By Nick Berney
SCONE – BEST BET: Race 4 # 15 – Demiana
She was 45 days between runs last start at Rosehill and was honest in defeat, running second and beating the rest easily in a high-rating race. The three-year-old was well-ridden but sprinted strong closing splits relative to the day and produced a career peak figure. Further, the market gravitated towards her heavily on the day and key indicators suggest she will step off this performance. She is a nice type on an upwards ratings spiral and sets up well with a favourable map.
SCONE – BEST VALUE: Race 9 # 5 – Finepoint
Represents value, and she profiles well for this event. Forget her last start in the Group 1 WFA Queen Of The Turf Stakes (1600m), where she wasn't suited on the rain-affected surface and was sharply up in grade. The Chris Waller trained galloper gets multiple factors in her favour here, and back to 1400m off a freshen-up is ideal. In addition, she has an SP edge over some of her main rivals and, throughout the majority of her career, she has run a consistent figure that puts her in the finish of this race. Good each-way.
SCONE – SECTIONAL STAR: RACE 8 # 7 – Waihaha Falls
Got too far back in an even tempo last start in the Group 3 Hall Mark Stakes (1200m) and ran on strongly. Punter's Intelligence recorded he clocked the meeting's quickest 400-200m split in 11.24 and then maintained a strong finishing speed to the line. He is at optimal fitness now and ready to peak third-up. Moreover, he must contend with a tricky draw but may get the track pattern to suit and expect him to be savaging the line.
KEMBLA GRANGE – PROVINCIAL PICK: Race 5 # 2 - Abuela
She was 42 days between runs last start in a Midway Handicap (1100m) and was brave in defeat, running second. The mare showed gate speed, found a nice rhythm, led at a strong tempo and sprinted at the top of the straight. Further, she looked like the winner for the majority of the straight but just tired late. She will be fitter for that effort; both her career wins have come over 1200m on dry ground, and she maps to control the pace. Expect her to take some catching.
All the fields, form and replays for Saturday's Scone meeting