Each week Racenet's video review analysts highlight a runner from each state to follow and here are the horses recently blackbooked that are racing around Australia on Saturday.
We will follow the horses in their two subsequent starts to being blackbooked.
Rosehill
CHAMPAGNE CUDDLES (Race 7 No. 14)
The horse was blackbooked at the Randwick meeting on September 2 and our analyst said : There is little doubt the outside gate cost the Bjorn Baker-trained Champagne Cuddles victory in the Furious Stakes at Randwick on Saturday. Champagne Cuddles drew barrier seven in a field of seven with Tye Angland easing the filly early in an attempt to find cover but was forced to go back to the rear. The filly was switched to the outside straightening and ran home strongly recording 32.77 seconds for the last 600m – approximately five-lengths quicker than any other runner in the race. Champagne Cuddles has finished runner-up both runs back this preparation hitting the line strongly on each occasion, in a manner that suggests she is ready for 1400m which she gets in the Group II Tea Rose at Randwick on September 16. Even this far out Champagne Cuddles looks close to a good thing.
Odds $21 @ Bet365
THIS IS THE SECOND RUN SINCE BEING BLACKBOOKED – LAST CHANCE
Last start finished second in the Group II Tea Rose Stakes at Randwick behind Alizee. Examined by the vet at the barriers. Settled 4th two wide two lengths off the leader. Came across heels three-wide straightening. Found the front at the 200m but couldn't hold off winner's burst.
Caulfield
PURE SCOT (Race 1 No. 2)
The horse was blackbooked at the Moonee Valley meeting on September 9 and our analyst said : Going for one that was well beaten on Saturday with the Hayes-Dabernig trained daughter of Purrealist. She was first-up at Moonee Valley on the weekend after showing some solid ability in her first preparation. She showed no early speed to be back near last and then at around the 600m mark she went off the bit to drop out two lengths off the last horse straightening. She had no chance of getting near Shoals that was up dominating on pace but she did manage to pick a few up on the line, running close to the fastest last 400 and 200m sectionals in the race. She’ll take good improvement for the run and she’s clearly looking for a touch longer, and a bigger track. Likely to go around big odds again next start but I’m sure she’ll run a big race.
Odds $16 @ Bet365
MERRIEST (Race 9 No. 7)
The horse was blackbooked at the Moonee Valley meeting on August 26 and our analyst said : She may have let her supporters down a touch on Saturday but she certainly did enough to be worth following in the right races throughout the spring. She trialled in outstanding shape cruising along out in front at Cranbourne recently and it's no surprise she didn't win on Saturday as she's a mare that has tended to need her fresh run to find her best. She still ran a solid race covering ground, improving four deep on the turn and she only ran out of condition over the last 100 metres with the 1200 metres proving too far first-up. She's won two from three second-up and her best form is in hard run races over 1100 metres, if they can find the right race for her at her next start she'll be super tough to beat and she can train on through the spring.
Odds $7.50 @ Crownbet, Luxbet, Unibet
BELMONT
ARRUM BOY (Race 2 No. 4)
The horse was blackbooked at the Belmont meeting on September 16 and our analyst said : Knocks on the door after recent minor placings although his most recent effort was arguably the best of his career so far. Forced to go back in the field to overcome a wide alley, this Steve Wolfe-trained gelding caught the eye running on strongly in the best closing sectionals of the day to finish a close third as the leaders duked it out. May be suited stepping up slightly in distance now and can get the job done soon.
Odds $8.50 @ Luxbet
MASSACHUSETTS (Race 8 No. 10)
The horse was blackbooked at the Belmont meeting on September 9 and our analyst said : Ran home in similar sectionals to impressive all-the-way winner Floyd so the effort to finish a distant fifth is not as bad as first appears. After settling last and giving away around six lengths on straightening, Massachusetts peeled to the outside and made good steady ground in the run to the line. Looks suited now by a step up in distance and with a class three rating the daughter of Stratum can be well placed at the midweeks or provincials over the coming weeks.
Odds $15 @ Bet365
