Followers of Ric Chapman at Woodbine are substantially in front this season. Just last week: 8 tips – 3 winners, 5 place getters and 2 x trifectas. Let’s hope the winning continues this week.
Race 1 10:45am 1400m Synthetic
Off this alley I think MYSTIC NILE will punch up and be either in front from the start or box-seating just behind the pace. Has the form to win as this is a drop in grade. SHE’S GOT FIRE has toe too and will be backed for this as she’s in a strong stable and racing well this level. MARITIMECONNECTION will have a shot at them late and has the wheels to run on into a placing.
TIPS: (2) MYSTIC NILE, (4) She’s Got Fire, (5) Maritimeconnection
Race 2 11:15am 1300m Synthetic track
Money will come for SILENT STING who has drawn deep and will be disadvantaged by that. But he’s down in grade, has recently won, and has one of the top riders on board, but I just think the old boy, OCCASIONAL VIEW who gets 2 pounds weight relief on him and who has drawn better, gets all the breaks. He’s fast and has mixed it well in MUCH better grade. Plus, he’s racing superbly. Either way, they look the quinella as they are the best two runners. GLENVILLE GARDENS has the stamina to run into a placing late.
TIPS: (3) OCCASIONAL VIEW, (7) Silent sting, (2) Glenville Gardens
Race 3 11:45am 2YO 1400m Synthetic
MUSKOKA DANCER off this draw is expected to run well. Has had experience now at better level and will settle just off the speed. There is quite the buzz around for BOSSALINA. Works have been great and last start caught the eye winning over longer trip. Looks hard to beat while FAIRY ran an improved race last start to overhaul them late, sure in weaker grade, but from this gate probably drops in and runs home too well again.
TIPS: (6) FAIRY, (3) Bossalina, (1) Muskoka Dancer
Race 4 12:12pm 1700m Synthetic
Comeback queen Emma-Jayne Wilson rides COLONEL TALBOT here and he looks nicely placed. Wasn’t the best but certainly was a player in much tougher races this meet previously and comes back in class here from a great gate. Big danger. By contrast, SPANISH MAJOR is up in class here following a fast run win in maiden grade last start. Is the lone front-runner here and could steal it as he is progressive and has no weight to carry. FAFA FOOEY is consistent enough to be whacking away at the end too.
TIPS: (3) COLONEL TALBOT, (6) Spanish Major, (7) Fafa Fooey
Race 5 12:45pm 2YO Synthetic 1100m
There will be pace on in earnest here. SEA LILY led last start but wilted this grade while GIANT ILLUSION was sent to the suicide seat being 4-deep all the way and understandably plodded late. This is easier too so rates highly. But HONEY GIRL might be the play. She needed the experience last start this company when 4th and looks to get a dream run here.
TIPS: (6) HONEY GIRL, (9) Giant Illusion, (7) Sea Lily
Race 6 1:15pm 1300m Synthetic
He is coming back in class here but KRACHENWAGON is also coming back in distance which may prove his undoing from this draw. Will get back and have to weave home. COURTING A KISS, on the other hand, is fast and won at this level 2 recently. Should pounce on the bunny from the outset and just keep rolling. DOWNY BOY hasn’t been dealt well at the gate draw here so may drop back and slot in. Can plug home for a drum.
TIPS: (4) COURTING A KISS, (1) Krachenwagon, (7) Downy Boy
Race 7 1:45pm 1700m Synthetic
This looks a good quinella play here as two of them stand out for mine. They are COURT RETURN and FAITH OVER FEAR. Both 3YO fillies have a touch of class and are in good barns. Court Return is not being offered here as a claimer so that suggests to me she has a lot of talent. ALTERNATIVE VIEW will get back and may finish it off for 3rd.
TIPS: (7) COURT RETURN, (3) Faith Over Fear, (2) Alternate View
Race 8 2:12pm 1200m Synthetic
REIGNING IN drops down to a grade she can win and has the great draw and top apprentice hoop. Will take a power of catching. KAY SYRAH SYRAH will get back from this gate and have to run on. Does have talent at this lower level. ELI’S FORTUNE could be the sleeper here. Will have to ease early and take a sit but when they all tighten up she can rally late.
TIPS (3) REIGNING IN, (11) Eli’s Fortune, (8) Kay Syrah Syrah