Originally Posted by
aussiebreno
Heat 1.
He wouldn't be crossed if he wants to lead, but of some minor concern would be something gassing him early in order for him to hold that lead. Regardless Pitt should be able to adjust to any challenges. Focus Stride and Wolf Stride will need some tarmac at some stage but aren't without a hope of picking up place points however the place points should be going to Act Now who hopefully doesn't experience too tough a run and Expensive Ego. I don't think you could back anything though unless its an interest bet on the Stride horses.
After thinking Mach Dan would win and Act Now and Ego would pick up the place points I wasn't far wrong, but Act Now and Ego decided to run almighty races and cement themselves as easily part of the top 5 horses in the series. Hard to be disappointed with Mach Dan running just outside track record just found two stars tonight
Heat 2.
Tango Tara should do enough to hold out Bettor Call Me who I think once doesn't find the pegs will find it hard. BBTB isn't known for gate speed so Zuess Bromac should get across easy enough. Whether thats to cross Tango Tara, or to let Alta Orlando go and then cross won't matter, Zuess Bromac should end up getting an easy lead and from there he's going to be mighty tough to run down and is probably the win bet of the heats. Majestic Cruiser could end up in a precarious spot from that draw (especially if Stewards warn drivers and take appropriate action about blatant cheating) while Spirit of St Louis is probably a little suspect with that draw. Trifectas mainly around Zuess and Honolua and neglecting Cruiser/Louis could be a play here.
Trifecta around Zuess and Honolua was the right play but Cruiser managed to get out into the running line to spoil the result. Honolua and Cruiser the two to take out of it, Zuess slightly disappointing. Louis shows at this level he needs things to go right
Heat 3
Better Eclipse has great gate speed so should hold up. Like a Wildfire improved last start but before that hadn't been at his best since the Brisbane trip so prepared to risk here. Torrid Saint has shown enough that leaders back he will run a place. May be a little hard to get into the race but I Cast No Shadow and Narutac Prince (underrated horse) place hopes. Better Eclipse did his job winning but AGs spoiled the place party with Narutac 2nd, Shadow 4th and Torrid Saint 5th. Right call to risk Wildfire. Probably the weakest heat and we'll find out a bit more about a few of these in the next round of heats