Race 1 – Craig Philpotts Consulting ‘Kurt Fearnley’ Maiden Plate 900m
Ocean Joy is a fast filly resuming after placings in hot maiden fields on this track in the spring. She led when placed behind subsequent Randwick winner Zoubaby on September 21 and she was placed behind the smart Force Red her on October 4. Ocean Joy was impressive in leading all the way in a recent Beaumont trial.
Flying Argyle had no luck first up and he has been runner up three times on this track while Bent As Hell has a chance.
Selections: 9- Ocean Joy 4- Flying Argle 7- Bent As Hell
Race 2 – The Velich Connection ‘Robert Thompson’ Maiden Plate 1500m
Piccaderro has been placed in all three starts at Scone, Canterbury and the Sunshine Coast. He has had two recent starts and wasn’t far away in the $1/4 Million Magic Millions Maiden on the Sunshine Coast on January 4.
Blue Tongue races well on this track and he is third up and My Greek God has placed in three of four starts.
Selections: 5- Piccaderro 17- Blue Tongue 4- My Greek God
Race 3 – Doyle Racing ‘Gary Harley’ Benchmark 68 Handicap 1600m
Aix En Provence stormed home when narrowly beaten in a benchmark 72 at the Wyong stand-alone metropolitan meeting on January 1. The more spacious track is in his favour, and he was runner up in his only Newcastle start. The Brazilian Jose Severo from a metropolitan win on Wednesday has the mount.
Mizella won well on this track last start and Navios is fitter following a solid fourth first up after missing the start.
Selections: 1- Aix En Provence 5- Mizella 2- Navios
Race 4 – The Angelov Family ‘Lauren Parker’ Maiden Handicap 1300m
Hey Jude is knocking on the door after three recent placings. She came form second last on the turn when beaten half a length at Nowra on New Years Eve and she performed similarly two starts back on the same track. She has a perfect barrier, and the long straight and longer trip is in her favour.
Pierant resumes and has a 3-kilogram allowance and should run well. and Great Brazen has trialled well.
Selections: 9- Hey Jude 17-Pierant 4- Great Brazen
Race 5 – Franky’s Five O ‘Jack Newton’ Super Maiden Plate 1880m
The Beast has the speed to overcome a wide barrier, and he has been placed in all four of his five starts. He led and was challenged 400 metres out when only beaten a length at Canterbury on New Years Day. He appreciates a firm track and is in an Australian winning stable.
Think We’re There was close up behind The Beast last start and he is very consistent.
Cheval Gris has been runner up in her past three starts.
Selections: 12- The Beast 3- Think We’re There 5- Cheval Gris
Race 6 – Bob Velich Memorial Benchmark 64 Handicap 1880m
Balmierro is ready to win and has Jean Van Overmire (the NSW Jockeys Premiership leader) in the saddle. Second up in a stronger field the 4-year-old finished a close third at Wyong on New Years Eve. Prior to a spell he trounced a Benchmark 58 field at Scone, and he has a positive barrier.
Sonic Tycoon has good country form and Fiorsum Fred can improve
Selections: 4- Balmierro 8- Sonic Tycoon 6- Fiorsum Fred
Race 7 – Jim Velich Memorial Benchmark 68 Handicap 1200m
Impulsivity is good value and races well on this track. She came from last when placed at Warwick Farm on January 8 and she was narrowly beaten first up at Hawkesbury in November. The mare hasn’t drawn well but will benefit from the gun apprentice (Braith Nock) 2-kilogram allowance.
Stablemate After Match resumes and he has a good record while Fortingall has won two from three.
Selections: 10- Impulsivity 6- After Match 8- Fortingall
Race 8 – Velich Bros memorial- Thanks For The Memories Benchmark 64 Handicap 1400m
Rubi’s Serve is flying on the two Newcastle tracks. With two wins and a close second from her past three starts. She races from the tail of the field but sprints quickly down the long straight. She has had five starts on this track for a win and four placings.
Rush Attach resumes and has good record last prep and Chevron can improve.
Selections: 7- Rubi’s Serve 5- Rush Attack 2- Chevron