Tips for Saturday 17th December

Matt Rigby | Metropolitan Racing | Sat 17 December, 2011

Race 1:

Screaming Plum should get the front in this three year old handicap with Right Time coming to the breeze. I have a small query on Right Time at the 1200m as his worst run was at that trip. Elusive Image was most impressive in his maiden in fast time and the form around him has stacked up via Scorn Saxon, who won here in the midweeks. Sloan is a sneaky place chance in this.

Elusive Image, Right Time, Screaming Plum

No Bet

Race 2:

This will be the Maschino stakes. I doubt we'll see evens in the ring, so that opportunity has passed. Theres pace via Wolfe Dreams, Rocky Range and Premardal. I suspect the latter will trail the speed and try and steal a break on Maschino coming around the home bend. Maschino will just be too good at the weights. Grey Monarch is over the odds but probably cant beat the favourite giving it 6kg.

Maschino, Grey Monarch, Premardal

Suggested Bet: Take the evens if they bet it.

Race 3:

Another race with good pace through the likes of Thunderluv'n, Lisetta and Rebel Waltz. Ill tip the swooper here Earl of Vasse who was impressive in his return at the midweeks. The up front pace should suit here. Thunderluv'n has done nothing wrong and Desire Path can also figure here with a freshen up. Her run two start ago was outstanding at Northam before over racing when failing.

Earl of Vasse, Thunderluv'n, Desire Path.

No Bet

Race 4:

This is a tough little race. Miss Tahitian has returned to her former three year old form. Her win at Bunbury was impressive. Variety Fair sat three wide and still managed to win comfortably but may need a little luck from the barrier. Classy Nugget (100/1), Haagen, Disco Bling and Bombora all have claims here too, although Bombora has had his chances.

Miss Tahitian, Variety Fair, Classy Nugget

Suggested Bet: little spec on Classy Nugget at the huge odds.

Race 5:

The St Leger is a very wide open affair this year. Miss Tipsy Topsy and Veracious head the market, the latter beating the open horses in the JRA two weeks ago. He did get the run to suit and goes up 5kg, as do many of these. Miss Tipsy Topsy was reported to have had some sort of lung infection or virus. I have doubts she can overcome that so quicky and I'll knock her as a result. Big Josh is a great big one batter. He's a chance in this race at the 50/1, as is Ambers Kingdom at $151. Strangely enough, i think the winner might come from the bottom five. Leaning towards Ladysea, Moonlight Bay and Forever Special.

Suggested Bet: Moonlight Bay each way at $21.

Race 6:

See Crawford Review

Suggested Bet: Werd each way

Race 7:

See CB Cox Preview

Suggested Bet: Each way Saint Encosta at $31.

Race 8:

A tough race. With Morning Mist out, Rosie Rocket gets here chance here after improving dramatically with blinkers last week. She should come across and sit behind Even Astar (doubtful at the mile) and possibly Terminado. Sweet Serenity always has claims in these races, and she had no luck last time out. Rosie Rocket, Sweet Serenity, Even Astar.

Suggested Bet: Each way Rosie Rocket.

Race 9:

It looks a shallow race on paper. Caves Road sat wide with cover and ran on on a day that didnt suit back markers. Hes the worthy favourite. Saytorio found Latoria too brisk last time out and can improve second up, but has a tendency to over race on the occasion. Im Here To Win trialed well enough and shouldnt be a $26 shot in this type of race. Back to Brad Graham from Steve Wolfe. Summer Swallow was a better run two starts ago before failing at the 1400m. Back to 1200m can figure in this.

Caves Road, Saytorio, Im Here to Win.

Suggested Bet: Small spec on Im Here to Win.