Race 1 – 1:53PM FURPHY – REFRESHING ALE MAIDEN (1675 METRES)

Low key start to the day, but this does look a suitable option for SECRET PEARL. Haven’t minded the way she’s finished off her two outings to date, and her racing style suggests she’s going to appreciate rising to this trip. Be nice if she can land a touch closer to the speed, and if within striking distance on straightening, she can wear them down late. Nothing went right for NOT REALLY TRUE last time and expecting a cooler ride with the blinkers off. Expected to rebound. ORASKY looks better placed back in class and trip, while likely leader FAIR ONE is capable of boxing on well late.

Tips: 6-5-3-1
Suggested: 6. SECRET PEARL win.

6. SECRET PEARL
5. NOT REALLY TRUE
3. ORASKY
1. FAIR ONE

Race 2 – 2:35PM LJ HOOKER BUNBURY COLLIE HANDICAP (1100 METRES)

Interesting programming with a last-start Ascot winner, but it does look a really good option for the speedy WE’VE GOT DREAMS. Upset some well-regarded types over the 1000m in town last start and the astute Michael Lane yard has opted to bring her back to her home track, where she ticks plenty of boxes. Should find the rail in front and prove too slick. COSMIC EYES held her own in this class at Ascot last start and has to be considered a major player again. No surprise to see the enigmatic APOLLO give this a big shake first up, while GESSATO is an obvious winning chance also.

Tips: 5-6-1-2
Suggested: 5. WE’VE GOT DREAMS win.

5. WE’VE GOT DREAMS
6. COSMIC EYES
1. APOLLO
2. GESSATO

Race 3 – 3:05PM TABTOUCH – BETTER YOUR BET MAIDEN (1400 METRES)

Really keen on SATURDAY SUN to break through. The market has been all over him at his last two appearances, firming into odds-on, but he hasn’t been able to peg back the leader/winner on both occasions. The runs have been full of merit though and with a bit more mid-race urgency from the pilot, he should prove far too strong for these. WICKLOW PRINCESS went oh so close in a blanket finish as Pinjarra last time and maps to get every opportunity to impact again. WESTERN CHANT looks suited up to 1400m third up and will be strong late, while LONSDALE LADY can come on nicely second up.

Tips: 1-5-6-7
Suggested: 1. SATURDAY SUN win.

1. SATURDAY SUN
5. WICKLOW PRINCESS
6. WESTERN CHANT
7. LONSDALE LADY

Race 4 – 3:40PM CIVILCON MAIDEN (1100 METRES)

One of the more competitive events on the card and ended up siding with possible leader PIP. Has run into subsequent Ascot winners at her two runs this campaign, and also finished alongside Tinto Belle last time, with that form also stacking up particularly well. Looks really hard to beat. OBSTINATION is the main danger though, possessing some decent formlines also. Maps soft from the low draw also. First-upper WAR ANTHEM will no doubt have plenty of admirers, especially with the sweet draw, while GUESTEEN has shown enough at trials to suggest she can figure prominently on debut.

Tips: 6-8-1-10
Suggested: 6. PIP win.

6. PIP
8. OBSTINATION
1. WAR ANTHEM
10. GUESTEEN

Race 5 – 4:20PM RANGEVIEW STUD HANDICAP (1675 METRES)

Nice option for SWIFT MIRAGE. Has been getting back and running on well in full fields recently, but should be able to land in a more prominent running position from a nice draw in this smaller field. Shaun McGruddy has won on him previously and if he’s within striking distance on straightening, Swift Mirage should be too strong late. CELTIC COURT was a month between runs last time and that searching effort brings him forward. Will take some beating. Likely leader ABU DHABI will have them stretching their necks, while the bar plates are off HYPERSPACE and he can elevate significantly.

Tips: 7-2-1-5
Suggested: 7. SWIFT MIRAGE win.

7. SWIFT MIRAGE
2. CELTIC COURT
1. ABU DHABI
5. HYPERSPACE

Race 6 – 4:55PM THE BULL AND BUSH TAVERN HANDICAP (1400 METRES)

Have some time for STEVIE’S WONDER. Loomed to win first up before getting swamped late and he did elevate second up last time in work, getting up to defeat Too Fat Too Slow narrowly over this trip at Belmont. Appreciates galloping room, so the outside alley can be a positive and the likely genuine tempo should suit also. GEOGRAPHE BAY launched late to score with this weight second up, gunning down the fancied Ice Trade. Obviously, he can win again. Like the way COLD AS COLD stuck to his guns at Albany last time, with 2.3L back to third, while likely leader FASHION FORWARD boxes on.

Tips: 1-3-10-5
Suggested: 1. GEOGRAPHE BAY win.

1. GEOGRAPHE BAY
3. COLD AS COLD
10. FASHION FORWARD
5. FETCH MORE AMMO

*Numbers amended after Final Scratchings

Race 7 – 5:30PM CHAFF CITY HANDICAP (1200 METRES)

Looks the right race for FAMILY DISCUSSION. Hasn’t been seen in over a month since his slashing last-start third at Ascot, when clocking some standout sectionals in a race that has proven to be a reasonable form reference since. If right and with even luck, Family Discussion goes close. MELROS BEACH was brave behind the smart Chatter Session first up for her new stable. Rolls forward and looks a decent lightweight chance again. SMART TYCOON is having his first run in 47 days, but he’s capable of making his presence felt, while BEE QUICK will find this assignment easier than last start.

Tips: 4-11-7-6
Suggested: 4. FAMILY DISCUSSION each way.

4. FAMILY DISCUSSION
11. MELROS BEACH
7. SMART TYCOON
6. BEE QUICK

**This edition of #TheLegUp by @thoroheadsWA originally published at 9:00am on Friday 20 December 2019