Race 1 – 1:22PM CGU MAIDEN (2200 METRES)

Peters Investments 3YO MIDNIGHT BLUE looks primed to break through. Has hurt the wallets of his supporters at each of his three runs so far, but has the 2000m run under his belt now, and with Pike back on from this low draw, should be getting every conceivable opportunity. Old-fashioned staying type, should salute. WATTO’S REWARD looks the one most capable of testing Midnight Blue. Thought she’d win last start, but did a lot wrong and had genuine excuses, so no surprise to see her challenge. Long time maiden DESIGNER PRINCE has rarely raced better, while DED MOROZ can bob up at odds.

Tips: 5-10-1-3
Suggested: 5. MIDNIGHT BLUE win.

5. MIDNIGHT BLUE
10. WATTO’S REWARD
1. DESIGNER PRINCE
3. DED MOROZ

Race 2 – 1:57PM NTI MAIDEN (1400 METRES)

Competitive maiden and looking towards HOOLAHOOPS to score. Didn’t mind her Ascot debut and was held up at crucial stages last start, and should’ve at least finished second. Maps mid/back from this draw, so needs the track to be playing fair, but if conditions are suitable, she can charge her way into the finish. GOODBYEFEDS deserves to break through. Three-wide throughout last time, but maps to enjoy a much more suitable run from this draw. SEA WAIF comes through a good form race at Pinjarra 23/01 and has to be considered, while possible leader NOT TODAY SON can box on well late.

Tips: 7-1-6-2
Suggested: 7. HOOLAHOOPS each way.

7. HOOLAHOOPS
1. GOODBYEFEDS
6. SEA WAIF
2. NOT TODAY SON

Race 3 – 2:40PM CHUBB MAIDEN (1400 METRES)

Another maiden with plenty of genuine hopes and predicting a bold showing from MAYFAIR TRADER. Was well-schooled when showing up at trials and her debut effort was better than it reads, drifting right back from gate 12 and working home late. Showed gate speed at trials, so could find the front from this low draw and take some catching. MOAMA ROSE launched late when resuming at Albany and with a lower draw probably wins. Maps closer from this alley and should go close. ROSSO TEMPESTA is an interesting debutante, follow the market, while COME RIGHT BACK and LYLE’S CHOICE will have admirers also.

Tips: 13-7-6-2
Suggested: 13. MAYFAIR TRADER each way.

13. MAYFAIR TRADER
7. MOAMA ROSE
6. ROSSO TEMPESTA
2. COME RIGHT BACK
1. LYLE’S CHOICE

Race 4 – 3:10PM BLUE ZEBRA INSURANCE MAIDEN (1100 METRES)

Looking forward to seeing what COMFORT ME can produce on debut. Had been waiting for him to reemerge after a smart 28/10/19 trial win, and he certainly looked the goods when a 7.9-length Belmont 3/02 heat winner. Likes to roll forward, so draw shouldn’t be an issue, and if he lands outside leader is going to take some beating. First-upper BERET is well-regarded and stretched out nicely to win her Lark Hill 28/01 trial. Showed plenty last prep, the obvious danger. Like the looks of BON ODYSSEY and expecting her to be swooping late, while AGENT JAY and DREAMTIME DIVA are in the mix also.

Tips: 5-9-12-3
Suggested: 5. COMFORT ME win.

5. COMFORT ME
9. BERET
12. BON ODYSSEY
3. AGENT JAY
10. DREAMTIME DIVA

Race 5 – 3:43PM MGIB PLATE (1675 METRES)

Is this the race for CORNFLOWER? Have been on a few times over the journey, but she looks to be right back on track in 2020, building trust with strong back-to-back results behind smart types Great Heist and Puckapunyal. If she holds her current form, and with even luck, she should be winning. The Pike-ridden CONQUERED ZONE is the natural challenger, having elevated nicely second up behind Queen Takes King last time. Maps soft from this draw and should have plenty of fuel in the tank to launch late. RIO ROGUE looks the likely improver, while REDMILL is holding peak form.

Tips: 11-6-5-2
Suggested: 11. CORNFLOWER win.

11. CORNFLOWER
6. CONQUERED ZONE
5. RIO ROGUE
2. REDMILL

Race 6 – 4:15PM SURA HANDICAP (1200 METRES)

Nice second-up option for APACHE PASS. Did some nice things as a late 2YO/early 3YO last year and quite liked the way he worked to the line against sharp opposition fresh at Ascot 1/02. Thinking this fellow has a reasonable class edge on these and looks well placed by the Lindsey Smith yard. First-upper BOOTLEG RASCAL will no doubt be well found by the market. Pike on from a low alley and coming off a smart Lark Hill 28/01 trial win. Front-running type SOLARIZE is having his first outing in 71 days and can fire fresh, while TYCOON MIKADO has his share of ability and should figure prominently.

Tips: 3-7-4-5
Suggested: 3. APACHE PASS win.

3. APACHE PASS
7. BOOTLEG RASCAL
4. SOLARIZE
5. TYCOON MIKADO

Race 7 – 4:45PM MGIB TRAVEL HANDICAP (1200 METRES)

Wide-open handicap for the fillies and mares, but if FAIRVIEW brings her best to Bunbury she really should get the job done. Has run some slashing races already this prep and was good late under difficult circumstances at Ascot last start. Looks suited coming back in grade and has the class to carry 60kg to victory. INDIGO WILD is flying this prep and has to rate highly with Pike on from this sweet draw. First-upper REWRITE THE STARS is an interesting runner. Certainly has the talent to win, but the dreaded bar plates are an obvious query, while COCKYJOY is simply racing too well to ignore.

Tips: 2-7-10-6
Suggested: 2. FAIRVIEW each way.

2. FAIRVIEW
7. INDIGO WILD
10. REWRITE THE STARS
6. COCKYJOY

Race 8 – 5:15PM AUSTBROKERS HANDICAP (1675 METRES)

Surely SMITH is due to get the rub of the green. Had been knocking on the door and looked set to end a losing streak at Ascot 29/01, but despite having a handful of horse Pat Carbery simply couldn’t find clear galloping room in the straight and he really appeared a good thing beat. Carbery riding STEVIE’S WONDER makes things interesting, but if Chris Parnham can get Smith into space, this fellow should be hard to hold out. Stevie’s Wonder was big out of his grade at Ascot and is obvious well suited back in class. Can win. SCENIC JOURNEY will be strong late, while MOUQUET can improve sharply.

Tips: 11-4-10-1
Suggested: 11. SMITH each way.

11. SMITH
4. STEVIE’S WONDER
10. SCENIC JOURNEY
1. MOUQUET

**This edition of #TheLegUp by @thoroheadsWA originally published at 9:00am on Wednesday 12 February 2020