Major metropolitan meetings are today held at Rosehill, Moone Valley, Morphettville Parks and Ascot.
ROSEHILL: RACE 4 @ 2:00 PM
The Group 1 Rosehill Guineas. Keen to be against the early favourite and side with ELLIPTICAL (2). The first up win at Flemington over 1400m was good and while he was a touch flat in the G1 Australian Guineas, he looks suited getting to 2000m. His run in the G1 Spring Champion Stakes last time in goes close. MATCHA LATTE (4) caught the eye first up in the Hobartville before an even effort in the G1 Randwick Guineas. He too ran well in the G1 Spring Champion Stakes and should be primed for this. LINDERMANN (3) stuck on gamely for second in the Randwick Guineas. Can't see 2000m pulling him up. PERICLES (5) goes in for fourth having won the G2 Autumn Classic last start however he looks well found in early betting.
SELECTIONS: Backing Elliptical & Matcha Latte.
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MOONEE VALLEY: RACE 7 @ 4:20 PM
Big change of scenario from the main weight-for-age lead ups which have been low-pressure tests of late speed. Change of scenario could bring about a change of result for I'M THUNDERSTRUCK (1). He looked a touch plain behind ALLIGATOR BLOOD (2) in the Futurity but the Alligator had bossed things from the front and he surely won't get that sort of cosy time here. When the pace was on over the mile in the spring Thunder ran him down in a thriller and the stage is set for something similar. Through the same races MR BRIGHTSIDE (4) has closed strongly from too far back in both and now drawn low at a mile he will surely be made better use of. No low draw for fellow Doncaster winner CASCADIAN (3) who gets a long way back but he can rattle at them late in the piece. LAWS OF INDICES (6) was good last time and his Hong Kong Mile run shows he can get involved in these big races.
SELECTIONS: Backing I'm Thunderstruck to relish a high-pressure test.
MORPHETTVILLE PARKS: RACE 2 @ 12:47 PM
SOREL RISING (2) went close to making it two on the bounce at the latest when beaten a head at Sandown-Lakeside. Has started to find his straps and can improve again under talented hoop Todd Pannell. Will take beating. EAGLELOU (3) continues to knock on the door but struggles to bust through, finding the minor money in his last three. Shoulders a handy record over this journey and can play a significant role again. Expect to see him charging over the concluding stages. PEACEMAKER (4) returned in fine style at Strathalbyn when digging deep to get the verdict. Gets in lighter for the tougher task and is drawn favourably. One of the contenders. PORT ROYAL (1) has settled too far back in his resuming efforts but has made some late in-roads. Profiles nicely back in this grade.
SELECTIONS: Sorel Rising hard to stop.
ASCOT: RACE 8 @ 4:53 PM
BABY PARIS (9) is a promising filly undefeated this trip and first up. Up in grade when a courageous second over 1200m in The Jungle Mist LR at this track on November 19. Fitter for a recent trial win at Belmont Park and will take plenty of catching. RED CAN MAN (2) is a classy sprinter resuming. Showed plenty of tenacity when a gritty fifth over 1400m in the G3 The Gold Rush at this track on December 10. Goes well fresh and undefeated over this trip. Expected to figure prominently. ACROMANTULA (4) has race fitness on his side and this his favoured trip. Overhauled late when second at this track over 1200m on February 25. Senior rider on today and looks good value. GO FORWARD (8) resumed with a slashing third last start after making up good ground late to run third over 1000m here on February 25. Has an outstanding second up record and can figure in the minor money.
SELECTIONS: Baby Paris to win.
GEELONG: RACE 7 @ 4:37 PM
GREENHILL PRINCE (5) has led throughout in registering strong wins at past two starts. Is fit and in form and should make a bold bid again. EL GLADIADOR (1) is coming off a break. Was placed at Group 3 level four runs and if he can repeat that effort he should go close here. CLAIDHEAMH MOR (2) is back from a spell. Is more than handy on his day and is a winner fresh previously. Expected to be around the mark here. ANTARCTIC OCEAN (4) was strong in winning two starts back then battled home soundly when up in grade last time. Is a threat in small field here.
SELECTIONS: Back Greenhill Prince to win.
DARWIN: RACE 6 @ 5:07 PM
BEAU FLYER (1) was a beaten favourite fresh up at his first local start but the horse that beat him looks like being quite a smart type so there was no disgrace in finishing runner up. He will be better for that effort and this field doesn't look strong. He should be winning. Follow your money. DREYFUS (2) ran on late for second on debut and then was put aside to mature. He will benefit from a 3kg claim today and from his good draw he does look like the main danger to the top selection. BRAVE FLING (4) is as consistent as they come but just can't seem to find the winners' circle. He has a nice swing in the draws today and should again be thereabouts. SOLID ROCK (6) had a couple of trials in South Australia before being late scratched at his debut. He has since joined the astute local Chris Pollard barn and with the blinkers on for the first time he is a definite market watch. SELECTIONS: Beau Flyer to win.
PINGRUP: RACE 6 @ 5:07 PM
KING OF PLANETS (1) ran on nicely at Esperance to finish fifth last time out and should appreciate the mile journey today. He looks well placed in this easier grade and a win would be well deserved. FINAL PLAN (4) was two months between runs last start and just needed that recent outing. He will be a lot sharper today and could try and lead all the way up in distance here. Include in all multiples. TOWNERS FLYER (9) battled on fairly to finish fifth last start and can improve with the blinkers going back on today. Include. DUKE OF MAGNUS (5) just plodded fresh up over an unsuitable distance but is better placed today over the mile. He strips fitter and can run into the money in a field like this.
SELECTIONS: King Of Planets to win.
