The major focus on any Saturday is the metropolitan meetings but there's plenty of us out there who don't mind a dabble at the support cards across the country so here's our Country Crackers.
On Saturday, we’ve come up with a tip at the Newcastle, Kyneton and Gold Coast meetings.
NEWCASTLE
SPENCER (Race 6 No. 8) This son of Pierro made an encouraging return this campaign when attacking the line strongly in what we expect will be a solid maiden race at Hawkesbury a fortnight back. He was gelded since racing last prep and he instantly showed he was much more switched on than in his two previous racing campaigns. The first-up run was a great foundation for the rest of his preparation and on Saturday he will be much better served stepping up to 1400m and should secure a good run from barrier 5. Won’t be a shock to see him running in better races over the coming months and reckon he will strike his first meaningful blow on Saturday.
KYNETON
BALTIC AMBER (Race 6 No. 5) It’s not a meeting you want to be unloading on anything with the track currently a heavy (10) but we think we’ve found the right horse to step into. She’s rock hard fit for plenty of recent racing and she’s an outstanding wet tracker. Four starts back she got onto a heavy (8) and bolted in by a widening four and a quarter lengths and last start at Warrnambool it was as heavy as tracks come these days and she charged home again getting up on the line. She’ll stay in touch with just the eight runners and should get her chance to run over the top of them.
GOLD COAST
RHYME NOR RHYTHM (Race 7 No. 1) Highly talented but unlucky galloper that has been something of a punters nightmare having been beaten as favourite on several occasions. However, he showed was getting back towards his best form when he won in Toowoomba last start. This Gold Coast race doesn’t have much depth and he looks the standout on form. He’s well drawn on Saturday, he’s most effective over 1200m and all his good runs come on good tracks.
