
Race 1
Tabtouch - Westspeed (Rs0mw) (1100m)
2:16pm (AEDT)
Race 1Tabtouch - Westspeed (Rs0mw) (1100m) |
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1. Express Time
J: Laqdar Ramoly (60.5kg)
T: N D Parnham |
6.5 | 6.5 | 6.2 | |||
2. Wine Night
J: Mitchell Pateman (60.5kg)
T: Ms J Erkelens |
4.8 | 5.5 | 4.85 | |||
3. Lacevinsky
J: Shaun Mcgruddy (60kg)
T: S J Wolfe |
2.6 | 2.7 | 2.65 | |||
4. Requisition
J: Clint Johnston-Porter (57.5kg)
T: Brett Pope |
5.5 | 5.5 | 5.8 | |||
5. Scandolo
J: Chris Parnham (57.5kg)
T: Luke Fernie |
5.5 | 5.5 | 5.1 | |||
6. Hip Wiggle
J: Steven Parnham (56kg)
T: C R Green |
26 | 26 | 26 | |||
7. Dark City
J: Ms Jade Mcnaught (54.5kg)
T: Tiarnna Robertson |
16 | 16 | 15.4 |
Odds Last Updated: January 1, 2022, 2:17pm (AEDT)
(4) Requisition has been racing well and comes out of a very high rating race behind Trevern and Mantelli. CJP on for Warwick is lengths in my book and from barrier 5 he should be able to land him in the absolute box seat trailing the leaders here in the small field. Been a lean run for Brett Pope but I think he is a red hot chance to start him off with a winner on Cup Day.
(5) Scandolo comes out of a strong 66+ where he got a nice run for Lucy leaders back in transit, looked to be travelling beautifully at the 500 where he got badly held up behind them when trying to extricate then dipped really badly on straightening and it was lucky Lucy stayed on. Given the circumstances I actually thought he finished the race off really nicely. This is a big drop in grade, Parnham steps in for Lucy and think he is definitely the testing material for the Pope runner.
(2) Wine Night has a great fresh record on paper. Trialled up over the 1000m behind Billy Ain’t Silly and I thought it was a nice trial in slick time. Was disappointing last prep but the trial signalled to me she might have come back a better horse this time around. Maps for a lovely run leaders back for her return, 60.5kgs the leveller. Mitch might even kick her out to try and lead, wouldn’t surprise me.
(3) Lacevinsky was beaten by subsequent winner Queen Of Soul last start over the 1200m. Got a really soft run in transit in a slow run affair and Carbery just outrode Knuckey there and I don’t think he was beating her anyway. McGruddy on is a tick but likely made to breeze from the gate which hurts his chances.
Tip: (4) Requisition $7.00 Sportsbet
Saver: (5) Scandolo $5.50 Ladbrokes
Race 2
Magic Millions Plate (1100m)
3:05pm (AEDT)
Race 2Magic Millions Plate (1100m) |
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1. Sunplay
J: Ben Kennedy (57kg)
T: J N Pateman |
21 | 21 | 21.5 | |||
2. Galaxy Affair
J: Brad Parnham (57kg)
T: D & B Pearce |
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3. Gold Keeper
J: Paul Harvey (57kg)
T: D R Harrison |
8.5 | 9 | 8.3 | |||
4. Stray Shot
J: Craig Staples (57kg)
T: P H Jordan |
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5. The Mighty Butch
J: Steven Parnham (57kg)
T: Martin Allan |
21 | 21 | 22 | |||
6. Costume Party
J: Chris Parnham (55kg)
T: Luke Fernie |
2.35 | 2.3 | 2.35 | |||
7. Vonsnip
J: Ms Kyra Yuill (55kg)
T: D R Harrison |
6 | 6 | 6.1 | |||
8. Sheeza Belter
J: Clint Johnston-Porter (55kg)
T: Luke Fernie |
5.5 | 6 | 5.2 | |||
9. So Rapt
J: Shaun O'donnell (55kg)
T: D R Harrison |
26 | 31 | 26 | |||
10. Sofia's Symphony
J: Joseph Azzopardi (55kg)
T: D & B Pearce |
5.5 | 5 | 5.2 |
Odds Last Updated: January 1, 2022, 3:07pm (AEDT)
No preview available.
Race 3
Seppelt "The Drives" Plate (1000m)
3:45pm (AEDT)
Race 3Seppelt "The Drives" Plate (1000m) |
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1. He's A Sizzler
J: Chris Parnham (59.5kg)
T: D L Morton |
5 | 5 | 5.1 | |||
2. Beads
J: Shaun Mcgruddy (59.5kg)
T: S J Wolfe |
1.85 | 1.9 | 1.92 | |||
3. Bopping Blue
J: Clint Johnston-Porter (58kg)
T: A G Durrant |
9 | 9 | 8.1 | |||
4. Forever Autumn
J: Joseph Azzopardi (58kg)
T: T M Andrews |
26 | 21 | 23 | |||
5. Cold Shizzle
J: Ben Kennedy (57kg)
T: D T Mcauliffe |
17 | 15 | 17.2 | |||
6. Rockin' Rupert
J: Peter Knuckey (57kg)
T: S & J Casey |
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7. Ultimate Command
J: Steven Parnham (56kg)
T: N D Parnham |
31 | 34 | 27 | |||
8. Pixie Chix
J: Ms Kyra Yuill (56kg)
T: D R Harrison |
10 | 8.5 | 9.6 | |||
9. Thomas Magnum
J: Brad Parnham (56kg)
T: C & M Gangemi |
11 | 12 | 9.9 | |||
10. Oh Sophia
J: Shaun O'donnell (54kg)
T: D R Harrison |
61 | 61 | 51 |
Odds Last Updated: January 1, 2022, 3:47pm (AEDT)
(2) Beads was a really strong win last time out but did get a beautiful run in transit which more than likely he is going to be afforded again here. He did seem to hit a little flat spot rounding the turn but once he picked up he really let down like a nice horse and the figures tell the same story. Looks really hard to beat again with an identical run in transit, up 2.5kgs at the weights.
(1) He’s A Sizzler displayed his really nice turn of foot 1st up in a small field, muddlingly run race when reeling them in from the tail over the 1100m, after which Danny Morton stated he was keen to keep him to the sprint trips as a result. This is much deeper, and when you factor in the top weight in a deep field, along with the likely settling position of being cluttered away 3 back the fence needing luck, I’m willing to look around him here despite having an opinion that he’s a really nice horse. Is going to need to be very good.
(6) Rockin Rupert is having his 3rd career start here and if you remove last start from the equation, has looked a completely different horse when able to find the breeze. Last start stepped a touch slow and just showed his inexperience when settling down behind the front two, doesn’t know what its all about yet. Once he got going through the line after taking a while to wind up, I thought he really hit it nicely. Gets 1.5kg off He’s A Sizzler and tactical field position as I’m anticipating a more aggressive Knuckey this time around to kick him out to try find the breeze. If he can land outside Bopping Blue, I think he’s not without a chance here.
(8) Pixie Chix can’t draw a gate at the moment, she’s racing really well. 2 starts back finished within a length of The Front Bar and 0.2L off Beads, and now gets 1.5kgs in her favour off that runner here. The problem she has to contend with is the gate again, given she’s likely made to settle right back at the tail spotting some nice horses lengths on straightening. Reefed and teared early last start when taken right back to the fence last from the widest gate, the fact she’s managed to still run the race fastest L200m is quite remarkable. She’s going to have her work cut out, but if she can find the right trail into the race to take her into it on the turn, she’s right in this.
Value: (8) Pixie Chix $12 Bet365
Race 4
Ascend Sales Trophies (Bm66+) (1000m)
4:25pm (AEDT)
Race 4Ascend Sales Trophies (Bm66+) (1000m) |
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1. Sweet Snitty
J: Ben Kennedy (59.5kg)
T: Jordan Rolfe |
67 | 71 | 73 | |||
2. This'll Testya
J: Ms Holly Watson (59.5kg)
T: Mitchell Pateman |
9 | 9 | 9.3 | |||
3. Brooklyn Pier
J: Steven Parnham (58kg)
T: N D Parnham |
16 | 17 | 17 | |||
4. Acromantula
J: Joseph Azzopardi (57kg)
T: D & B Pearce |
2.35 | 2.3 | 2.35 | |||
5. Double Jeopardy
J: Laqdar Ramoly (56.5kg)
T: Tiarnna Robertson |
26 | 26 | 27.5 | |||
6. Night Voyage
J: Clint Johnston-Porter (56.5kg)
T: Summer Dickson |
26 | 26 | 26.5 | |||
7. Weaponson
J: Paul Harvey (56.5kg)
T: L Smith |
14 | 14 | 12.4 | |||
8. Go Forward
J: Brad Parnham (56kg)
T: C & M Gangemi |
2.4 | 2.5 | 2.4 | |||
9. Sunnysilk
J: Ms Kristy Bennett (55.5kg)
T: D R Harrison |
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10. Klondike Kenny
J: Ms Jade Mcnaught (54kg)
T: D R Couper |
81 | 81 | 83 |
Odds Last Updated: January 1, 2022, 4:27pm (AEDT)
2 horse race for me here. Market reflects as much.
(4) Acromantula has been freshened since the 1st up run when grabbed in the absolute shadows by The Front Bar, and we know how strong that form has been since. Been given 6 weeks since then and aimed up at this, and finds another race where he should be able to find the top with relative ease and control, with the main danger going to need to gun him down. Joe is going to let this fast horse run fast.
(8) Go Forward is probably unlucky not to be 4 from his last 4. Has had excuses the 2 he hasn’t won and the 2 he has won have been unbelievably dominant. Last start looked to be a moral beaten before extricating at the 200m and putting them away in a couple of strides in a field that weren’t exactly slouches. Has put up some huge figures in his career and down 2.5kgs from that last win, with the senior jockey back aboard, he can go to a new peak run here.
Race 5
Amelia Park (Rs1mw) (1400m)
5:05pm (AEDT)
Race 5Amelia Park (Rs1mw) (1400m) |
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1. Ginger Baker
J: Paul Harvey (60.5kg)
T: V A Brockman |
12 | 12 | 13.2 | |||
2. Island Missile
J: Brad Rawiller (60kg)
T: C & M Gangemi |
9.5 | 9 | 8.7 | |||
3. Worth A Risk
J: Ms Holly Watson (60kg)
T: S J Wolfe |
26 | 26 | 32 | |||
4. Downforce
J: Laqdar Ramoly (59.5kg)
T: N D Parnham |
12 | 11 | 10.8 | |||
5. Crescent City
J: Ms Kyra Yuill (59kg)
T: G & A Williams |
16 | 13 | 15.6 | |||
6. Ouqba Ted
J: Ms Kristy Bennett (58.5kg)
T: C H Webster |
81 | 67 | 77 | |||
7. Miss Vasari
J: Brad Parnham (58kg)
T: D L Morton |
4.8 | 5 | 4.85 | |||
8. Tri For Us
J: Ben Kennedy (58kg)
T: A G Durrant |
6.5 | 7 | 7.4 | |||
9. Cheval De Vaga
J: Keshaw Dhurun (57.5kg)
T: Meryl Hayley |
12 | 11 | 11.8 | |||
10. Cristal Dane
J: Shaun Mcgruddy (57.5kg)
T: D M Luciani |
6.5 | 6.5 | 5.9 | |||
11. Memorable Miss
J: Patrick Carbery (57kg)
T: G & A Williams |
12 | 14 | 13.2 | |||
12. Seminole Brave
J: Shaun O'donnell (57kg)
T: G P Poletti |
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13. Trade War
J: Chris Parnham (57kg)
T: M L Lane |
8 | 8.5 | 7.3 | |||
14. Megadon
J: Joseph Azzopardi (56kg)
T: A W Maley |
61 | 41 | 57 |
Odds Last Updated: January 1, 2022, 5:07pm (AEDT)
Most open race of the day this one, comfortably.
(7) Miss Vasari is racing well and you know what you’re going to get from her. Was unlucky not to have won last start in the blanket finish of the Epiona when slow away and finishing off hard on the worst part of the track after really only getting clear passing the 200m mark. That form has since been franked and the start prior won over the 1200m in slick time with Cristal Dane, Mercanto and Grand Design all subsequent winners, proven winning form. Likely cuddled up from the gate and saved for one last crack at them. Racing like 1400m shouldn’t be a problem.
(8) Tri For Us is going super and the way she hit the line in that same race signalled she’s got a win in her this prep, I just feel 1400m is still a touch on the short side for her. Ben Kennedy is going to be really tight for room back on the fence and if he finds some clear air I just think it might be too late, follow over further. Wouldn’t surprise if she gets luck her taking this out.
If (9) Cheval De Vaga drew a gate I’d just about be tipping him here, confidently. Meryl Hayley has got him absolutely flying and he should have arguably won last start by 5L, not the 2. In saying that, there’s next to no speed in this outside Cristal Dane and Worth A Risk and if Keshaw can get across early and lob him in a spot without using too much petrol he’s as good a chance as any, if not the best winning chance. The gate just makes it incredibly difficult to back with confidence in a big field.
(10) Cristal Dane is going really well for the new yard and finds the fence in front here for the in-form hoop. The extra weight and depth to this race is the slight query, given I don’t think he was overly strong late last start, but should be in the finish given the really soft map. Ascot record also doesn’t make for great reading.
Tip: (7) Miss Vasari $6.00 Ladbrokes

Race 6
Furphy - Summer Scorcher (1000m)
5:45pm (AEDT)
Race 6Furphy - Summer Scorcher (1000m) |
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1. Floyd
J: Ms Jerry Noske (59kg)
T: C & M Gangemi |
51 | 34 | 49 | |||
2. Mervyn
J: Brad Rawiller (58.5kg)
T: Luke Fernie |
11 | 11 | 11 | |||
3. Gemma's Son
J: Paul Harvey (58kg)
T: D R Harrison |
7.5 | 8 | 7 | |||
4. Long Beach
J: Brad Parnham (57.5kg)
T: C & M Gangemi |
15 | 16 | 12.6 | |||
5. Cryptic Love
J: Ms Kyra Yuill (57kg)
T: D R Harrison |
101 | 71 | 111 | |||
6. Miss Conteki
J: Chris Parnham (54.5kg)
T: Simon Miller |
2 | 2.1 | 2 | |||
7. All Day Session
J: Shaun Mcgruddy (54kg)
T: A W Maley |
19 | 16 | 20 | |||
8. Eeyore Wayz
J: Craig Staples (54kg)
T: Raquel Reid |
21 | 20 | 23 | |||
9. Jericho Missile
J: Joseph Azzopardi (54kg)
T: D R Harrison |
34 | 41 | 40 | |||
10. The Front Bar
J: Clint Johnston-Porter (54kg)
T: A G Durrant |
3.9 | 4 | 4.05 |
Odds Last Updated: January 1, 2022, 5:47pm (AEDT)
This really does look a race in two, two horses I have very big opinions of, but with the tactical field position and her change up point to point turn of foot to boot, I’m siding with (6) Miss Conteki, just. Still not sure what she shied away from last start when grabbed by Hot Zed after having looked to put the race to bed in a matter of strides but that was very uncommon for her so more than happy to look past that. Has got the early toe to hold a spot just stalking the speed here and has shown she can absorb the tempo in front of her and still let rip with that turn of foot she possesses. She’s a light, athletic mare so the featherweight 54.5kgs is perfect.
I really do like (10) The Front Bar, and the figures he has been posting in his current picket fence have been huge, but he hasn’t faced a horse the calibre of Miss Conteki yet. In his races he’s been really slow to muster, and although he’s got a big booming turn of foot, he takes a while to hit top gear, and if he’s out the back spotting Miss Conteki lengths on straightening, with the point to point speed she possesses, I think he’s going to struggle to catch her.
(9) Jericho Missile the blowout hope for mine at a monster price. 1st up last prep motored home to finish 1L behind Gemma’s Son carrying 0.5kgs extra, now gets in 4.5kgs better on that runner for that defeat and you’re seeing $34 opposed to the $7 Gemma’s Son. The speed will be on, and he has a booming finish on his day. Fast run 1000m suits his racing style.
(4) Long Beach isn’t impossible either, was monstrous 1st up in the Colonel Reeves when really wide throughout and only beaten in the shadows by Elite Street and G1 winner Graceful Girl. Has been freshened since the Winterbottom and wouldn’t surprise if he was to put in a massive run from just in behind Mervyn.
(3) Gemma’s Son has a terrific record with Paul Harvey in the saddle who steps back aboard here. Draw sticky but there isn’t much speed outside of Mervyn so should be able to get across.
Tip: (6) Miss Conteki $3.00 Betfair
Value: (9) Jericho Missile $41 Betfair

Race 7
Mumm Champagne (Bm66+) (1600m)
6:25pm (AEDT)
Race 7Mumm Champagne (Bm66+) (1600m) |
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1. Juicing Carrots
J: Craig Staples (61.5kg)
T: Raquel Reid |
51 | 31 | 59 | |||
2. Blinder
J: Brad Parnham (61kg)
T: N D Parnham |
21 | 20 | 19.6 | |||
3. Superior Smile
J: Brad Rawiller (60.5kg)
T: D & B Pearce |
41 | 41 | 47 | |||
4. Ginger Flyer
J: Ms Holly Watson (60kg)
T: Simon Miller |
2.7 | 2.7 | 2.6 | |||
5. Bogart
J: Clint Johnston-Porter (59kg)
T: A G Durrant |
10 | 9 | 10.2 | |||
6. Harry Thomas
J: Keshaw Dhurun (59kg)
T: R W Price |
18 | 18 | 18.8 | |||
7. Bruce Almighty
J: Chris Parnham (58.5kg)
T: N D Parnham |
8 | 10 | 8.8 | |||
8. Em Tee Aye
J: Laqdar Ramoly (57.5kg)
T: T M Andrews |
5.5 | 6 | 5.8 | |||
9. Zackariah Beau
J: Ms Jade Mcnaught (57kg)
T: Greg Beauglehole |
26 | 21 | 23.5 | |||
10. Deputano
J: Joseph Azzopardi (54.5kg)
T: L Smith |
31 | 31 | 29 | |||
11. Mosseratti
J: Steven Parnham (54.5kg)
T: C R Green |
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12. Bragwell
J: Shaun Mcgruddy (54kg)
T: S J Wolfe |
8 | 9 | 8 | |||
13. Fairy Fast
J: Ms Kyra Yuill (54kg)
T: G & A Williams |
13 | 13 | 11.4 | |||
14. The Verdict
J: Peter Knuckey (54kg)
T: C H Webster |
41 | 34 | 39 |
Odds Last Updated: January 1, 2022, 6:27pm (AEDT)
(4) Ginger Flyer is a horse that continually bobs up for me because of how well Simon Miller places her. She’s shown a versatility this prep we didn’t know she had to be able to take a sit, and she finds another very winnable race here where she can lob box seat for Holly and get the most economic of runs. Was really good behind God Has Chosen last start when she should have finished a clear 2nd and loved the way she hit the line. Is just your map horse, isn’t penalised at the weights like some others and again, is incredibly well placed.
(8) Em Tee Aye settled further back than anticipated last start when 3rd behind Beat The Bro, didn’t step all that well but found a spot just off midfield with 3 deep with cover and finished off nicely. Drops in grade here so goes up the 3kgs after the claim but maps an absolute treat. Ran a terrific 2nd in a WA Guineas at the mile, hit the line last start like she wants it and the Beret form from the start prior looks terribly strong now. Hardest to beat.
(5) Bogart the big beneficiary of the likely 3 wide train here. Not a horse that gives me the feel of liking being cluttered up but I thought after being slow away he hit the line quite strongly out of that Chili Is Hot/Proconsent race. Johnston Porter is the perfect jockey for his get back run on style of racing, and he’s definitely alive here if CJP can find a nice cart into it on straightening without having to scrub him up too much.
(7) Bruce Almighty draws a gate and I’m keen to be on, I just simply cannot map him from out there given he’s likely doing all the work and doesn’t have a real turn of foot. Keep tabs on him, going really well.
Tip: (4) Ginger Flyer $4.00 TopSport

Race 8
Mrs Macs - La Trice Classic (1800m)
7:05pm (AEDT)
Race 8Mrs Macs - La Trice Classic (1800m) |
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1. Dance Music
J: Brad Parnham (59kg)
T: Simon Miller |
7 | 7 | 6.4 | |||
2. Bam's On Fire
J: Steven Parnham (58kg)
T: N D Parnham |
13 | 14 | 12.4 | |||
3. Solaia
J: Chris Parnham (57.5kg)
T: D T Mcauliffe |
15 | 15 | 15 | |||
4. Beret
J: Clint Johnston-Porter (56.5kg)
T: A G Durrant |
2.35 | 2.25 | 2.4 | |||
5. Chili Is Hot
J: Paul Harvey (56.5kg)
T: G C Ballantyne |
8 | 8 | 9.1 | |||
6. Playing Marika
J: Peter Knuckey (55kg)
T: Ms S Bakranich |
12 | 12 | 11.8 | |||
7. La Farola
J: Ms Kyra Yuill (55kg)
T: M L Lane |
13 | 13 | 13.4 | |||
8. Bright Diamond
J: Shaun Mcgruddy (55kg)
T: G & A Williams |
16 | 16 | 13 | |||
9. Real Charisma
J: Patrick Carbery (55kg)
T: G & A Williams |
17 | 18 | 18 | |||
10. Devine Beast
J: Joseph Azzopardi (55kg)
T: Luke Fernie |
41 | 41 | 41 | |||
11. Jadavi
J: Ms Jerry Noske (55kg)
T: I F Shield |
31 | 34 | 35 | |||
12. Oceanzara
J: Shaun O'donnell (55kg)
T: Kirsten Melis |
41 | 34 | 43 |
Odds Last Updated: January 1, 2022, 7:07pm (AEDT)
Really difficult race to assess, given the vast majority are on trial at the trip and coming out of the same form line.
No real opinion here. Would’ve been keen to have a bet (6) Playing Marika if she was off the 7 day back up which she sadly isn’t, but she gets a 1.5kg weight swing on Beret, a really soft run in transit and if we go 3 starts back she’s run 3rd over this trip in an Ascot Gold Cup behind Perth Cup favourite Midnight Blue in a very fast run 1800m event. One of the few runners in the field who isn’t on trial at the trip. Peter Knuckey the leveller.
(4) Beret by default looks hard to beat again, has just completely matured this prep into a proper racehorse and can’t fault her at all, should get a very similar trail midfield and don’t think the trip will be an issue for the best jock riding on the day (in my opinion).
The point of difference runner is (5) Chili Is Hot, coming out of a really strong win over the mile defeating Proconsent. Gets in really poorly at the weights but the extra journey is a huge tick for her, having won the Belmont Oaks over the 2000m last prep.
Didn’t mind the run of (9) Real Charisma in the Starstruck, and thought she should definitely be the shorter of the two cerise and white runners. (2) Bam’s On Fire is absolutely flying but is on trial at the trip, going to need luck and going to have to loop them from last, just can’t buy a gate at the moment, hurts.
(1) Dance Music is the class runner of the field and won this race last year, but I do worry if the Railway/Kingston prep (with this being her 6th run of the prep) may have taken the sting out of her legs and cooked her. Was on the wrong part of the track last start and the run wasn’t as bad as it looked, there’s just a few red flags for me.
Tip: (4) Beret $2.80 TAB
Also Backing: (5) Chili Is Hot $7.50 TAB
Race 9
Tabtouch - Perth Cup (2400m)
7:45pm (AEDT)
Race 9Tabtouch - Perth Cup (2400m) |
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1. Trap For Fools
J: Brad Rawiller (59kg)
T: L Smith |
31 | 31 | ||||
2. Platoon
J: Steven Parnham (56kg)
T: N D Parnham |
10 | 10 | ||||
3. Neufbosc
J: Brad Parnham (55.5kg)
T: N D Parnham |
12 | 12 | ||||
4. Tellem We're Comin
J: Joseph Azzopardi (54.5kg)
T: D L Morton |
41 | |||||
5. Marocchino
J: Peter Knuckey (53.5kg)
T: L P Luciani |
34 | 34 | ||||
6. Bad Wolf
J: Ms Jerry Noske (53kg)
T: A W Maley |
61 | 61 | ||||
7. Bella's Idol
J: Ms Natasha Faithfull (53kg)
T: Summer Dickson |
67 | |||||
8. Black Shadow
J: Jason Brown (53kg)
T: J P Taylor |
17 | 18 | ||||
9. Cockney Crew
J: Shaun Mcgruddy (53kg)
T: Kieran Mcdonagh |
17 | 16 | ||||
10. Come Right Back
J: Laqdar Ramoly (53kg)
T: A G Durrant |
41 | 41 | ||||
11. Divine Shadow
J: Ms Jade Mcnaught (53kg)
T: Brett Pope |
151 | 91 | ||||
12. Midnight Blue
J: Patrick Carbery (53kg)
T: G & A Williams |
3.8 | 3.8 | ||||
13. Paddy's Shadow
J: Shaun O'donnell (53kg)
T: Ms R L Williams |
12 | |||||
14. Pure Devotion
J: Clint Johnston-Porter (53kg)
T: G & A Williams |
5 | 5 | ||||
15. Stafford's Lad
J: Chris Parnham (53kg)
T: D L Morton |
5 | |||||
16. Truly Reliable
J: Ms Shelby Bowtell (53kg)
T: Raymond Vincent |
81 | 71 |
Odds Last Updated: January 1, 2022, 7:47pm (AEDT)
Have never been one for the WA staying races myself, but its the Cup so we have to have a go and this looks one of the more open, competitive Cups in recent memory.
Speed: Cockney Crew and Trap For Fools your 2 main speed influences and think the old boy might have some difficulty holding Cockney out from finding the fence. Marocchino finds a nice stalking spot with Black Shadow to glide across from 11 to find a spot close to the speed. Come Right Back just in behind those and expecting more aggressive tactics from Neufbosc to find a spot for him forward of midfield. Midnight Blue will land wherever Pat feels comfortable but won’t want to get strung up inside runners, while outside of that there’s plenty of runners happy to sit out the back and watch it all unfold (Paddy’s Shadow, Stafford’s Lad, Platoon, Tellem Were Coming etc.) With Cockney Crew and Trap For Fools rolling, it should be a genuinely run staying contest
Will try keep this as brief as possible.
(1) Trap For Fools I have doubts finding the top with an aggressive Cockney Crew to combat him, not sure the old boy has the legs left to be holding them off here with the top weight, even if he does find the front.
(2) Platoon isn’t hopeless, will get back and watch it all unfold but I have my doubts how strong he can be late in a genuinely run staying contest given I’m still not convinced about his staying credentials.
(3) Neufbosc the class stayer of the field, who in my books you just simply cannot write off. Off his run in the Kingston Town, given he’s only carrying 1.5kgs extra here than when he won last year in a much thinner field, you’d simply have to be on but he was just too bad to be true last start in the Ted. I’m a forgiving soul, and willing to forgive that run for whatever reason, wipe it from my memory and take him on his 3 runs prior. In that case, I simply can’t let him go around at double figures and think he can definitely become a back to back Perth Cup winner. Expecting Brad to be positive on him to find a spot just in behind the speed here (similar tactics to winning last year) and I’m confident he’ll be there when the whips are cracking.
(4) Tellem Were Comin I’d be shocked, don’t think he stays
(5) Marocchino has been horrible at his past couple and is just too one batted
(6) Bad Wolf isn’t (completely) impossible and has really surprised me how well he has been racing at trips I thought were unsuitable. Think the 2400m will see him out however.
(7) Bella’s Idol gets the Pads on, and if he wins a Perth Cup with the Pads on I’ll deadset give it up.
(8) Black Shadow was disappointing last start when racing keenly off the slow speed set in the ATA. Off his run in the Towton, he is up to his eyeballs in this. Brown should be able to slide him across and land him in behind the front 2, down 5kgs at the weights, stays all day. Can definitely win, but off his last run has he maybe tapered off?
(9) Cockney Crew McDonaugh has said they are gonna let him run, which if they do, is going to ensure this is a proper staying event and makes me find it hard to see Trap For Fools holding him out from finding the fence. Drops 6kgs from a solid run in the Ted and although an unorthodox Perth Cup prep, he’s gone a head from beating Regal Power in a WATC Derby over the 2400m, there’s no doubt he can stay. If he can’t find the fence however, I think his winning chances end there.
(10) Come Right Back isn’t impossible at a big price in this thin Perth Cup. Should have beaten Black Shadow 2 back when held up for the entirety of the straight when bolting, before last start in a ratings race over 2100m with Holly on, doing all the work with the top weight and from a wide gate, only being gunned down in the shadows by Sentimental Friend (doesn’t read all that well) but when you factor in the circumstances it was a big run. Maps a treat for Laqdar to find a spot just forward of midfield, drops 6kgs, stranger things have happened.
(11) Divine Shadow on his day could run top 4-5 here, but not giving off the vibe that Saturday can be that sort of day.
(12) Midnight Blue hasn’t had the ideal Perth Cup prep with the setback and the well-documented feet issues leading in. The bar plates go off here, and Carbery sticks given the William Pike circumstances. The better of the two cerise and white chances and the better run of the two in the ATA especially when you consider being a month between runs there. Went well in last years event but was still a mile off Neufbosc that day. Getting in on the minimum helps, runs the trip, maps for Carbery to be able to keep him off the fence and really wouldn’t surprise me if he did win, but with that setback, and having missed the price, he can win without me.
(13) Paddy’s Shadow with the right run can win this Cup. Although maybe a little plain to the eye in the ATA when 2.7L 4th behind Staffords Lad, he gets 4kgs on that runner here. A winner of the Bunbury Cup when unlucky not to have won that race by 4-5L, his run in the Ascot Gold Cup was huge and in the Towton outside the winner he was the run of the race. The draw hurts, but at the same time means O’Donnell can keep him off the fence, and if he can get on the back of the right horse without being 3 deep (a big if), if they’re stopping up in front, the mare is going to loom large.
(14) Pure Devotion can win, but a genuinely run staying race probably takes away her biggest asset which is her turn of foot given I still question how well she is going to run out the 2400m and be able to run it out well enough to win. Can definitely do so, but can do it without me.
(15) Stafford’s Lad couldn’t have drawn a worse gate given he’s got no early speed. Will be cluttered away back in the field and is a horse that really needs room (and time) to wind up to hit top gear which he likely isn’t afforded here. Can he be held up from the 600-500m mark and still pick up well enough to run past them? Would be a great story, but I doubt it.
(16) Truly Reliable is a prep early, nice horse and future stayer but nah.
Tip: (13) Paddy's Shadow $16 Sportsbet
Also Backing: (3) Neufbosc $10 Bet365
Value: (10) Come Right Back $41 Sportsbet
Race 10
Crown Perth (Bm72+) (1200m)
8:20pm (AEDT)
Race 10Crown Perth (Bm72+) (1200m) |
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1. Kelly's Callisto
J: Ben Kennedy (60.5kg)
T: A G Durrant |
101 | 91 | 111 | |||
2. Billy Ain't Silly
J: Laqdar Ramoly (59kg)
T: C H Webster |
9 | 9 | 9.1 | |||
3. Resortman
J: Chris Parnham (58kg)
T: M L Lane |
8 | 8.5 | 8.4 | |||
4. Son Son
J: Clint Johnston-Porter (58kg)
T: A G Durrant |
3.7 | 3.6 | 3.85 | |||
5. Chantorque
J: Shaun Mcgruddy (57.5kg)
T: Russell Stewart |
4.2 | 4.2 | 3.9 | |||
6. Charge
J: Keshaw Dhurun (56kg)
T: C & M Gangemi |
51 | 51 | 38 | |||
7. Written Matter
J: Brad Parnham (56kg)
T: C & M Gangemi |
5.5 | 5.5 | 5.1 | |||
8. Agent Jay
J: Ms Kristy Bennett (55.5kg)
T: S J Miller |
61 | 41 | 57 | |||
9. My Demi
J: Ms Natasha Faithfull (55kg)
T: Michael Hackett |
126 | 101 | 121 | |||
10. Reign Of Fire
J: Peter Knuckey (54.5kg)
T: C H Webster |
7 | 7.5 | 7.1 | |||
11. Trevern
J: Jason Brown (54.5kg)
T: J P Taylor |
16 | 16 | 14 | |||
12. Kallaroo
J: Joseph Azzopardi (54kg)
T: D L Morton |
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13. Vital Blast
J: Shaun O'donnell (54kg)
T: Ms J Erkelens |
67 | 61 | 71 |
Odds Last Updated: January 1, 2022, 8:22pm (AEDT)
(7) Written Matter I thought was the better of the two runs out of the same race and gets a 1.5kg weight swing on Chantorque in his favour. Flopped out the back from the wide gate by CJP, found himself strung up last on the fence and while Chantorque found the back of Resortman who was able to give him the perfect cart into it, Written Matter was held up behind runners until passing the 200m (although not mentioned in the stewards report) but once he got through he really savaged the line. From 9, if Parnham can find that 3 deep moving line off what looks a hot speed and present him at the top of the straight, I think he can get past these and presents one of the better bets of the day.
(4) Son Son has plenty of ability and showed it last start with a really nice win over this trip, drew wide but was able to get across to find cover quite cheaply before finishing off nicely. Maps to get a very economic run in transit here just stalking what looks to be a very genuine tempo, my query being whether he can tuck in behind that speed and still have enough in the tank at the finish to hold off some very sharp sprinters who will be in the moving line smoking the pipe. Wouldn’t surprise me at all.
(5) Chantorque was a replay watchers good oil last start behind The Spruiker. Went back from the wide gate, hopped on the back of Resortman who gave him the perfect cart up into the race and showed a brilliant turn of foot to almost snatch it late. Drawn well here, McGruddy on for Knuckey, lots of boxes are ticked, however, I have my slight queries with her. Up 3.5kgs at the weights, for a lightly framed, athletic mare who hasn’t yet proven to carry such weight with success in her career yet, is a slight knock and although drawn 6, there’s almost certainly going to be a 3 wide moving line that could potentially leave McGruddy a little tight for room at crucial stages. Came in expecting to find her with confidence, but haven’t. Probably watch her sail past mine.
(10) Reign Of Fire was terrific 1st up behind Son Son from last, storming home for 3rd from last when not offered a huge heap of room in the straight. Gets 2kgs on Son Son but a sticky map where he likely lands 3 even 4 back the fence needing all the luck. If he doesn’t get out at the right time it could be all too late.
Tip: (7) Written Matter $5.00 Ladbrokes
Saver: (4) Son Son $5.00 Ladbrokes

