Brad Davidson’s tips: Cat is purring

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KEMBLA GRANGE

Track: Soft 6. Rail: True

R1: BENCHMARK 78 HANDICAP (2000m)

Overview: Messy race to kick off the day. Shibli, Tampering, Solar Apex, Ladylovestogamble, Suppression, Five Kingdom (luckless last start), Avion Fury and The Guru are all capable. They tend to share these types of races.

BETTING ADVICE: Looks a lottery. Five Kingdom perhaps.

R2: TAB HIGHWAY HANDICAP (1600m)

Overview: Sizzling Cat rattled to the line in a TAB Highway last start and the extra 100m should suit now. He has a nice turn of foot and should be hard to hold out. Kematin also has a good turn of speed and will appreciate any rain on race day. Lucky Banner had no luck last start and also has claims, while Point Counterpoint put in a super run fresh and isn’t without claims as well.

BETTING ADVICE: Sizzling Cat to win.

R3: BENCHMARK 78 HANDICAP (1000m)

Overview: Looks a nice race for Dragonstone. He stumbled out of the gates in a recent trial but he flew late and his second before a break was outstanding when he rattled late against the pattern of the day. Miss Jay Fox has been trialling well and she did a good job last prep. Remlaps Gem and Satin Ribbons on the next line.

BETTING ADVICE: Dragonstone clearly on top but Miss Jay Fox to place appeals.

R4: CG&E BENCHMARK 78 HANDICAP (1200m)

Overview: Open race. Rammstein was disappointing fresh but can improve sharply second up on a track he has won on before. Classy Rebel has been carrying big weights in the country and he is not hopeless with no weight on his back. Canasta runs well fresh with a view to getting out over further, while Black Duke and Adelaide’s Light should be finishing hard.

BETTING ADVICE: Leaning to Classy Rebel at the odds.

R5: F&M BENCHMARK 78 HANDICAP (1200m)

Overview: Selburose had every chance last start with a soft lead but she did gap the rest and she finds James McDonald here. She’ll roll forward and give a big kick. Queen Bellissimo has been trialling well and put the pen through her last run last prep when she was wide on a strong speed. Incredulous Dream and Nicci’s Fling also have claims.

BETTING ADVICE: Leaning to Selburose.

R6: MIDWAY BENCHMARK 72 HANDICAP (1400m)

Overview: One race I haven’t quite finished just yet but it’s open as the market suggests. Easy Campese, Travest, Bowery Breeze, Crimson Idol, Divine Breath and even Kobestar will all have admirers. There are more chances outside of that as well.

BETTING ADVICE: Leaning to Divine Breath at this early stage.

R7: THE WARRA (1000m)

Overview: Looks a lovely race for Malkovich. He has been beaten twice this prep but he should lead these and he finds James McDonald. The 1000m suits him whereby a lot of his rivals are looking for further. Another horse who likes 1000m is Mossman Gorge and he can run well at odds. Pandemic should be closing hard, while Kylease will also have admirers.

BETTING ADVICE: Malkovich to win.

R8: THE TAB GONG (1600m)

Overview: Good, competitive race. Count De Rupee is one of many hopes but he looks very short in betting here. He was super in the Golden Eagle but that was a huge step forward on his previous form. Atishu sets up OK and her last run was a complete forgive. Soldier Of Love comes right into play if the rain arrives, while I Am Superman, Blue Soldier, Dawn Passage and last year’s winner, Archedemus all have claims.

BETTING ADVICE: Weather key here. Leaning to Atishu at this early stage.

R9: BENCHMARK 88 HANDICAP (1600m)

Overview: Open race. Kingsheir gets in nice and light and his figures stack up really well for this. Suave has been crying out for the mile and he gets the chance to prove that from a good draw here. Lackeen will have supporters but needs luck from the wide draw, while Bergen can improve at big odds.

BETTING ADVICE: Kingsheir and Suave will both run well here.

R10: BENCHMARK 78 HANDICAP (1400m)

Overview: Competitive race. The tempo suited Dynamic Impact fresh but he still did a super job to win and he finds James McDonald now. Monegal won this race last year and I like the freshen up for her here. Oxford Tycoon and Blesk look the other two main hopes.

BETTING ADVICE: Dynamic Impact ticks a lot of boxed and goes on top.

Originally published as Kembla Grange races: Brad Davidson’s tips and extended preview