Thursday’s Coffs Harbour Best Bets are ready to go, with our strongest plays from the card below.
SORRENTI (5) looks close to a breakthrough win having placed in each of his four starts.
The Matt Dunn-trained gelding didn’t have a great deal of luck when finishing 3.18 lengths third over 1125m at Grafton first-up before finding the well late for a 1.36 length third at Ballina in heavy conditions.
He’ll strip fitter third-up and should appreciate the rise in distance.
He maps to stalk the leaders.
| 5. Sorrenti (3) J: Ashley Morgan 59kg 23×23T: Matthew Dunn | |||
| Third-up today. First-up ran on from midfield; 2nd of 11 in a Mdn-Sw at Grafton on July 24 over 1125m, 2.5 len behind I Am Steffi carrying 59kg at $1.95. Second-up 3rd in a small field in a Ctry Mdn-Sw at Ballina on August 11 over 1250m, in the wet; 1.4 len behind Tsunuki with 59kg at $1.55. Capable of a better showing. Looks to find his race today. | |||
PRINCE DE VEGA (5) resumes for new trainer Jason Deamer.
Formerly with Ciaron Maher, the Lope De Vega gelding placed three races in a row last preparation before winning his maiden at Bathurst with a hard-fought effort
He’s had two trials leading into this first-up assignment with the most recent seeing work nicely to the line to win.
Ash Morgan can lead this field but if the speed looks hot then he can comfortably trail from the good gate.
| 5. Prince De Vega (6) J: Ashley Morgan 58kg 2321xT: Jason Deamer | |||
| Resumes. Finished off last preparation by nose Bathurst Mdn Hcp April 25 over 1400m slow track defeating Hellfire Henry carrying 59kg at $14. Previously first up; seventh of 13 at Wagga Super Mdn December 24 over 1000m, 2.75 len behind Jesters Award with 57kg at $61. Back with the two solid trials and looks set for a good prep. | |||
RICH STAR (1) returned to the races with a solid effort last start where he finished 1.45 lengths second over 1025m at Grafton.
The Chris Manson-trained gelding rarely runs a bad race having finished outside the top three just twice in nine starts.
He’ll benefit from his first-up race and easily defeated his rivals by 3.32 lengths when second-up last preparation.
Liberty Smyth’s 2kg claim is a bonus in a race where he has a big ratings advantage over most of his rivals.
| 1. Rich Star (7) J: Liberty Smyth 60.5kg 112×2T: Chris Manson | |||
| Second-up. First-up after three months held ground to the line 2nd of 10 in a Bm66 at Grafton on August 18 over 1025m, on a slow track; 1.5 len behind Dance Gavin Dance carrying 60.5kg at $6.50. Previously second-up ran on from midfield and scored a big 3.5 len win at Grafton on February 19 over 1006m defeating Archie Maximus carrying 59kg at $2.80. In career best form and will prove hard to beat. | |||
HERALD ANGEL (1) will carry just 1kg more than last start when she won impressively in this class.
The Matt Dunn-trained mare looked a class above at Ballina when letting down powerfully to win by 6.19 lengths over this distance.
She’s rock hard fit and this race looks no harder than last start.
If Liberty Smyth gets a touch of luck from the sticky barrier, she’ll be fighting out the finish.
| 1. Herald Angel (7) J: Liberty Smyth 60kg x2371T: Matthew Dunn | |||
| At the latest run favourite; ran on from midfield and scored a big 6 len win at Ballina on August 11 over 1590m in heavy going defeating Flash Prince carrying 59kg at $3.70. The run before that 7th of 13 in a Ctry Cl1 at Grafton on July 16 over 1400m, 5 len behind Satin And Cash carrying 58kg at $6. Has the ability to take this out. | |||