Race-by-race preview and tips for Grafton on Monday

By Deputy Chief EditorApril 28, 2019

147 3 minutes read

Rail in the 4.5m Position and a Soft 7 track condition will provide a slight on pace bias.

Race 1 BM58 HCP (2380m)

Very even staying race to kick off the meeting with many chances. 2. The Zoff has run very well at its last two starts at the track and will roll forward to lead on a track that will suit that style of racing pattern. Just needs to reproduce one of its last two efforts to be tough to beat.
Dangers: Locally trained 3. Stepping Out led all the way last start over 1900m and looks ready for the step up in distance here. 1. Azarose has been crying out for this distance after making up good ground late at her last two runs over the shorter trip.
How to play it: The Zoff to WIN

In the purple: Racing returns to the Jacaranda City today with a nine-race card.

Race 2 2Y0 MAIDEN HCP (1115)

Competitive sprint race for the two-year-olds with many first starters. Michael Costa trained first starter 10. Sukwhinder didnt get out of first gear in its trial over 1000m jumping well and sitting on the speed hard held to the line.
Dangers: Ryan Maloney rides first starter 11. Zavys Hope and looks ready to go off two quiet trials on the Gold Coast. Out of the raced brigade 1. Contalmaison stands out off the back of a nice debut performance at Orange over 1000m and with the advantage of race experience will be fighting out the finish.
How to play it: Sukwhinder to WIN

Race 3 MAIDEN SW (1015m)

Mathew Dunn trained 8. Exploding Star resumes here off the back of a nice trial over 1000m in a race that lacks any depth. Will roll forward from the wide barrier and will be hard to run down over the sprint trip.
Dangers: 11. Texas Target was disappointing last start getting to far back off a slow pace and will be ridden more prominent from a nice draw, if the filly can reproduce the performance two runs back she will be in the in finish. 9. Miss Bang will improve here second up off a wide run at Gatton last start and will be up on the pace when they jump.
How to play it: Exploding Star to WIN

Race 4 MAIDEN SW (1015m)

Mathew McGillivray takes the ride on first starter 5. Rest Of The World, the son of All American has been very impressive in two trials leading into this jumping well in both and showing a nice turn of foot under minimal pressure.
Dangers: Ballina trained 8. Annie Ethyl resumed with a solid run at Ballina only getting run down late over 1000m. Step up in distance here suits and will jump straight to the front from the inside draw.
How to play it: Rest Of The World to WIN and 5 and 8 Quinella

Race 5 MAIDEN HCP (1720m)

Kris Lees trained 4. The Good The Bad resumed over 1400m at Ballina and got a long way back before doing its best work late to finish within a length of the winner, the step up in distance here is ideal and is able to not get as far back here from the inside barrier.
Dangers: Local galloper 6. Anacreon has a race fitness edge over the field and was solid to the line over the same distance last start and should be handy from a nice barrier.
How to play it: The Good The Bad to WIN

Race 6 CLASS 1 HCP (1215m)

Very even field with many having the required form to be competitive, 8. Red All Day was good first up at big odds just missing in a driving finish at the track and looks to get a relatively easy lead in a race without much early pace.
Dangers: 5. Winter Sonata runs well fresh and comes here off the back of a nice trial over 1000m, will be right up on the pace. 4. First Time Lucky has been consistent this preparation and only needs to reproduce the effort last start to be competitive.
How to play it: Red All Day EACH WAY