By Nick Berney
GOSFORD – BEST BET: Race 1 # 4 – Snapback
Resumed at Warwick Farm 17 days ago and only had one trial leading into that event. The two-year-old had multiple factors against that day where he drifted back from a tricky draw, raced wide and had to make a long sustained effort with nothing to bring him into the race. Further, he sprinted the race's quickest 600m-200m split before peaking on his run over the concluding stages. The Snowden trained galloper will have benefited significantly from that outing, and the late market trade also suggested that he would improve. He is well-educated and receives a much more positive race setup allowing him to settle closer. He represents value at the current price.
GOSFORD – BEST VALUE: Race 5 # 14 – Viadelamore
His run had hidden merit last start at Kensington, where he wasn't suited by the pace of the race and was blocked at key stages in the straight. However, once clear over the final stages, his last few bounds suggested he is ready to improve. The four-year-old stretches out to a preferred trip over 2100m and finally gets onto a dry surface, where he produces his peak figures. He must contend with a tricky draw but is ready to peak third-up and expecting him to perform above current market expectations. Each-way.
GOSFORD – SECTIONAL STAR: Race 3 # 2 - Turning
Had no luck whatsoever last start at Kensington in a similar grade race but still clocked one of the fastest final 600m sectionals of the meeting in 34.25. He was held up for most of the straight and arguably should've won. The four-year-old will be fitter for that, the extra distance is ideal, and this looks like a real set play by the stable, with the gelding having a fantastic second-up record.
KEMBLA GRANGE – PROVINCIAL PICK: Race 3 # 4 – Sinner
Resumes and has had three trials leading into this assignment. First-up last prep, he was restrained from a wide draw and got too far back in the run but closed off well. Moreover, he ran hidden closing splits relative to his finishing position and clocked one of the meeting's fastest final 200m sectionals. To add further merit to his performance, that race rated highly relative to the day and there have been two subsequent winners to confirm the form. He looks to have come back improved, entering his second prep and receiving key gear changes. Additionally, he maps well and can sprint fresh. Each-way.
All the fields, form and replays for Saturday's Gosford meeting