Get our Sandown, Newcastle and Doomben best bets for Saturday November 14, including key runners, race analysis and betting opportunities across both meetings.
MISS VERSTAK (10) has looked sharp in the lead-up to her debut and can make an immediate impression.
The Chris Waller-trained filly showed early speed in a recent Gold Coast trial, leading before putting her rivals away under her own steam to win by 2.92 lengths.
She has landed the inside draw, giving Andrew Mallyon the chance to hold a forward spot and use the barrier to advantage.
| 10. Miss Verstak (1) 57kg | |||
| Debuts for Chris Waller as a $300,000 yearling and draws the inside barrier, giving her a strong platform for a first start. The family adds depth, with Tupakara placed in the G1 MOET & CHANDON CHAMPAGNE STAKES and several other Group performances listed in the pedigree. The debut profile is strong enough to win. | |||
JIMMYSSTAR (1) won the C.F. Orr Stakes last year, finishing off best to defeat Angel Capital.
The Ciaron Maher-trained gelding was brilliant when storming home first-up to win the Manikato Stakes, before clocking the quickest final 200m of The Everest when finishing 1.94 lengths sixth.
He was given no hope last start in the Russell Balding, drawing wide and settling at the tail in a slowly run race. To his credit, he again registered the quickest closing sectionals.
The blinkers come off and, with the benefit of the inside barrier over 1400m, Ethan Brown can settle closer in the run.
| 1. Jimmysstar (1) 59kgx9167 | |||
| At the latest run 7th of 15 in the G2 Russell Balding Stakes at Randwick on October 31 over 1300m, 3.5 len behind Pericles with 58.5kg at $3.80. The run before that 6th of 12 in a G1 The Everest at Randwick on October 17 over 1200m, on a slow track; 2 len behind Tempted carrying 58.5kg at $19. No hope latest, he’ll be steaming home. | |||
SWEYNESDAY (6) stormed home from the tail to finish fifth, 3.45 lengths away, when resuming over 1000m at Caulfield.
The Annabel & Rob Archibald-trained gelding was excellent second-up, storming home from the tail to finish a head second in the Group 3 Rising Fast Stakes at Flemington.
The former New Zealander has a good third-up record that includes a Group 1 placing to Jigsaw and a win at Te Rapa.
He tackles this distance for the first time, but the way he has been finding the line suggests it should suit.
Alysha Collett can give him a sweet run just behind the speed.
| 6. Sweynesday (6) 55kg50×52 | |||
| Third-up today and won third-up in the past. Resuming got back early 5th of 10 in the G2 Caulfield Sprint on October 17 over 1000m, 3.5 len behind Cavalry Girl carrying 58kg at $26. Second run from a spell made significant ground from the rear of the field 2nd of 19 in the G3 Rising Fast (Chatham) Stakes at Flemington on October 31 over 1200m, head behind Ndola carrying 58kg at $7.50. Fitter now and making headway. Very hold to hold out over the extra 100m today. | |||
SMALL FRY (10) was excellent when resuming in the Geelong Cup last start. Given what the winner, Point Of Law, went on to produce in the Melbourne Cup, that is A1 form for the Zipping Classic.
The Joseph O’Brien-trained gelding settled third in the 2400m contest and was tasked with towing the field up to the leaders. Despite that, he let down powerfully, producing the quickest final 400m and 200m splits of the race to finish half a length second.
The Irish stayer brought strong form with him, including a win over 3270m at York.
Mark Zahra takes the ride and should be able to land in a prominent position from the good gate.
| 10. Small Fry (3) 59kg621×2 | |||
| Second-up. First-up after two months sat on the pace when 2nd of 13 in the G3 Geelong Cup on October 21 over 2400m, 0.5 len behind Point Of Law with 54.5kg at $5.50. Previously second-up 2nd of 17 at Listowel on May 30 over 3319m, 1.0 len behind Gomez Addams carrying 75.5kg at $3.50. Chased the Cup winner fresh, will take beating. | |||
SAVVY SPY (8) has enjoyed rising in distance and is looking to win his fourth race in a row.
Following a strong win at Hawkesbury three starts ago, the Waterhouse & Bott-trained gelding stepped up to this distance at Warwick Farm, where he found himself trapped on the fence at the tail. Before entering the final turn, Tim Clark got his mount to the outside to circle the field and dash clear to win by 1.42 lengths.
He is on the quick back-up after looking a class above last start over 2400m at Randwick.
This is his toughest test to date, but he is lightly raced, draws well and gets in with just 53kg.
| 8. Savvy Spy (3) 53kg73111 | |||
| Recent form sound. Last start favourite; won by 1.2 len in a Bm78 at Rosehill on November 7 over 2400m defeating Saint Emilion with 55.5kg at $2.30. The start before that favourite; was well back until straightening; raced back then made ground from the turn; won by 1.4 len in a Bm78 at Warwick Farm on October 28 over 2400m on a soft track defeating Criteria with 54kg at $2.25. Love an in-form Gai and Adrian stayer with nothing on its back. | |||
NOW IS THE HOUR (7) made a statement on his return, scoring by 2.31 lengths over 1110m here in slick time.
The Tony Gollan-trained gelding went forward from a sticky gate, took control and then booted clear to leave his rivals chasing.
He should improve off that performance and has a strong record at this course and distance.
Angela Jones has the inside draw to work with, while 54kg gives him a chance to make his rivals chase him down.
| 7. Now Is The Hour (1) 54kg207×1 | |||
| Made a strong statement first-up at this track, winning by two and a half lengths as favourite after leading and opening right up on Zoubaby. He beat About To Explode in the process and had been competitive in BM85 grade at Eagle Farm before the break. The one they have to catch. | |||