Cranbourne Cup Day headlines racing in Victoria this weekend and nine races are on the program.
The rail will be left in the true position 1600m – 1000m and set out three metres the remainder, while at publish, we’re faced with a track rated in the Soft (6) range.
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Race 1 – 12:35pm – Rhino The Wrecker 2YO Plate, (1000m)
Just three of the twelve confirmed starters in the first on Cranbourne Cup Day have previous raceday experience.
There is simply too much that can happen in races like this one for my liking, and I am happy to stay out.
Race 2 – 1:10pm – OBrien Real Estate 3YO Cranbourne Classic, (2025m)
Blushing Tycoon has opened a clear and justifiable favourite in betting for the Cranbourne Classic.
The Written Tycoon colt hasn’t won in four starts back this time, but he has noticeably improved with each, and takes his place in this field following a close-up second behind Spirit Of Gaylard in the Listed Connoisseur Stakes on Melbourne Cup Day.
He’s rock-hard fit and will take a power of beating.
Race 3 – 1:45pm – Frankston Sand Soil & Mini Mix 3YO Handicap, (1200m)
He’s Xceptional looks well placed to bounce back in Race 3 on Cranbourne Cup Day.
The Xtravagant gelding won the McKenzie Stakes at The Valley when resuming and has been competitive in two of his three subsequent starts.
He was a little flat in the Group 3 Red Anchor Stakes most recently, but this is a drop in class and we can have an each-way play at the price ($9 at publish).
Race 4 – 2:20pm – Frankston Mazda Shooting Star, (1500m)
Real Sensation just got a little too far back at HQ last time, but I’m confident that he’ll enjoy plenty of improvement for that hit-out, and he can bounce back on Cranbourne Cup Day.
The Real Impact gelding only just missed at Horsham when fresh, and he did attack the line well last time.
He can settle closer to the pace this week from the rails draw and with even luck, he’ll be hard to hold out.
Race 5 – 3:00pm – Rosemont Stud Fillies & Mares Pendant, (1400m)
April Rain looms as the runner to beat in the Fillies & Mares Pendant.
April Rain returned to the races with an eye-catching effort for second behind Quantico at Rosehill, but it is fair to say that she was flat in the Hong Kong Jockey Club Stakes last time.
Fitter third-up, this looks the perfect race for her.
Race 6 – 3:40pm – Procon Developments Apache Cat Classic, (1000m)
South Australian Dexelation is seeking a hat-trick of wins when he steps out on Cranbourne Cup Day, and the Apache Cat Classic looks a nice feature race for him.
The seven-year-old gelding has been a strong and consistent performer in 2021, and he is yet to taste anything but success since resuming this time.
Fitter third-up and under Craig Williams, I can’t find a reason why he won’t be in the finish.
Race 7 – 4:20pm – Listed Cranbourne Cup, (1600m)
This is an outstanding edition of the Cranbourne Cup and there are several key winning chances engaged, including Aramayo.
Aramayo doesn’t win out of turn, but he also rarely races poorly, and he has found form around some outstanding horses this time.
He placed in each of his first three starts back, highlighted by his second placings behind Zaaki in the Tramway Stakes and Private Eye in the Epsom Handicap, the latter by a short nose.
He’s rock-hard fit, relishes a mile, and I think that this is the perfect opportunity for him to bounce back from his miss in the Cantala Stakes.
Race 8 – 5:00pm – Reed Cranes & Transport Marathon Handicap, (2500m)
I’m more than happy to stick with Accountability in the penultimate race on Cranbourne Cup Day.
Accountability has been a strong and consistent performer throughout his preparation, and he recorded consecutive wins in Sydney in September.
He kept all of his best work for late when third, beaten a length by Wil John and Smokin’ Romans at Caulfield two starts back and finished second in The Macca’s Run on Cup Day.
He’s rock-hard fit, will stay all day and boasts a class edge over a lot of these rivals.
Race 9 – 5:40pm – Hertz Handicap, (1300m)
This looks to be a pretty open race with several winning chances, including Sweet Sixteen.
Sweet Sixteen has returned plenty of competitive efforts throughout her career, and she returned to the races with a decent performance for fifth at Sale.
The small rise in trip should suit and she has plenty of upside.
