THE GONG G3

RACE 8 - 1600m

GRINGOTTS / DEMOCRACY MANIFEST / AMOR VICTORIOUS

The Ciaron Maher-trained GRINGOTTS has really found his niche at the right level in open stakes grade, but Maher always had bigger things in mind. The stunning PER INCANTO gelding came of age last prep when winning Gr.1 George Ryder Stakes (1500m) in a thrilling three way dual with FANGIRL and CEOWULF. A brilliant campaign delivered feature wins in the Listed Big Dance (1600m) and Gr.3 The Gong (1600m), then knocked around in a rough Doncaster contest before a spell. Trialled up soundly at Gosford before the PER INCANTO gelding blew them away going back-to-back in the Big Dance, and Maher will no doubt be aiming the repeat Gong victory of 12 months earlier with a unique double/double. Goes alright at this trip, amassed $5.5M in Stake earnings and is as genuine as the day is long. Looms as the hardest to beat here. Big weight no problem

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Willing to throw in on the big DM, DEMOCRACY MANIFEST, dropping in at massive odds, who just keeps going around with in-and-out type runs. Although, Waller hasn't given up on the FLYING ARTIE gelding just yet and this is the type of race that may suit. Sure, he hasn't won since claiming the Gr.2 Ajax Stakes at Rosehill in March 2024, but he did chase hard for 4th to stablemates JOLIESTAR at Randwick and 3rd to LINDERMANN over 1800m. Took a trip to Perth for the Railway and Northerly, with a strong run for 5th in the Shannon Stakes and another 5th in the Craven Plate so possibly not the worst. Zac Lloyd on, drawn well, light weight, worked nicely on Tuesday and only needs clear air late after a month freshen up. Wins, then a succulent Chinese meal is on the cards. Best roughie this weekend.

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The Bjorn Baker trained AMOR VICTORIOUS could be at overs here, and we wouldn't read too much into his fresh up run when coming wide behind JIMMYSSTAR in the Russell BALDING. Fought well to win the Gr.2 Shannon Stakes (1500m) at Rosehill in August 2024, then a little average in the next two Listed contests. A very sharp CARAVAGGIO three-year-old, this boy ran some top races in the previous two seasons, but wasn't seen for 12 months and the patient owners will have faith he can go a big one once rolling along from the inside gate with Rachel King aboard. Won a recent 1200m trial and looks ready to rip. Has to be a serious player in the GONG if not bogged down early.

☆☆

THE WARRA G3

RACE 7 - 1000m

ZEALOUSLY / CATCH THE GLORY / SUNRISE

Jockey Robbie Dolan almost got ZEALOUSLY over the line last start in the Gr.2 Herald Sprint (1000m) at Caulfield, only to be overhauled in the final stride by REY MAGNERIO. The HARRY ANGEL gelding was impressive fresh up when fighting hard the run prior over 1000m at Warwick Farm and he had trialled up nicely before resuming. Raced away to his maiden here last November, then won at Scone and Canterbury Park with strong displays of sprinting prowess. Consistent up in grade in the Autumn, before scoring again at Scone. More mature now and looks the complete package over shorter distances.

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CATCH THE GLORY presents a promising opportunity in the WARRA, particularly as this Zousain mare performs exceptionally well fresh up, with two wins from three first-up starts. Ultra strong last prep, finishing 2nd at Rosehill, then kept coming for 3rd over 1100m there. Stuck to the trip at Rosehill and steamed on from the 200m to win well, before being held up, but chasing hard for 2nd behind FIRESTAR, once again on the same Sydney course over that distance. Capable of scoring a sweet run through from the draw and Collett will give him every opportunity.

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SUNRISE looks a very talented mare from the the Mitchell Beer yard who is 3/3 at the trip and well proven on her home course of Kembla Grange. Won here over 1000m in March before racing away to claim a fine victory at the 1100m Randwick trip. Not so prominent fresh up, but tuned in when winding up hard to catch them in the final strides over 1000m at Randwick last start. The CHARM SPIRIT mare only has to settle in a fair spot before opening up that big engine, and she may be hard to hold out here 3rd-up, although this is a serious challenge.

☆☆

BENCHMARK 88 HANDICAP

RACE 9 - 1600m

LORD OF BISCAY / OUR GOLD HOPE / ASGARDA

Really like the looks of the Kris Lee trained LORD OF BISCAY who was blocked for a run from the 400m-200m in the BIG DANCE at Randwick last start. Ran on but still couldn't get through when looking for space within the big field. Same deal there over 1400m the run prior, however we know this LOPE DE VEGA gelding has a fair sprint and only needs to be set up properly before kicking hard in clear air. Can win.

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OUR GOLD HOPE comes out of the strong Price stable and will have the benefit of Tommy Berry to guide her on this journey. Although only two wins in the bank, this grey LOPE DE VEGA mare has the home course advantage despite a tough efforts last start. She did run 2nd in the Gr.1 Queensland Oaks (2200m) to the tearaway winner SOCKS NATION, and overall hasn't performed badly in strong Group fields in Sydney. Exoect the team will want this at home base and coming back in trip to the mile may be the key.

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John Sargent has a pretty strong galloper in ASGARDA, who fought hard late but was overhauled by OSIPENKO in the Little Dance at Randwick last start. Fourth was a fair result from the wide draw, and THE BROTHERS WAR mare battled on well for 2nd at Rosehill prior, but is usually up near the front which leaves her vulnerable late. Sargent obviously wants to see his mare perform at the mile, but a balanced effort is required where she keeps something in the tank turning for home.

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BENCHMARK 78 HANDICAP

RACE 3 - 1000m

SPYWIRE / HAWKER HALL / ZARAGOZA

The Maher-trained TRAPEZE ARTIST gelding SPYWIRE was unlucky when trapped out on a limb in the $3M 3YO Sunlight Plate slot race on the Sunshine Coast, and didn't stand a chance as an inexperienced horse up against some standout types. His two-year-old Magic Millions campaign wasn't a total flop, with a 3rd to STORM BOY in the 2YO Classic offering some promise, but burnt out early in the Blue Diamond. Won narrowly at Doomben 2nd up after a commendable 3rd place reauming over 1200m at Rosehill. Very talented on his day and good enough to take this out 3rd-up with the early speed artibutes a virtue.

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Even though he had it all his own way and the race was run to suit, HAWKER HALL went for it from the 300m and held firm to the line when winning over 1110m at Doomben. The Kris Lee trained RUSSIAN REVOLUTION gelding did look a nice three-year-old for the stable, winning impressively over 900m at Newcastle in April, then kept finding to lead all the way over 1100m at Gosford in June. Faded late for 3rd at Eagle Farm before a spell and has trialled up very well. Out of an I AM INVINCIBLE mare in PENANG, he does possess a strong pedigree, and with these sprinting capabilities the 1000m first up looks tailor-made.

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The STREET BOSS gelding ZARAGOZA has been banging around the home traps of Kembla Grange and performing very well. Won there over 1000m a year ago, then again in May. Travelled to the big smoke to finish 3rd at Warwick Farm with a durable run, then returned to familiar surroundings with another victory at Kembla. Fresh up not a noted performer, although fanned five wide to run in well for 3rd over 1000m at Randwick behind SUNRISE three weeks ago. Home course advantage here and the Price stable will have the polish on.

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BENCHMARK 78 HANDICAP

RACE 6 - 1200m C&G

DAWN SERVICE / SOCIABLE / QUIETLY ARROGANT

Plenty to like about this JUSTIFY gelding DAWN SERVICE after his two trials at Randwick. Performed well on debut and followed up by racing clear at Hawkesbury the next start. Secured victory in the Listed Exeter Stakes at Flemington, demonstrating early aggression to maintain the lead over the 1400m, showcasing his potential. The Gai/Bott-trained colt is out of a special mare in SUNLIGHT (Zoustar), who won 11 from 24 (placed in 8), including the Gr.1 Coolmore Stud Stakes, Newmarket and William Reid. DAWN SERVICE went amiss in the Stutt Stakes at the Valley in Sept 2024 and was subsequently rested, bypassing the Caulfield Guineas. Hasn't been seen since last December, but his last jumpout was solid. Will likely find a sit well forward from this inside draw and try to retain a strong clip throughout.

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The Ciaron Maher-trained SOCIABLE raced away to win over 1200m at Wyong at the latest after being crowded and hampered at the start, before settling midfield and finding the front at the 150m. Rough deal also when running 2nd here at Kembla on debut, bumped leaving the gates, then held up and left unbalanced at the 250m, but still picking up to chase hard the last bit even when contacted again at the 100m. Returned to Kembla over the 100m in the next and kept battling away for 3rd despite being hindered once more. This YES YES YES gelding appears to possess the versatility required to navigate various in-race scenarios, and should he find clear running late in the race is poised to deliver a strong performance.

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Despite running last on the Heavy 8 at Randwick in early April, QUIETLY ARROGANT is just the type to turn up here and put in a big effort representing the Peter Snowden barn, and we've always kept him safe. Well beaten in the Golden Slipper, however that was a tough run after being trapped out on a limb. Won the Gold Nugget on the Sunny Coast back in January before switching inside runners to finish 3rd in the Gr.2 Skyline at Randwick. The 3yo CAPITALIST gelding had one run in June, where the rider reported an uncomfortable action, but nothing was found. Trialled up very efficiently in Sydney with two solid hitouts and could be well back on track. Requires some luck in the running but has some ability and can cause a massive upset if right.

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BENCHMARK 78 HANDICAP

RACE 10 - 1400m

BARTOLF / STARMAN / DASHING RUPERT

We've been on top of this SO YOU THINK gelding BARTOLF, who was scratched from Flemington, but was running strong races previously. Trained by the O'Shea/Charlton team at Randwick, BARTOLF kept chasing to win at Gosford in August, before being held up at Rosehill when 3rd behind a couple of talented types. Settled at the rear over 1300m at Warwick Farm before coming wide on straightening and just raced away once finding the front at the 150m. Checked early when 4th at Rosehill last start and it all got a bit rough when jostled into the straight before angling out. Appears a nice horse progessing well and capable of featuring with a clean finish.

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STARMAN has consistently demonstrated potential within the Waller stable; however, the horse has frequently fallen short of expectations. While the gelding's consistency over 37 starts is commendable, victories have been infrequent. Couldn't get past LUGH at Randwick in July, then the same deal when nailed on the line by THE REPLICANT at Warwick Farm. Chased hard for 3rd behind MAJWOOD at Rosehill, before resuming there over the 1400m and only hauled in late. If Waller can screw him down for one big effort, then he just has to be a royal chance of featuring.

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DASHING RUPERT is s four-year-old gelding from the Archibald’s stable who was only outkicked late over 1200m at Rosehill last start, and wasn't bad fresh up for 3rd running over 1350m at Newcastle. Won at Scone in March before a solid victory, prevailing near the line over 1200m here at Kembla in May. Kept fairly quiet since then, and you'd expect this WINNING RUPERT gelding to be in solid condition 3rd up going back up in trip. Seems to possess all the attributes to shine for this astute barn and really only had to put in all together after a gradual preperation aimed at this race.

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BENCHMARK 78 HANDICAP

RACE 5 - 2000m

HURTSVILLE ZAGREB / UNITED KINGDOM / FULL HAO

The gelding HURSTVILLE ZAGREB, sired by DIVINE PROPHET, appears to be in excellent form and is a formidable contender following his decisive spank job victory at Warwick Farm, where he led from start to finish and secured an impressive win. Shaken up over 1800m at Rosehill last start, edging ahead at the 250m mark before weakening slightly into 4th place. Hard fit now, good racing style and the rise to 2000m should suit perfectly. Won at Goulburn and Canterbury Park early in the year, then placed in three runs during an Autumn prep, including a 3rd and 2nd at Randwick over 2000m. Looks very hard to beat based on current form.

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The Waller-trained UNITED KINGDOM is likely to be in primo condition to face the 2000m once again after being trapped on the rail where it all got a bit tight last start, then kept chasing the leaders to finish into 3rd. Found the front to win very well over 1800m at Rosehill the run prior and Waller has the ability to build them genuinely to peak condition before striking on the right race. This ALMANZOR gelding, known for its consistent performance, presents a highly attainable opportunity and warrants serious consideration. Be a surprise if he isn't there at the sharp end of the race over this distance.

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Waller also has FULL HAO, a CASTELVECCHIO gelding out of a SNITZEL mare who experienced a mass of trial work before winning over 1600m at Hawkesbury in April. Took on Stakes company a couple of times before chasing hard resuming over 1300m at Rosehill and finishing into 4th place. No match when running 2nd to HURTSVILLE ZAGREB over the mile at Warwick Farm, but the mare did come four wide and was never going to pick up the winner. Built momentum right to the line when 2nd again behind FIRST CHORUS over 1700m at Flemington last start, and it is hard to knock her potential as Waller steps her up in trip.

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BENCHMARK 78 HANDICAP

RACE 4 - 1200m F&M

JELLICIOUS / VIENNA VIXEN / SPIRIT OF WEALTH

This four-year-old mare JELLICIOUS, trained by Chris Waller at Flemington looks a really nice type who ran 5th in the Gr.3 Reginald Allen 12 months ago before a poor effort trapped deep in the Amanda Elliot on Melbourne Cup day 2024. Didn't return until August 2025, when racing away to win over 1100m at Hawkesbury, then blitzed them again in the next at Warwick Farm. Kept chasing hard to make it three-in-a-row back at the Farm in Sydney, but petered out last start when running 2L last from the jump on a Soft 7 over 1300m at Randwick. Better than that, so back on on firm track looks a dead set serious player ready to make an impact.

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We've always chucked in on this Maher horse VIENNA VIXEN, and she can show up when least expected. Not completely awful during a winter prep, running 3rd at Sandown before claiming victory there over 1300m. Peaked late at Flemington and Caulfield, before scoring another 3rd place over 1500m at Rosehill when chasing hard. Short let up, however, a solid first up performer who can run a bold race after one jumpout to prepare. The FOXWEDGE mare has always shown something, although a more determined application is required. Trusting the stable to have her in sharp condition for this and the opportunity exists to get into the finish.

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SPIRIT OF WEALTH is a Mick Freedman trained, lightly raced CAPITALIST mare with some serious ability. Trialled up nicely twice before one run back at Randwick, then two more jumpouts after a freshen up. Led, before racing away in F&M 3YO company over 1200m at Hawkesbury, then Shaken up to come four wide down the straight and finish 2nd to WEEPING WOMAN at Rosehill. The roan mare is bred to show a fair bit of toe, with the unraced dam by BEL ESPRIT. Tommy Berry had anticipated settling in a more-forward position last start. He said, however after beginning only fairly he allowed the mare to travel where it was comfortable near midfield and she closed off well when ridden in this manner. Expecting a top run.

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BEST BET: GRINGOTTS

NEXT BEST: HURTSVILLE ZAGREB

BEST VALUE: SPYWIRE

WILDCARD: DEMOCRACY MANIFEST