Latest News

By Ray Hickson

Tips and race by race preview by Ray Hickson for Sunday’s Muswellbrook meeting. Selections based on a good to soft track.

1. Mazita has the right form on the board to be winning if he can take some advantage of the inside gate. He’s given away big starts in both runs to date here and at Scone and hit the line strongly. Up to 1500m he’ll have his chance.

Dangers: 5. Big Time Charlie shouldn’t be underestimated. He comes through the same race as Mazita and finished alongside him on the line. He’s had a few chances but was placed here three back and no surprise if he’s right in the finish. 3. Master Tyler was in the betting but had a tough run and weakened to finish midfield at Tamworth on Monday. Kinder draw here and a placing is possible. 8. Hot Wok ran a much improved race at Quirindi third-up though still safely held. Place claims.

How to play it: Mazita WIN ($1.70 TAB Fixed Odds). Odds & Evens: ODDS.

Mazita runs third at Scone on May 12

5. Foxtrot Bravo is racing well at this sort of level with his only recent poor showing in a BM78 in town. Tough win at Nowra then hit the lead at Wagga two weeks ago only to be run down late. It’s a decent trip from Kembla to Muswellbrook, he should run well.

Dangers: 2. Yak is a model of consistency and did win at 2400m four starts ago. Last time got there by the bob of the head at Gunnedah over 2000m. Expect he’ll be competitive again. 3. Insider Trader ran third behind Yak at Wellington, his last couple have been fair. Didn’t run on at Wagga last start, has been here and placed before so keep in the mix. 6. Itsagooddeel won at Wyong three back over 2100m to break through, last couple fair. Could be an improver here.

How to play it: Foxtrot Bravo WIN ($6.50 TAB Fixed Odds). Odds & Evens: SPLIT.

Foxtrot Bravo runs third at Wagga on May 4

7. Titration is the logical horse to beat though it has been a while between wins. Nailed late first-up then game effort in a strong Highway at Hawkesbury. Placed at 1400m at Randwick in December so the trip holds no fears. Good chance.

Dangers: 6. Warrah Flash has to rate as the danger. Beat Titration at Beaumont though his two runs since have been fair. Is 1kg worse off at the weights but looks a decent threat again. 5. Lucifer’s Reward was a close fourth in that race in question so his form ties in well. Comes off an easy BM58 win here three weeks ago and is one of the chances. 3. She’s Independent has run back into form with a couple of seconds and she did stick on well when challenged at Taree last time. Can give a sight.

How to play it: Titration WIN ($2.40 TAB Fixed Odds). Odds & Evens: SPLIT.

Titration runs second at Hawkesbury on April 22

3. Yirrkala showed some ability in her first prep and returns without a public trial. Expect she’ll go forward and with the 3kg give a good account up on the speed. Check betting for a push late but she should run well.

Dangers: 1. Florino was far too good on debut as a $1.75 favourite here at the end of March. Freshened up and back the 1000m, that’s the only small concern. He looks to have talent so might be able to overcome it. Major threat. 6. Lago’s Daughter is also back in distance on her breakthrough win at Gunnedah where she sat back and stormed down the outside. Possibly unsuited by the shorter trip but if they’re overdoing it she’ll be strong. 5. Gleditsia has found some form this time in with a win at Orange splitting placings at Wellington. Perhaps her form is a bit weaker but we’ll find out.

How to play it: Yirrkala WIN ($3.90 TAB Fixed Odds). Odds & Evens: ODDS.

Yirrkala’s debut win at Scone

3. Mon Pierre started in the market on debut at Kembla and led before being reeled in and finishing fourth. Not beaten far. Fitter for that, drawn to be prominent and unless a first starter is above average he can go close.

Dangers: 6. Sofie’s Gem is an interesting first starter whose latest trial wasn’t bad albeit in a small field on this track. Drawn soft and any support might be significant. 12. Savvy Statement is another debutant and she wasn’t pushed late in running fourth at Hawkesbury in her last trial. Barrier’s a bit tricky but aided by the claim. Each-way. 13. Storm's End ran on well from the back into second at Dubbo for her best effort in three starts to date. Could improve further.

How to play it: Mon Pierre WIN ($2.10 TAB Fixed Odds). Odds & Evens: SPLIT.

Mon Pierre runs fourth at Kembla on May 6

2. Canny Prospect isn’t far off a win and is well worth keeping safe after a strong finishing second at Newcastle almost a month ago where he weaved through from near the tail. Has the inside gate this time, has drawn wide in all three runs back, and is right in this.

Dangers: 4. Martedi is a well bred gelding on debut for strong trainer/jockey combination. Nice easy win in his only trial and if he’s above average he can be right in the finish. 12. Renewed Impact is a big watch first-up from New Zealand where she raced just once for a second at Rotorua in December. Trials have been okay and in good hands. 11. Rapbidash impressed in her trial win at Gunnedah recently and could also show up.

How to play it: Canny Prospect E/W ($5.50 TAB Fixed Odds). Odds & Evens: EVENS.

9. Extra Smart was rested after her impressive maiden win at Scone back in December where she started favourite and cruised home. Trial winner leading into this and looked in order there. Could be handy and has a good chance to return a winner.

Dangers: 1. Remember Jack broke his maiden status with a runaway win over 900m here in the spring. Started $1.50 when resuming and had his chance at Taree. Fitter for that and entitled to another shot here. 10. Extessive hasn’t raced since late January where she inexplicably failed. Form before that was quite handy and if she’s back to her best she could put herself in the finish fresh. 3. Sacred Field won well over 900m at Newcastle in a maiden then battled a bit on the heavy at Goulburn. Firmer track could suit.

How to play it: Extra Smart WIN ($3.90 TAB Fixed Odds). Odds & Evens: ODDS.

Extra Smart wins a Muswellbrook trial on May 7

All the fields, form and replays for Sunday’s Muswellbrook meeting