Port Lincoln races on Wednesday with nine races, starting at 1:10pm. The track was rated a Soft 5 with clear weather forecast, so it could improve to a Good 4 during the afternoon. The rail is out 2m to 3m from the 1000m to the 350m and true for the rest of the track. Similar setups have raced fairly here, and local horses usually have a slight advantage. Small fields and several scratchings make some races tactical, so check the final fields before betting.
Utah in Race 7 is our best bet after two close runs this preparation. Charka (Race 3) and Strawberry Swing (Race 9) are the other runners we rate highly.
Race 1 - The Elliston Hotel Maiden Plate (1350m)
Selection: Fomenter Current odds: $8.00
Fomenter was well beaten here last start, but he placed at Naracoorte earlier this preparation, goes back up in distance and should show early speed. At the price, he is our each-way play. Initially is the favourite after a close second here, and she is the main danger. Bouzy’s Babe returns from a let-up and has placed fresh before.
Selections:
- Fomenter - $8.00
- Initially - $4.00
- Bouzy’s Babe - $4.60
- Aquafox - $10.00
Race 2 - Vinarchy Wines Maiden Handicap (1210m)
Selection: Uncommon Mind Current odds: $4.20
This is a weak maiden. Uncommon Mind ran third here, beaten a length and a half, and should improve again. Offa’s Dyke ran second here first-up and is the main danger, although the extra distance is a query. Social Storm returns from a long break with blinkers back on, so a place is the best he is likely to manage.
Selections:
- Uncommon Mind - $4.20
- Offa’s Dyke - $3.60
- Social Storm - $12.00
- Trapeze Queen - $23.00
Race 3 - Streaky Bay Hotel BM70 Handicap (1000m)
Selection: Charka Current odds: $3.90
Charka led all the way to win here last start by more than three lengths. He drops back in distance, but in a small field he should control the race from the front. Our Divinyl won three races last preparation and should improve on her first-up fifth. If The Wirrulla Boy runs, he won his last start here and would be a big danger, so check the final field.
Selections:
- Charka - $3.90
- Our Divinyl - $5.00
- Utilitarian - $51.00
Race 4 - The Kimba Hotel Rating 0-54 Handicap (1000m)
Selection: Tornado’s Sister Current odds: $3.40
Champagne Effort is scratched, which leaves another small field. Tornado’s Sister has placed twice from six runs this preparation and returns after a let-up. She has early speed and should be in a good position throughout. Broadway Lane resumes with a good record at the track and would be a strong danger if he runs, so check the final field. Master Charlie needs a lot to go his way.
Selections:
- Tornado’s Sister - $3.40
- Master Charlie - $61.00
Race 5 - Asahi Publican’s Day Rating 0-54 Handicap (1000m)
Selection: The Hass Current odds: $3.80
The Hass won here last start, has drawn the rail and should jump and run. His form is improving, and he is hard to beat. Skating On By returns from 31 weeks after a narrow loss as favourite here and is the main danger. Bulls On Parade drops back in distance and has won second-up before. Chiaro is an outsider for the trifecta.
Selections:
- The Hass - $3.80
- Skating On By - $4.20
- Bulls On Parade - $8.00
- Chiaro - $15.00
Race 6 - The Pier Hotel Class 1 Handicap (1000m)
Selection: Fashizlemanizle Current odds: $3.80
Fashizlemanizle returns after 28 weeks but won first-up here last preparation. The shorter trip suits him. Equine Headline was beaten half a length here last start and has placed at both runs this campaign, so he is the main danger. Go Ask Alice broke her maiden here on a soft track, and Solar Gaze is fitter after placing first-up.
Selections:
- Fashizlemanizle - $3.80
- Equine Headline - $5.00
- Go Ask Alice - $6.50
- Solar Gaze - $10.00
Race 7 - The Marina Hotel Rating 0-54 Handicap (1350m)
Selection: Utah Current odds: $2.80
Utah has been close at both runs this preparation. He is third-up, so he should be at his peak, and drops slightly in grade. He shows early speed and needs only a little improvement to win. This is our best bet of the day. Minato has placed at both runs this campaign and the extra distance should suit. Outcaster was a close third last start from a wide draw and is better drawn here. Toorak Blaze has a good draw and a jockey and trainer combination with a strong record.
Selections:
- Utah - $2.80
- Minato - $7.00
- Outcaster - $5.50
- Toorak Blaze - $7.00
Race 8 - Wudinna Hotel BM68 Handicap (1350m)
Selection: Chef Militaire Current odds: $6.00
Chef Militaire is chasing four wins in a row after another win here and has excellent track form. At the price, he is our value pick. Raikoke is the favourite and the main danger after being caught late here last start. She should show early speed again. There Goes My Hero is fitter for his recent runs, and I Need A Drink has won ten times at Port Lincoln and is an each-way outsider.
Selections:
- Chef Militaire - $6.00
- Raikoke - $2.80
- There Goes My Hero - $5.50
- I Need A Drink - $26.00
Race 9 - Great Northern Hotel BM60 Handicap (1210m)
Selection: Strawberry Swing Current odds: $5.00
Strawberry Swing led all the way to win here last start, goes up in grade and has a good record over this course and distance. The Guava returns from a break and should find this easier than last preparation, although he may have to settle back from a wide draw. Lava Lad is third-up, when he has won twice before. Over Yonder has been competitive in stronger races at Morphettville and would be a key danger if he runs, so check the final field.
Selections:
- Strawberry Swing - $5.00
- The Guava - $5.50
- Lava Lad - $10.00
- Only One Ruler - $51.00
