Tips for Saturday 18th Feb

Matt Rigby | Metropolitan Racing | Sat 18 February, 2012

Perth Racing dishes up one of the widest cards all year with most races evenly contested, at least according to the early markets. The first race of two year olds is a cracker after ailing numbers just prior to the Magic Millions weekend. Perhaps these are the horses we will see vying for the Karrakatta next month?

Race 1:

With no fewer than seven of the ten starters winning their latest trial or race start, its a tough one to start the day. Based on trials, Culprit has shown plenty but must overcome the wide barrier. The Danehill Rose was an excellent trialer at Lark Hill, sitting wide and winning well. Profound Effect, while smashing them in a 400m trial, ran a slower time than the other trial on that day, so a question mark for me. Man on the Run beat Vonlenska, who came out and probalby should have nearly won the Magic Millions last week. Petrenui can't have done much more, winning all three trials. Culprit, The Danehill Rose, Profound Effect. A great race.

No bet.

Race 2:

This is an average lot. I have ended up with two horses I dont think too much of, sharing favouritism. Crispiano was a huge tip last time out before getting stuck behind even slower ones two weeks ago. He's really done nothing to impress, but this field is average at best. Vexillum smashed a slow bunch also last time out. Striped Cat struggles at the best of times. The run before that was pretty good I thought, leading, kicking away and just going down to Jazz n Shiraz. Naku Penda was a sneaky run behind them last week but probably prefer Justin Warwicks with Meeres aboard. Might be worth watching the market and a spec at big odds. Meeres has chosen Seth's Blessed, a horse I swear Warwick said he was quitting a start or two back? Seems to have found some form, even though it went down at Narrogin last week. Vexillum, Crispiano, Naku Penda.

Absolutely no bet.

Race 3:

Another moderate field to contest this 1800m race with plenty of country form to line up. I like the way Kneedeep has been racing at Gero. Its a far cry from Saturday in town, but he's been doing it with ease. Your favourites are going to be Jobeth and Striking Guru, two horses you'd have to be laying as favourites in town. Both have undeniable claims however, with Striking Guru dropping in grade. Nellie Got There not impossible, ditto Kim Coin and Conakey. Dimitrius will win one of these races one day and is always round about the place. Kneedeep, Striking Guru, Jobeth.

The market is about right, so no bet.

Race 4:

Kerrific looks the goods again after two pretty effortless wins at his last two starts. Kyra seems to ride him perfectly and theres no reason why he wont win again. Theres a bit of pace here, the likes of Late Night Flight, Mega Steel and that eternal non winner, Smart Twister. I did like Peg's Pride last start but she let me down badly. Im forgiving her that and she can improve sharply here. Moonlight Bay is freshened back to the 1800m after running in the cup and she is a definite chance to upset the fave. Reverend Lovejoy has done nothing, but Adam is a genius at setting horses for particular races. I reckon he'll improve here and is probably the race Adam has picked out. Guyno will find this too short. Kerrific, Moonlight Bay, Peg's Pride.

Suggested Bet: I think Kerrific will be evens or less on the day, so we'll go each way Moonlight Bay at $6 and spec on Peg's Pride at $15.

Race 5:

Here's a great race with stacks of up front speed. Akhedasset, Full Clip, Jacobyte and Dark Rock can all go forward. This will open up the race for the swoopers, namely Pass The Magic, Classic Emblem , Dash for Home and even Uncle George. I liked the run of Dash for Home first up. He beleted them in the midweeks in pretty good time. Turner has opted for him ahead of the smart Watermans Bay, who disappointed first up last campaign. Pass the Magic is probably the overs here at $9 after two good wins in a row. I like a roughie here, and we'll tip him with some conviction. Lauder trialed exceptionally well, sitting deep and not really tested. He accounted for Roman Knows with ease earlier in his trial career. You can forgive the 1000m straight run and he over raced with King while under Daly's care last campaign. Knuckey, blinkers on, new trainer and drawn well. Thats enough for me to take the $101 on offer. Dash for Home, Pass the Magic and we'll throw Lauder in for third just for fun.

Suggested Bet: Dash for Home each way and a good each way bet on Lauder at $101.

Race 6:

Much like the last race, I really liked the return of Rouge Dior in the midweeks with 59kg. Lee Rani should speed over again and she gave a lot of cheek over the 1100m last time. Back to the 1000m, she can win this. Check out her barriers, she's had no luck at all and she really deserves one. Inok must have issues after trialing twice, we havent seen him on the track in a month. Im prepared to take him on on that basis. Carbine Street is going average and really stopped in his trial. He'll probably kick up and create the speed here though. The wheels have fallen off Uma Park aswell. Dante's Alert and Tricky Syd will find this tough, probably too short. Rouge Dior, Lee Rani and Du Printemps.

No bet.

Race 7:

One of the most open races of the day. Most of them have a chance of winning. Stay Lady Stay and Flag Officer should make the pace. I actually give the former a good chance and liked her two lead in runs. $12 is still available and I think she'll give some cheek. Caiguna won first up last time at 1500m before running in top company behind King Saul and Eight Till Late. Rohan put in two eye catchers, but he seems a big striding type and may even find this too short now. Venetian Prince possibly should have won last start, had Pike not gone to the inside. Hard to say, but Venetian Prince is always one that is running into the minors. Lord Hatras, Final Cut, Located and Pop Culture are all chances aswell. We'll pick Caiguna from Stay Lady Stay and Located.

Suggested Bet: spec on Stay Lady Stay  at double figures and Located at $51.

Race 8:

Caves Road looks the class in this. He has carried weight before and can possie up close to the speed. His worrying tendency is to lay in at the crucial time however, so we wont be taking anything too short. Gum Nut guru was a revelation last campaign with, I cant count how many runs. He can sprint well fresh, but watch the market. Black Felix has had his chances in my opinion. He's too short at the $6 quote here. Epirb had the pie run and just managed to get over Henry the Pharoah, so he's a lay for me aswell. Ten Aces is probably also over the odds at $13. We'll tip Caves Road with come confidence to beat Gum Nut Guru and Ten Aces.

Suggested Bet: Caves Road at $4 or better.