From Kris Lees
Horse: Game Of Thorns
Message: (Saturday, Newcastle Race 5, Spring Stakes) It’s a rise in class for her, but I’ve got no doubt the 1600m will suit her. She might be able to sneak a place.
Horse: Le Romain
Message: (Saturday, Newcastle Race 6, The Hunter) I was pleased to see Le Romain run so well at Rosehill last time after a freshen up. He really gave it a go. His draw (on Saturday) might seem disappointing, but I’m not too concerned because he doesn’t like being cluttered up amongst horses.
Horse: Graff
Message: (Saturday, Newcastle Race 6, The Hunter) The talented four-year-old will be racing in a cross-over nose band, as the stable believes it will help him become more relaxed with his breathing. I’m not definitely certain Graff held his breath the last time he raced, but suspect that might have been the case. The new gear was on Graff in a 1000m barrier trial on the Beaumont Track on track on October 30. He began well, was eased to sit fourth on the inside and relaxed nicely before stretching out strongly to defeat stablemate El Dorado Dreaming and Bon Amis. He seemed to appreciate the cross-over nose band and trialled really well. With the better draw of my four definite runners, he has to be our best chance.
Horse: Tactical Advantage
Message: (Saturday, Newcastle Race 6, The Hunter) Tactical Advantage arrived back from Melbourne after winning over the straight 1200m course at Flemington on Cup day and deserves his chance in a race such as this. He might find the 1300m as far as he wants, but couldn’t be in better condition.
Horse: Invincible Gem
Message: (Saturday, Newcastle Race 6, The Hunter) Invincible Gem has been freshened and is nice and bright. She trialled well at Wyong last month and has a good first-up record, having won twice and been placed three times from seven attempts.
From Jason Deamer
Horse: Bon Amis
Message: (Saturday, Newcastle Race 6, The Hunter) Bon Amis has bounced back well from the virus, returning to work after two weeks off and trialling a fortnight ago in the lead-up to Saturday’s race. The gelding will have no problem running the trip (1300m), having never won beyond 1100m and only racing twice past 1200m. He ran 2nd here at Newcastle over 1400 metres in the Provincial Championship heat, and then he ran at the Provincial Championship at Randwick and was caught four or five wide and finished 5th. Not a bad effort. With the draw (6), he won’t have to do any work. I couldn’t hope for a better barrier. I’m not confident of winning, but I’m confident the horse is nearly at the best I can have him for this race.
From The Editor
Melbourne Race 4 – Music Bay
Melbourne Race 7 – Affair To Remember
Melbourne Race 8 – Southern France
