Sunday’s Race Previews
Here are your previews for Hastings on a Sunday featuring a fascinating climax to the marathon series, with ten runners slated for the 11-furlong stamina test
Hastings, Sunday September 25
THE ALL BUTTON is a smooth operator at this level, winning three times this season and hitting the board twice more when stepped up slightly in class. Hard to see him not being involved in the shake-up again today. Perennial late closer COULTERBERRY beat AIRAFFAIR by a neck when they met last month and the 9yo takes a little more class relief again today, making him a clear and present danger. Khaiky’s Command normally sets the pace, which may only benefit Coulterberry, although he will take full advantage if given a soft lead
This looks a more suitable slot for WISELY PLAYED, who has been bumping into some tough customers of late and it would be no surprise too see him finally get off the mark. To win, however, he’ll need to deal with the some useful sorts in GREYTOGO, HE’S A SAINT and BAKALLEY, who all finished close enough behind Sharpzan last time too suggest a maiden win can’t be far away for any of them. Proximity to Sharpzan also brings lightly-raced Royal Air Force into the reckoning.
Some inexperienced but well-related youngsters do battle here. MILITARY CROSS made an impressive debut when third to Road Closure and Time Ticker in a rough affair and modest progression on his second appearance puts him on the shortlist. ASKMENOQUESTIONS began his career in a Stakes race, wasn’t too far behind MILITARY CROSS last time and looks likely too improve again. The Alberta raider LAHUN has also been highly tried, taking on Stakes company in both career starts, and is clearly worthy of respect.
This represents a notable drop in class for ABRIERWIN after several perfectly acceptable efforts in deeper waters and he has a favourite’s chance. ROLLIE’S SPIRIT’s third to Monte and Sharpzan two starts ago put him firmly in the picture, while DRILL BABY DRILL has been a consistent sort all season and is another who may benefit from the slight lowering of her sights.
Another baffling, wide-open contest where few finishing scenarios would produce many raised eyebrows. SET TO SHINE was fifth behind no less than Porter Gent the last time he took on the 8 1/2 furlongs and was third behind Bold Arch over the shorter 6 1/2 furlong course. Previous proximity to Porter Gent also brings STAY FANTASIC and FORT LANGLEY into play, while a repetition of STEAL HOME’s narrow win over PARKER POINT last time could put him close again.
A fascinating encounter over an extended 11-furlong course that should quickly identify any faintness of heart. BABY GRAND beat the redoubtable Pineapple Tidbits when stepped up to 9 furlongs last time, putting in his best effort of a season that has produced three wins. FRANKIE MACHINE also benefitted from a stamina test last time and the pair may have this at their mercy if they embrace the additional distance with the same relish as last time. This will be unknown territory for TRAPALIS but he was full of running when winning by 8-lengths over 8 1/2 furlongs earlier in the season and, while he will need to improve, runs as though the distance may appeal. LAUGH WITH ME hit serious traffic problems last time and is another who is often doing his best work late.
TEXAS HUMOR has decent form at a level above what she encounters here and her second to Ice Breaker two runs ago (with Bellaroo behind in third) make her an obvious selection. SILK STILETTOS is proving expensive to follow but there is clearly some talent in there somewhere and her two most recent second-place finishes suggest a second win of the season is well within her grasp. The lightly-raced FLICKER DANCE beat SOUTHERN LASS back in June and may appreciate this first attempt at the longer distance.
Mike and Drew’s Picks
