NEWCASTLE GOLD CUP G3

RACE 6 - 2300m

TAJANIS / TRAVOLTA / SOUL OF SPAIN

TAJANIS is a quality stayer from the Waller barn and looms as a serious player here 3rd-up, especially on a firm deck. Waller took over the imported AUSTRALIA gelding in the summer of 2023/24 and he performed consistently throughout the season, winning at Canterbury Park in Nov to break his duck down under. Left his run too late when 2nd over 2400m at Warwick Farm, before nailing it there over that trip in the Australia Day Stakes, proving too strong to the line. Travelled to NZ for the Gr.2 Auckland Cup in March (3200m) and despite being held up on the turn, finished off strongly for a commendable 2nd behind TRAV. Struggled in the Gr.1 Sydney Cup after drifting back early, then sent for a spell. Two runs back, so may stick well at this trip and be grinding into it. The $46 is just ridiculous if he starts but doubtful.

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The imported LOPE DE VEGA gelding TRAVOLTA has really hit his straps since July and can carry on his winning ways here. Travolta stormed down the outside fence to win over 1800m at Randwick for jockey Jason Collett and premier Sydney trainer Chris Waller, before dualing to the line and only going down to AMUSING by a short margin over 1900m at Rosehill Gardens. Simply too good over 1400m at Warwick Farm to begin this prep and he does look a powerful type with a fair bit of grunt being by this fine Irish bred stallion. Good 3YO in the UK and Waller appears to have him humming along.

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The imported gelding, SOUL OF SPAIN, has performed admirably, and Waller's decision to campaign him in Queensland recently has proven successful. Won at Warwick Farm over 2200m to finish off his Autumn prep before getting out late to win over 1680m at Ipswich resuming. Clear run home at Doomben last start and really amped it up to win well under a light weight. Trip away probably designed to add some confidence and this is his first major test in strong staying company. Another of Irish heritage, he will continue to develop under the guidance of the best stable in NSW.

☆☆

CAMERON HANDICAP G3

RACE 7 - 1500m

SWIFTFALCON / HEADLEY GRANGE / MAGNATEAR

SWIFTFALCON has really stood up to the mark and profiles as a progressive type still on the up. The Hawkes trained EXCEEDANCE gelding resumed with a fine 2nd to BROADSIDING in the Hobartville, steaming home at the 300m, when at one point 12L off the leaders. Kept advancing in the Gr.1 Randwick Guineas (1600m) from midfield up against a very slick pace, then 3rd in the Gr.1 Rosehill Guineas coming wide. Strong to the line in the Gr.3 Carbine and probably found the 2000m of the Gr.3 Packer a bit much late in the prep. Two nice jumpouts and the 4YO is set to go well fresh up jumping from this top gate. Definitely has the ability to win having clashed with the best 3YOs last season, and worth keeping safe.

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The Joe Pride trained HEADLEY GRANGE was badly held up late at Randwick, but the EXOSPHERE found a way through at the 200m and quickened to burst away and win smartly. Broke the 1300m track record at Wyong back in January, then very solid in winning at Randwick over 1400m in the next. He really is a nice gelding and can keep making the step up. The 1500m is spot on and not many chinks in his Armour for a horse of this quality. Pretty tidy win odds with the favourite drawn so wide and has the talent to be winning this.

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Will Freedman trains the underrated WRITTEN TYCOON gelding MAGNATEAR, who has carved out a sound record and is an ultra consistent type. Came through Midway grade contesting the provincial championship with reasonable success, but has stepped up in recent times, with a nice 3rd over 1100m at Rosehill in BM78, then a good sprint to prove victorious over 1400m at Eagle Farm. Not totally out of this and could run into the money for the Freedman's with Lloyd taking the reins.

☆☆

TIBBIE HANDICAP G3

RACE 5 - 1400m

IT'S A KNOCKOUT / TULLERIES / OVERRIDING

The DUNDEEL mare IT'S A KNOCKOUT from the Maher stable is on the way up and sheer bolted in over 1400m at Randwick in June. Had her chance returning there, then got into a massive dual down the straight with TIME QUEST and only missed out by the bob of the head in the Coffs Harbour Cup. She is a stylish mare with a mountain of power and can give this a serious shake based on that last start effort.

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TULLERIES is a good sort who had been a little erratic but made up for it last start when winning over 1400m at Warwick Farm and her class prevailed in the end. The SO YOU THINK mare won at Canterbury Park and Randwick in December before being set a big task in the MM 3YO at the Goldie and struggled to compete from gate (18). Just ok resuming, however the Snowden team look to have the mare back on track and she is weighted well with Zac Lloyd on. Can win.

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OVERRIDING is just one of those enigma horses that has ability but doesn't always turn up. The STAR TURN mare will jump at big odds from an awkward gate, however her last start 2nd in the Gr.3 Mona Lisa (1350m) behind JUST FEELING LIUCKY was highly admirable has she didn't stop trying. Trained by Nathan Doyle on the course and has won three here, although distance record isn't so flash. McEvoy aboard so has to be given some hope.

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