Grafton hosts an eight-race Tuesday card, starting at 1:00pm, on a Good 4 with the rail out three metres for the whole circuit. With the rail out, horses settling handy and just off the fence should get the best run, so map position is a big part of our picks.
Race 1 - graftontickets.com.au Benchmark 58 Handicap (2220m)
Selection: Woodland Wonder Current odds: $3.60
Woodland Wonder ran second over this track and distance last start and backs up quickly. That run is the best form in the race, and he should run well again. Lone Star Dream has been well backed but often begins slowly and does not win often. Dipierdomenico won last start, and Maurita should improve third-up over this longer trip.
Selections:
- Woodland Wonder - $3.60
- Dipierdomenico - $6.00
- Lone Star Dream - $2.80
- Maurita - $14.00
Race 2 - Book A Christmas Party @ CRJC Maiden Plate (1006m)
Selection: Dream Invader Current odds: $3.70
Over 1006m, early speed is important, and Dream Invader looks set to get the best run from barrier five while fit and ready to peak. We prefer a horse with race experience to Denny Cee, who is on debut. Denny Cee has trialled well and been supported in the market, so he is the main danger. Harvey’s Turn has been off for a while and drops in class.
Selections:
- Dream Invader - $3.70
- Denny Cee - $2.70
- Harvey’s Turn - $6.00
- General Dancer - $6.50
Race 3 - CRJC AGM 25 November Maiden Plate (1410m)
Selection: Crazy Eights Current odds: $2.60
Crazy Eights had excuses last time, so we are not worried about the beaten margin. He is fit, drawn in barrier four and has been backed early. Dark Martian was wide and poorly suited by the race shape on debut, and a better draw should help. Credibility finished well once clear last start, and Steady On drops back to a more suitable trip.
Selections:
- Crazy Eights - $2.60
- Dark Martian - $7.00
- Credibility - $6.00
- Steady On - $4.00
Race 4 - CRJC Christmas Race Day 29 November Country Boosted Benchmark 66 Handicap (1106m)
Selection: Highland Force Current odds: $2.70
Highland Force is going for three wins in a row, and a horse in that form is hard to oppose even at a short price. Patrioticintention is the main danger after being beaten narrowly last start. He comes back slightly in distance, gets weight relief from his apprentice’s claim and should get a good run from barrier three. Humphree Bear had excuses last time and can improve.
Selections:
- Highland Force - $2.70
- Patrioticintention - $7.50
- Humphree Bear - $6.00
- Dune And Dusted - $10.00
Race 5 - 100 Years Of Grafton CWA Country Boosted Maiden Plate (1175m)
Selection: Scrambling Current odds: $2.70
Scrambling finished strongly first-up and should be suited by the step up in distance. He has had only a few starts and should keep improving. No Sound is the value runner. He was favourite on debut last preparation and has trialled well since the spell. Who Loves A Harley should be fitter third-up.
Selections:
- Scrambling - $2.70
- No Sound - $11.00
- Who Loves A Harley - $7.00
- Jennibelle - $5.00
Race 6 - Team Aidan Markets @ CRJC 22 November Class 2 Handicap (1181m)
Selection: Why Wait Current odds: $2.40
Why Wait was wide in a stronger race second-up and is better than that result. She drops back to Class 2 third-up and should be fitter. Early market support suggests the stable expects a better run. Hard As Brok won a trial for a new stable, but his best form is over further. Copenhagen Cat keeps running placings and is the most likely to fill a place.
Selections:
- Why Wait - $2.40
- Copenhagen Cat - $5.00
- Hard As Brok - $4.00
- Prince Of Prophets - $9.50
Race 7 - The Kosciuszko 17 October Class 2 Handicap (1610m)
Selection: Herald Angel Current odds: $3.20
Herald Angel is fit and in form, draws barrier four and has Andrew Mallyon riding again, who has ridden her in both of her wins. Her stablemate Valouri is the danger. Valouri is third-up and stepping up to a distance that should suit. She’s A Dame has enough early speed to overcome barrier ten.
Selections:
- Herald Angel - $3.20
- Valouri - $3.40
- She’s A Dame - $5.50
- He Is The Kiss - $11.00
Race 8 - Tabulam Cup 3 October Benchmark 58 Handicap (1410m)
Selection: Sunset Trail Current odds: $5.50
Sunset Trail should lead easily from barrier eight, and a claiming apprentice reduces his weight. On a track that suits on-pace runners, he could be hard to catch. Vendemmia has a strong record at Grafton but must overcome barrier 13. Lord Vettori should get a good run from barrier four third-up.
Selections:
- Sunset Trail - $5.50
- Vendemmia - $4.80
- Lord Vettori - $7.50
- Zucchero - $8.00
