Hoops Tips for 1st Feb

Greg Hooper | Metropolitan Racing | Wed 1 February, 2012

RACE 1 -WESTSPEED PLATE 1100m

No. 2 BALCODIA. We have a field of two-year-olds to kick off the day which contains only one runner who has been to the races. It looks a very tricky race as none of the first starters really stood out in their trial. For tipping purposes only I'll put (2) BALCODIA on top. I thought he still had a bit more to give in his trial win and Donna Riordan is shooting for back to back juvenile wins after Miami Horror saluted on Saturday. (3) BINTURONG was finishing off solidly over the concluding stages of his 600m trial. If he can hold up from barrier 1 he has to be some type of chance. (1) ANOTHER HOLDUP had to be pushed out but he still won well enough. (8) PASSION CANTATA, (5) LEAST RESISTANCE and (7) FUTURISM all trialled fairly. No idea!
Numbers - 2, 3, 1, 8

Suggested Bet - None recommended

RACE 2 - WESTSPEED HANDICAP 1200m

No. 2 ALOHA SPIRIT. This is a good quality mid week three-year-old sprint. I've settled on (2) ALOHA SPIRIT on the strength of her very good second to Uncle George in Saturday company at her recent outing. The first two spaced the rest which is normally a good pointer for a form reference. The 58kg does concern me a little but offsetting the weight to a degree is the fact she has drawn barrier 1 and should get the pie run. There was very good money for (6) MY CHARADER on debut but he simply found the 1000m too short. He'll appreciate the step up to 1200m. (9) AT THE GATES did little on debut back in May but her recent trial win looked sharp. Watch betting with her. (10) DIVINE LEIGH ran well on debut in a strong maiden race, Pike jumps on and she has claims.
Numbers - 2, 6, 9, 10

Suggested Bet - Aloha Spirit win

RACE 3 - WESTSPEED INCENTIVE SCHEME HANDICAP 1200m

No. 3 BAYFIELD. Like race 2 this is another strong mid week three-year-old sprint. I've got a nice opinion of (3) BAYFIELD and I'll go his way despite the fact he will be clearly suited over further. He's only started twice for a very good second to Bustabill and then he was a top winner beating Wicked Game who has since gone on to win three races including in Saturday company. His recent trial was lovely viewing and if he can settle within striking distance I think he'll be hard to hold out. (4) YOUNG LIONEL is another promising horse. His debut win when he came from the clouds was big and we saw the runner up of that race win at his next start. I'll think he be rattling late. (1) IZJALU found the Saturday company a little too hot at his most recent outing. Back to mid week level, drawn 1 and with the claim he certainly has each way claims. (2) KING CUBATOR showed good ability in his first preparation winning at his second start. He resumes and is not without a chance.
Numbers - 3, 4, 1, 2

Suggested Bet - Bayfield each way if odds permit

RACE 4 - PERTH ICE WORKS HANDICAP 1600m

No. 7 STAY LADY STAY. Unlike races 2 and 3 this race lacks any depth and I'm pretty happy to be aboard the only runner with a win next their name and that being (7) STAY LADY STAY. Her last win was completely dominant, she found the front, controlled the speed and scooted clear in the straight. She does step to a mile very quickly but if she can find the front again and control the tempo I think this field will be battling to get near her. (4) ROCK BAND ran well on debut and from barrier 1 should get the gun run. (5) ROYAL SAXON got nutted on the line last time out, he's got top four claims. William Pike goes onto (2) ENDLESS SPIN and he can improve on his even effort on debut..
Numbers - 7, 4, 5, 2

Suggested Bet - Stay Lady Stay win

RACE 5 - playeronline.com.au HANDICAP 1820m

No. 5 RANCHER'S GOLD. I didn't find this a very easy race. I've settled on (5) RANCHER'S GOLD who is a nice class dropper and is racing in solid form. He should be able to work over from his middle gate and camp just behind the speed. (2) KIM COIN is a one batter who I think will be taken straight to the front and if he can control the tempo he has claims. (7) AHOY CALYPSO is a question mark at the trip but is racing in terrific form and from barrier 1 she'll get the perfect trip. (10) MEGG'S CURRENCY drops in grade and distance and with the postage stamp weight of 50kg she can she can give some cheek.
Numbers - 5, 2, 7, 10

Suggested Bet - None Recommended

RACE 6 - perthracing.com.au HANDICAP 1000m

No. 9 TEESHOT. This looks a race ideal for Punting Patto's Dart Board of Glory as it looks deadest impossible! Without any confidence I'll go for (9) TEESHOT on the basis he's in solid form and will carry 53kg. (4) ABOUKIR was doing his best work late at his most recent outing, the drop back to 1000m is certainly a question mark though. (3) RUNNERRDAL is not an easy horse to catch but from barrier 1 he can lead or box seat. Pike goes onto (1) CHOK DEE so he gets the nod for the skinny end. This could be "FD" in the quad!
Numbers 9, 4, 3, 1

Suggested Bet - None recommended

RACE 7 - MAGIC MILLION SALES @ BELMONT HANDICAP 1000m

No. 7 STRALETA. This does look to be another very wide open affair with at least half a dozen winning chances. I'll go for (7) STRALETA who resumes from a spell and will have Paul Harvey aboard to pilot. She was very consistent last campaign and she finally broke her duck with a win at her final run before a spell. Her recent trial win was very good and if she can find some cover I think she is the one to beat. (8) TALK AND TEASE looks the testing material, she's drawn to get the soft run and her last three starts have all been good. (3) GYPSY MYTH will get back but should storm home. (6) ROSALIE PARK trialled nicely and she was a good winner at her final run before a spell.
Numbers - 7, 8, 3, 6

Suggested Bet - None recommended

RACE 8 - MIDWEEK ROAST HANDICAP 1400m

No. 3 FLASHY DOLL. This is another even mares' race with many chances. (3) FLASHY DOLL finds it hard to win but she is racing in good form this campaign with close up placings at her last couple of starts. From barrier 1 she should box seat and from there it's just a question whether she has that knockout blow to win. (1) PRIME KNOCKOUT is a smart mare when she's at her top. She ran super first up but was left without cover on a hot speed second up and faded. Ridden colder I think she is the improver. (10) HIGHWAY TRADER put in an eye catching effort at her most recent. From a good draw she looks to have solid claims. (8) CALDO is a question at the trip but with a soft lead she is some chance.
Numbers - 3, 1, 10, 8

Suggested Bet - None recommended

RACE 9 - FLYING COLOURS HANDICAP 1400m

No. 12 MUNDULLA. A nice way to round out the meeting with a good competitive to finish the day. I'm happy to be aboard (12) MUNDULLA on an each way basis. I liked his last start effort when he drew the outside gate, settled in a rearward position and only really got going over the final 100m The blinkers have been added to his gear so hopefully he will be able to utilise the good gate and settle closer. The step up to 1400m looks ideal and I think he'll take some holding out. I'm going to forgive (5) KIMBERLEY COWBOY for his last start failure. I suspect that being strung up on the fence wasn't to his liking. He should go straight to the front and give them something to catch. (13) SUNDOWN CLOWN has his hoof firmly planted on the till, the draw makes it tricky but with the right he'll be in the finish. (11) CAPRICIOUS LAD ran a very tough race in Saturday company at his most recent outing finishing just ½ length from the winner.
Numbers - 12, 5, 13, 11

Suggested Bet - Mundulla each way