Race-by-race preview and tips for Grafton on Sunday
By John Schell
Selections based on a soft track
Race 1 - 12:45PM HOLIDAY COAST MEATS CLASS 1 SHOWCASE HANDICAP (1006 METRES)
5. Exorealm was only lining up for his third race start when he showed improvement to score on a heavy track at Taree when racing on the speed and winning comfortably. He’s drawn to advantage in this and should be in the thick of things from the outset.
Dangers: 3. Jewels Statement was a winner on debut at Ballina and has since finished second at this track and again at Ballina. That form looks strong for a race like this. 4. Laser Beam has solid form and was a winner at Beaudesert three starts ago. He’s since finished second at Ipswich and this track and is one of the leading contenders here.
How to play it: Exorealm WIN.
Cepheus is back to defend his title in the South Grafton Cup.Credit: Getty
Race 2 - 1:20PM GRAFTON HIRE SUPER MAIDEN SHOWCASE HANDICAP (1006 METRES)
2. Cluster’s General has only had three starts but has been placed in both runs since resuming from a spell. He resumed with a second at Coffs Harbour and backed that up with a third at the same track, with both being on heavy surfaces.
Dangers: 6. One Smart Cookie has only had three starts and has performed well enough in each of them with last start second at the Sapphire Coast being a good enough effort to be considered a contender in this. 5. Bobby Is King has been racing well and followed a third at Lismore with a last start fourth at Tamworth. That form looks solid for this.
How to play it: Cluster’s General EACH WAY.
Race 3 - 1:55PM SOUTH GRAFTON EX-SERVICEMEN’S CLUB COUNTRY BOOSTED MAIDEN SHOWCASE PLATE (1410 METRES)
7. So You Can Torque had two trials before debuting with a fifth at Lismore when not beaten too far. He should have derived benefit from that hitout and the step up in distance in this looks made to order.
Dangers: 2. Hezanuff debuted with a fifth at Coffs Harbour late last year then ran third at this track before resuming with a fourth at Lismore last time out. He has the form to be rated a leading chance here. 4. Rock Composer was placed at Murwillumbah when last produced and only needs to run up to that to be rated a chance in this.
How to play it: So You Can Torque WIN.
Race 4 - 2:30PM GOOD INTENT HOTEL CLASS 1 & MAIDEN SHOWCASE PLATE (2220 METRES)
7. Punjabi Landing was only lining up for his fourth start when he broke his maiden to score over 1800m on a soft track at the Sunshine Coast. He looks to have his share of potential and the step up in distance should suit.
Dangers: 1. Castel Trosino finished third at Ballina last time out and has a good overall record which should ensure he is in the mix again in this. 8. Quinky Deel comes into this on the back of a last start fourth at Wyong behind a subsequent winner and warrants serious thought here.
How to play it: Punjabi Landing WIN.
Race 5 - 3:05PM GEORGE’S TREE SERVICES COUNTRY BOOSTED BENCHMARK 66 SHOWCASE HANDICAP (1610 METRES)
1. I Am Good At This has been down on his best form in his latest efforts but has the talent to give this a shake if he can find anything like his best form.
Dangers: 6. He’s A Copy Boy had been racing in solid form without winning before failing to beat a runner home in Highway grade at Rosehill last time out. He can improve sharply in this company. 2. Imperial Hilton wasn’t beaten far when second at Lismore two starts ago, and followed that up with a midfield Newcastle effort. He could be placed here without surprising.
How to play it: I Am Good At This WIN.
Race 6 - 3:45PM GRAFTON TOYOTA ****BIG DANCE ELIGIBLITY*** SOUTH GRAFTON CUP (1610 METRES
2. Diamond Diesel has been racing in great form of late, having won three of his last four starts. He was a winner at Rosehill back in March, then ran fifth in the Takeover Target Stakes at Newcastle. He has since impressed when hitting the line well on each occasion to score over 1400m at Randwick and Warwick Farm, the latest in the Civic Stakes at listed level. He is up in distance for this but is giving the impression it will suit.
Dangers: 1. Cepheus won this race last year. He’s a well performed galloper and will appreciate a better track condition in this. 4. Estadio Mestalla won at Rosehill earlier in the year before running second at Randwick. He’s had two recent runs for a fourth at Randwick before a second to Diamond Diesel in the Civic Stakes and must be respected again here.
How to play it: Diamond Diesel WIN.
Race 7 - 4:25PM DONOVAN LIVESTOCK & PROPERTY CLASS 3 SHOWCASE HANDICAP (1410 METRES)
6. North Of Eli has been thereabouts having been placed in each of his latest three starts. He finished second in two runs at Murwillumbah, then ran third at Doomben last time out in what was a sound effort. He gets his chance to break through with another win in this.
Dangers: 2. Artzino has a solid enough record with a win and three placings from 11 starts. His recent form looks solid leading into a debut in this area. 1. Genetic Freak is a last start winner at the Gold Coast and looms as a leading contender here with a repeat of that.
How to play it: North Of Eli WIN.
Best Bets: Race 3 (7) So You Can Torque; Race 6 (2) Diamond Diesel.
Best Value: Race 2 (2) Cluster’s General.
Supplied by Racing NSW
Full form and race replays available at racingnsw.com.au
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