The jumps season is in full swing and heads to Hamilton for four races over obstacles on Sunday. Legendary jumps trainer Eric Musgrove might be in for a big day.
Race 1 – Maiden Hurdle, 3200m
Cotton Eye Joe simply went too fast when narrowly beaten last time at Terang. They went about six seconds faster than the other maiden hurdle and eight seconds faster than the BM120. He was left a sitting shot late. With a better ride, he will be winning here. Anything better than even money is a good price and he is the clear best bet of the day.
Strategy: Back Cotton Eye Joe.
Race 2 – Wheelie Waste Maiden Hurdle, 3200m
Tough maiden hurdle with a few winning chances. The one I like is Ourkhani. He should certainly be fit with four hurdle trials in the last month and his most recent effort chasing home Out and Dreaming was particularly good. I really liked his jumping, he seems a real natural hurdler.
Strategy: Back Ourkhani.
Race 3 – Gus MacGillivray Carpenter Hurdle, 3200m
Fascinating race with a few winning chances. The ex-Kiwi Hurry Cane is the most interesting, but his form suggests he wants the kind of bottomless ground he is unlikely to get here. Money has come early, but at $2.30 in early betting he looks unders to my eye. The overs to my eye, are with Onset. She’s a good tough mare who should strip a lot fitter and will appreciate getting on to wet ground. Worth an each way play at $21, even though it’s place 1-2.
Strategy: Back Onset each way.
Race 4 – Casterton Racing Club Steeplechase, 3200m
Keen on Tamarack here. The Eric Musgrove trained gelding has been a smart jumpr for the last couple of season and his only previous start over fences was in the Grand National, where he ran a respectable sixth. The 66.5Kg after the claim for Richie O’Donoghue is a winnable race for a horse that has a number of placings in premier hurdle events.
Strategy: Back Tamarack.
Follow Betseeker for free expert horse racing tips for every day of the Australian horse racing calendar.
