THE Courier-Mail’s racing editor Nathan Exelby has discovered the Mick Price-trained Bassett in his search for value at the Sunshine Coast.
Exelby says the Victorian looks remarkable value at $ 26 when he contests the Listed Spear Chief Stakes on Saturday.
TRACK: Heavy (8)
WEATHER: Sunny, 22C
HOT TIPS: WEEKEND BEST BETS
THE EARLY OIL: MOONEE VALLEY
RACE WATCH: ROSEHILL GARDENS
Race 6: Lightning Handicap
1000m, Qty LR, 3.57pm
In the run: Plenty of speed through the likes of Upstart Pride, Gracida, Tarzan.
Take note: Chris Munce has kept Snoopy fresh since his excellent first up second to the talented Guard Of Honour in the Bat out of Hell. His two best runs for Munce have been first up so being fresh looks the right play. Hasn’t seen a wet track for a while, but it hasn’t been an issue in the past.
Did you know: Nieta has been a beaten favourite three times since her most recent win in April last year. It doesn’t appear that she’s going as well as she was, but finds herself in a winnable race today and the wet track is a plus.
Early money: Tumbler hasn’t raced for 301 days, but it hasn’t stopped her fans tipping in. She’s been backed from $ 3.50 to $ 2.60.
NATHAN’S TIP: SNOOPY $ 8.50
NATHAN’S DANGER: NIETA $ 3.90
Race 7: Moreton Cup
1200m, SW+P Group 2, 4.40pm
In the run: The Monstar should lead these pretty easily and will take plenty of catching on his preferred soft ground.
Take note: The wet track can bring Irish Constabulary into calculations here, particularly on his home track, where he’s won five times. Unbeaten on heavy ground, he gives Michael Hellyer the chance to secure a career best win here.
Did you know: Calanda has won two Listed races since he was here at the carnival last year. Fresh record is very good and can be forgiving of the first up eighth in the spring, where he went back from a bad gate and had no hope. Had two trials in May, so he should be ready for this.
Early money: The big move has been for the mare Platinum Angel down the bottom. She opened at $ 6 but was into a clear favourite at $ 3.20 on Friday afternoon.
NATHAN’S TIP: CALANDA $ 6
NATHAN’S DANGER: IRISH CONSTABULARY $ 13
Race 8: Helen Coughlan Stakes
1200m, F & M SW+P LR, 5.15pm
In the run: Pomelo can lead off the wide gate and pending tactics, In Times Of War also has the speed to be there.
Take note: Test The World was excellent at her first two runs back this time around before failing to finish off last time against the boys. Back to 1200m looks a plus based on that effort and no dramas in wet ground.
Did you know: Epidemic is coming through the grades in Sydney and this doesn’t look to be too much tougher. Her trainer James Cummings is having a good carnival and she’s capable of building on that.
Early money: It’s $ 6 the field and punters have given no early leads as to which way they will roll. Just Dreaming ($ 6) and Crystal Fountain ($ 7) are the others jostling for favouritism.
NATHAN’S TIP: TEST THE WORLD $ 6
NATHAN’S DANGER: EPIDEMIC $ 6
Race 9: Spear Chief
1400m, Qty LR, 5.50pm
In the run: I’m A Rippa and Dreams Aplenty are the pilots. Urban Knight is the one that can add to the pressure.
Take note: Hasn’t been much between Bassett and Ulmann this prep, but there’s a big discrepancy in their prices for this, with Bassett $ 26 compared to Ulmann’s $ 7. Mick Price has Bassett racing very well this prep and he shouldn’t be far away again.
Did you know: Privlaka was forced to sit three wide the trip in the BRC Sprint and did a good job to be fighting on at the end. He relished the heavy track last time he was on it and he’s also a two times winner at this venue.
Early money: Privlaka has firmed from an opening quote of $ 11, while Tougherthantherest ($ 11) and Dreams Aplenty ($ 12) are both in from $ 17.
NATHAN’S TIP: BASSETT $ 26
NATHAN’S DANGER: PRIVLAKA $ 6
