Jumps racing heads to Pakenham on Sunday for a key lead up meeting to the Bool, including the MJ Bourke Hurdle and the JEH Spencer Steeplechase.
Race 1 – Ecycle Solutions 1JW Hurdle, 3200m
Small but good quality field here. Going with the Maher import Custom of the Sea. He’s done everything right in his flat and jumps trial lead ups to this and these overseas horses just tend to be better than the locals. Main danger is Pure Deal.
Strategy: Back Custom of the Sea.
Race 2 – Ecycle Solutions Maiden Hurdle, 3200m
As regular readers of this column would be no doubt aware, if Gambu had not made a mess of the second last hurdle last week at Ballarat he would no longer be a maiden over the jumps. Nevertheless he has a tough ask to beat the Kiwi galloper Leaderboard, who has been trialling up nicely, but he looks the value.
Strategy: Back Gambu.
Race 3 – Ecycle Solutions Super Jumps Maiden Hurdle, 3200m
One of three well credentialed first starters will likely win this – Dubai Moon, Affluential or Jack Knows Best. I really liked Dubai Moon’s recent trial and being on the quick backup from Thursday is a positive, so he’s top pick.
Strategy: Back Dubai Moon.
Race 4 – MJ Bourke Hurdle, 3200m
Really good race despite the small field and the Kiwi The Mighty Spar certainly adds some X-factor. But I’m with last year’s winner Blandford Lad. He upset Saunter Boy there, there are no Saunter Boy’s here and he showed he was back to his best with a dominant recent trial.
Strategy: Back Blandford Lad.
Race 5 – Ecycle Solutions BM125 Chase, 3200m
Budd Fox lines up for his first jumping start in two years and at his last he was beaten by Valac in this race, which is an exceptional formline. Expecting him to be too good for these. Tom Foolery is the only danger.
Strategy: Back Budd Fox.
Race 6 – JEH Spencer Memorial Chase, 3500m
Stern Idol is pretty much unbeatable at this track. He is as big a certainty as you will see step foot onto a racetrack this year, which the odds reflect. Brungle Bertie is the next best, there might be value with him in exotics or same race multis.
Strategy: Take exotics with Stern Idol to win and Brungle Bertie to run second.
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