Tatura races eight times on Tuesday, starting at 1:30pm, with the track rated a Good 4. It is a tight, speed-friendly country circuit, so we have leaned toward runners that can hold a forward spot. The card is maiden-heavy early, and where we can we have sided with horses that have already shown something on race day rather than relying on trials alone.
Race 1 - Shepparton Club Maiden Plate (1100m)
Selection: The Shyster Current odds: $2.20
A debutant for Andrew Dale, but his trial work has been sharp and he won a jump-out on 14 September showing plenty of early speed. Barrier five lets him use it. Firm’n’high is the one with race experience and should improve from a first-up run where she was forced wide at Geelong. Plinian and Court Jester are next.
Selections:
- The Shyster - $2.20
- Firm’n’high - $11.00
- Plinian - $11.00
- Court Jester - $8.50
Race 2 - Liam Howley Racing Maiden Plate (1100m)
Selection: Bee Admired Current odds: $3.30
Bee Admired has been competitive in stronger maidens than this, including her latest run at Kilmore, and she is the most proven runner in the field. Barrier 12 and a tendency to miss the start are the concerns, so she needs a clean jump. Princess Geisha has had five trials this preparation and looks ready first-up, and I Am Algadon maps nicely from barrier two.
Selections:
- Bee Admired - $3.30
- Princess Geisha - $7.50
- I Am Algadon - $6.00
- Fully Funded - $4.80
Race 3 - Hygain Maiden Plate (1600m)
Selection: Vespasian Current odds: $2.60
Vespasian has put together a series of honest placings in good maidens at Geelong and Pakenham and likes to race on the speed, which suits Tatura. The price will be short, but he is the reliable one. Who I Think I Am is a new Victorian runner from the Maher stable and also races forward. Stablemate Sunday Vendetta was arguably unlucky at Donald but settles back and needs luck from a wide gate.
Selections:
- Vespasian - $2.60
- Who I Think I Am - $8.00
- Sunday Vendetta - $5.00
- Challenging - $16.00
Race 4 - Kevin Hicks Real Estate Class 1 Handicap (1450m)
Selection: Baganov Current odds: $2.80
Baganov led and held on for third at Bendigo first-up, and this Class 1 is an easier race. Fitter for that run, he should roll forward from barrier five and make them catch him. Tassadar is the value runner after being held up for most of the straight at Echuca. State Of Affairs has trialled well but looks likely to be better over further later in his preparation.
Selections:
- Baganov - $2.80
- Tassadar - $21.00
- Isalot - $6.00
- State Of Affairs - $10.00
Race 5 - bet365 Bet Boost BM56 Handicap (1450m)
Selection: Pomah Current odds: $2.70
Pomah won fresh and then ran well at this track and trip last start, which is the most relevant form in the race. She will be a short price, so she is better as a multi leg than a straight bet. Sinister Sauce draws barrier two and had a solid jump-out at Flemington, so she is the main danger. Spex led all the way to win her maiden and can find the lead again from barrier one.
Selections:
- Pomah - $2.70
- Sinister Sauce - $6.50
- Spex - $4.20
- Queen Amanjena - $3.90
Race 6 - bet365 Tatura Cup Sat Nov 21 BM56 Handicap (1450m)
Selection: Rich King Current odds: $2.45
Rich King won his maiden at Bendigo in fast time and still has improvement in him. Barrier 15 is a worry, but he has the speed to cross into a good position. Immortalised is the main danger after running second at Seymour, and his stable is in good form. Hell’s Itch improved on a dry track at Wodonga and should improve again third-up.
Selections:
- Rich King - $2.45
- Immortalised - $5.50
- Hell’s Itch - $7.50
- Positivo - $10.00
Race 7 - Carlton Draught BM56 Handicap (1100m)
Selection: Sugar Schnapps Current odds: $3.70
Sugar Schnapps drops in both class and distance, which suits her, and barrier three gives her options. Asmita is drawn inside her and could be dangerous if she begins well, but she has often been slow early and got too far back. Lujaego has a wide gate but should push forward with a senior jockey now riding.
Selections:
- Sugar Schnapps - $3.70
- Asmita - $3.80
- Lujaego - $5.50
- Sheanadh - $5.00
Race 8 - Monfoods BM56 Handicap (1000m)
Selection: Cumboogle Current odds: $5.00
The last is a 1000m sprint with plenty of speed. Cumboogle drops back in class, has good early pace and draws better than the other key speed runner, Bella Cinque, who starts from barrier 11. Golden Pulse is the one to watch if the track stays dry, as he raced poorly on wet ground and has trialled well since.
Selections:
- Cumboogle - $5.00
- Bella Cinque - $4.40
- Golden Pulse - $4.50
- Wild Irish Rover - $26.00
