma Machine, at all three runs back, his first two from horror draws when he had to work hard in running. He is one of the highlights on a non-feature day and from a nice draw (6) will get his winning chance. Tudor Lad (10) is hard to fault in what he has shown in seven starts, with four wins and three seconds. Fresh in a fast-run 1200m, he has drawn one and will settle midfield the fence and work to the line strongly. He is a horse to follow as he progresses. The one- dimensional Hide The Loot (5) will get back and run on strongly, but really faces an impossible task to give away such a big start to Hay List.

THE VERDICT Bet with confidence on whatever price they put up on (1) Hay List. (3) Centrum, (10) Tudor Lad and (5) Hide The Loot head the

chasing pack. Include (7) Secret Enigma, (2) Captain Woodrow, (1) Proart and (11) Cool As Hell in wider multiple bet types.

Race 4 – Mediterranean In The Terrace Hcp [3YO+] [Fillies & Mares] [68-80] 1400m, 4:30pm [EST] Solid depth to this mares’ race. It will be run at an even tempo set by grey on-pace mare Fine Memories (7). There does not look like a lot of exposed pressure. Portrait Lass (4), All Class (5) and Mexican Lass (9) have the ability to take up prominent positions. In an open race I believe Ma Chienne (3) is a nice each-way gamble. Has always displayed plenty of natural talent and her only run at Belmont on a rain-affected surface was when placed in the Belmont Oaks. She has been fitted for her first-up essay at 1400m with two Lark Hill trials – both times she was allowed to find her feet before zooming to the line. She made nice progress from her first to her second trial and if she can go back, find a position and get a clear run at the leaders in the straight she may be able steam home over the top of her rivals. Despite not winning first-up her fresh runs have been good enough and the Verglas breed are suited fresh with the fire out of the ground. Big watch on betting moves. Well-bred filly Aplomb (6) has been very good getting back and running on at her two runs back from a spell. There is a lot to like about her last run when wide before making good ground behind in-form sprinter Decryptor. She appears well placed third-up at 1400m against her own kind. All Class was extremely disappointing last start when second-up. Had a ripper end to her three-year-old year and was competitive against the best fillies in the state as she progressed through her grades. Drawn to get a nice run and look for improvement. Fine Memories is an honest mare who will make her own luck on top of the speed and from there can give some cheek. Portrait Lass is racing well, Mexican Lass was better last start than it looks on paper, and I think Jacita (8), barrier 1, is better drawn out.

THE VERDICT Have an each-way gamble on (3) Ma Chienne and save on (6) Aplomb. (5) All Class, on her best form, can win. So can (7) Fine Memories, who will get the right run. (4) Portrait Lass and (9) Mexican Lass would not surprise. Include (8) Jacita, (11) Undertake A Dane and (1) Galldora in multiple bets.

QUADDIE FIRST LEG Race 5 – Become A Perth Racing Member Today Hcp [3YO+] [Entires, Geldings] [68-80] 1400m 5:10pm [EST] Another highly competitive race. Natural front runner Interange (10) will again lead them a merry dance in front, therefore setting a strong tempo. He will keep the pressure on throughout, with swoopers expected to play a part late in the race. Kim Star (5), Decryptor (1) and Happy Chante (3) can be handy to speed. I am looking for some each-way value with Hermosa Corona (8). He was an above-average youngster, who is yet to show his best form for his new yard. Has had four runs back from a spell over 1200m, with his last run by far his best, signalling he is ready to put his best hoof forward. Settled midfield last time behind the in-form Golden Heart and finished off the race well, last 600m in 34.24. That race was run 1.2 seconds quicker than Decryptor completed the 1200m earlier the same day. This time last year Hermosa Coroan was competing against the better class three-year-olds with distinction. The fire out of the ground only enhances his chances. From barrier one with champion jockey Paul Harvey up, I see him settling three back and tracking Decryptor everywhere he goes. If he produces his best he will win. The Maynard stable is hot to trot at the moment, so I’m happy to jump on board. Honest gelding Rocking The Blues (11) ran up to win last time and was just no match with Kim Star late in the race. There is a nice little weight turnaround in his favour against Kim Star, and the conditions will suit him better than Kim Star. From a nice draw he will look the winner again. Decryptor has been ridden to perfection to win his past two starts over 1200m, but the extra 200m is a query. He will settle in a prime spot for in-form hoop Daniel Staeck and is another who will look a winner inside the furlong. Interange showed plenty of fight last week and will give plenty of cheek again. Kim Star failed on a dead 5 two starts back and is a question mark in the conditions. On a form track he is right among the leading chances.

THE VERDICT Suggest an each-way gamble at odds on (8) Hermosa Corona and a saving bet on (11) Rocking The Blues. Decryptor (1), Interange (10) and (5) Kim Star on next

line. Include (7) Storm Closure, (6) Round Tuit, (2) Savage Wolf, (9) Kereign and (3) Happy Chante in wider exotics.

QUADDIE SECOND LEG Race 6 – Westspeed Stayers' Bonus Hcp [68-80] [3yo+] 2200m 5:45pm [EST] It will be like the charge of the Light Brigade to the first corner until positions are settled, then a steady pace will be set with very little exposed pressure. Hazardous Harmony (1), Beyond Repute (4), Telexden (5), Black Print (6), Bodgie Business (7), Kurnall Road (13) and Scanned (15) can all be sent forward. Tactics and pattern of the day will have a vital say in the result. I would like to see a really positive ride from Clint Harvey on Black Print. He has had a good grounding this time in, with three runs in three weeks, the past start his first at the longer middle-distance journey. He was competitive against the best of our staying three-year-olds during the autumn, earning cheques in the Melvista and Derby. The former was after a thumping all-the-way win at Pinjarra over 2000m when he rode the speed throughout. He is a one-paced type who got held up behind runners at a vital stage last time, and with a positive ride in front he can lead all the way. Storm Inthe North (9) also is ready to win after three runs back. He was seen doing his best work late in the same race as Black Print behind Bodgie Business earlier in the month. That race was dominated on the speed and his effort suggested he would be hard to beat in whatever he contested next. This time last year at Belmont, he was able to defeat subsequent Bunbury Cup winner Wicklow Hills over 2200 metres and, if they do gas each other in front, watch for him late. The soft conditions suit and he is nice value. Zuytdorp (3) was back in distance last week when he ran on well from back in the field against stronger opposition. Now he has the grounding of a distance run two starts back, he will be hard to beat. However he does have to give away a valuable weight allowance and a start to lighter-weighted winning chances. Kurnall Road is an emerging staying talent. She battled on strongly on the speed throughout to hold a placing behind Bodgie Business last time. That was her first run at 2000m and she will be further improved. The wide barrier does mean she will need luck in running. The Paul Harvey ride won the race for Bodgie Business last start and he will need similar favours to win again.

Luskin Dancer (2) didn’t see daylight last time and on her best could charge past these in the straight. Telexden was the best of the closers behind Bodgie Business last time and is an outside hope.

THE VERDICT Back both (6) Black Print and (9) Storm Inthe North to win for a result. (3) Zuytdorp is a great winning chance and goes in all win calculations. (13) Kurnall Road, (7) Bodgie Business and (2) Luskin Dancer are on the next line. Include (5) Telexden, (1) Hazardous Harmony, (10) Alister's Hope, (11) Bentonian and (12) Kejo Kara in wide multiples.

QUADDIE THIRD LEG Race 7 – Heytesbury Stud Open Day 16 August Hcp [3YO+] [62-74] 1000m 6:22pm [EST] Back to the 1000m chute, which has been dominated by on-speed runners this season. There is speed to burn and much pressure. Most Secretive (16) near the inside and wide out Metal Flake (7), Foxy Bondy (10) and Miss Timed (12) all have the ability to take up the slack. Maxximus Dignitas (2), Bluff Point (1), Alchemic (4) and Blizzard Ridge (13) can be handy. With the conditions expected and the high speed, we may see our first off-the-speed 1000m Belmont winner – gifted mare Rose Of Dante (3) resumes and has the ability to sit in a prominent spot from gate five. She bled last start, when a well-beaten favourite at Ascot in May. I believe that horses returning from bleeding-enforced suspensions do fly first-up, and following her impressive trial win at Belmont earlier in the month she is ready to fire. She sat wide on the speed in her trial and was still able to win in the fastest heat recorded for the morning. She is a big mare who will handle the 58kg on a compressed weight scale. She is a winner at her only start at this track/distance and is unbeaten on dead tracks from two tries. Diminutive mare Miss Timed is a natural talent that has been given a horror draw of 20. If she is able to find a spot near the speed, without doing much work, she will be hard to toss with her light weight. Last start she was unable to match powerhouse Hay List and is well graded here. Metal Flake is another speed horse drawn wide (19). He is in great form and was very brave last start at the midweeks.

The blow-out horse could be Radiant Prince (8), who was enormous first-up for his new stable two starts back, flashing home for second behind Ma Ma Machine. He will be suited by a high-pressure 1000m, so watch for him late. There are several other runners that would not surprise, including Classofherown (5), Bluff Point, Maxximus Dignitas, Let’s Go Secret (11), Foxy Bondy (10) and Pak In Black (6).

THE VERDICT Keen on the chances of (3) Rose Of Dante so bet confidently. Include in all bets (12) Miss Timed, (7) Metal Flake, (8) Radiant Prince, (5) Classofherown, (1) Bluff Point, (2) Maxximus Dignitas, (11) Let's Go Secret, (10) Foxy Bondy and (6) Pak In Black.

QUADDIE FOURTH LEG Race 8 – Ascot Vale Estate Hcp [80+] [3YO+] [Open] 1400m, 6:57pm [EST] Great way to finish the day with some quality open-class gallopers doing battle. It will be a fast-run race with the speed set by Mclurch (1), with oodles of pressure to come from Comic Hero (4), Sleepwalk (10) and Another Clanger (11). Not an easy assignment to find the winner here, so again shopping for value. I thought Reflective Star (6) third-up from a break had found the right race. He is now in the hands of his trainer/owner Mark Peters. Not suited first-up at 1400m, before sneaking home along the rails last start in the Belmont Newmarket when seventh behind Escadaire. Staeck returns to the saddle and he really clicks with this horse. He will be suited by the fast speed, saved for one late burst. His form this time last year in similar races was very good and his fitness levels should be adequate at this stage of his campaign. A nice way to finish the day with a long-priced winner. Mclurch is the horse they all have to get past. This veteran front-runner led throughout to win a midweek 1MW over the same course last start and loves these conditions. He will be allowed to roll by 3kg apprentice Talia Maor and throughout his career he has been a wonderful kid’s horse with several of David Harrison’s apprentices have metro success on the gelding. Comic Hero is suited back to 1400m, where he will trail Mclurch and look the winner at some stage in the straight, however 57.5kg does seem to nullify his style of racing.

Oroya Gold (3) is a one-dimensional type who always needs luck coming from back in the field. In a fast-run race he will be able to relax and find the line, he just needs a clear passage. Superscenic (2) continues to do his best under difficult circumstances due to handicapping restrictions. From a good draw he has claims.

THE VERDICT Back (6) Reflective Star and (1) Mclurch for a result. Winning claims to (4) Comic Hero, (3) Oroya Gold and (2) Superscenic. Include (10) Sleepwalk, (8) Sky Drama, (7) Sentenza, (9) Tearinupthecountry, (11) Another Clanger and (13) Metro Miss in wider bet types.

BEST BET Race 3: (9) Hay List

Race 7: (3) Rose Of Dante

VALUE BET Race 4: (3) Ma Chienne e/w

QUADDIE (50C UNIT) 1,2,5,6,7,8,9,10,11/2,3,5,6,7,9,13/3,12/2,3,4,5,6 ($315) 1,8,10,11/2,3,5,6,7,9,13/3/2,3,4,5,6 ($70) 1,8,11/Field/3/1,6 ($48) Tune in to all the racing action from the west with the Pr.com. Get access to all Western Australia's metropolitan and country race and trial replays, Perth Racing preview show, trial reports and much more. Log on to www.perthracing.com.au for more details. Good luck and good punting! Josh Rodder