Race 1 – 2:04PM MGM DRIVEN TO DELIVER MAIDEN (1690 METRES)

ARCADIA KING should be hard to hold out. The loping full brother to Arcadia Queen has been freshened since his last start at Bunbury 15/01, when he really should have won over 2238m, and expecting him to have come forward with race experience. Pike has opted to ride and if close enough in transit, he should run right over the top of these late. RED HOT TIP has shown a bit and worked home well in a walk-and-sprint first up at Ascot. Maps soft, goes close. Possible leader DYNAMIC FORCE improved noticeably second up and should figure again, while TREASURED CROWN will be doing his best work late.

Tips: 1-5-3-2
Suggested: 1. ARCADIA KING win.

1. ARCADIA KING
5. RED HOT TIP
3. DYNAMIC FORCE
2. TREASURED CROWN

Race 2 – 2:40PM MGM LIMESTONE MAIDEN (1008 METRES)

Expecting the market to be hard on SON OF A GOD, but UNCANNY TIMING can take it up to him. Uncanny Timing was eye catching two back and after being heavily backed at his first run for Colin Webster last start, he breezed outside leader and looked home before being nailed late. He’ll relish a smother from this draw and can elevate even further. First-upper Son Of A God couldn’t have been more impressive in his 4.8L Lark Hill 10/02 trial win. Tactics from the outside alley will be of interest. HE’S ALL MIGHTY must be respected fresh, while MELODY’S SECRET can improve sharply second up.

Tips: 2-4-3-8
Suggested: 2. UNCANNY TIMING win.

2. UNCANNY TIMING
4. SON OF A GOD
3. HE’S ALL MIGHTY
8. MELODY’S SECRET

Race 3 – 3:10PM MGM QUARRIES MAIDEN (1410 METRES)

NATIVE CHIMES and BERET have been costly to follow, but one of them should be breaking through in this, and leaning towards Native Chimes narrowly. Has been undone in slowly run races at both outings this prep, but her closing sectionals have been among the best of the day on each occasion. Stable may opt for more positive tactics from this draw, in a race without a natural leader, and she does appear to be looking for this journey now. Anticipating a wave of support for Beret with Pike going on. Should thrive over the 1410m also. RODOMONTE could surprise, while WICKLOW PRINCESS is in the mix.

Tips: 6-7-10-5
Suggested: 6. NATIVE CHIMES win.

6. NATIVE CHIMES
7. BERET
10. RODOMONTE
5. WICKLOW PRINCESS

Race 4 – 3:40PM MGM STORAGE MAIDEN (1410 METRES)

RUM RAKER is going to take some beating. Has performed well at all three outings to date and has some freshness in his legs after a 25-day break from racing. Troy Turner should be able to land in an ideal running position from this draw and saved up for one run, he can hit the line hard at the end of 1410m. THAT’S FUNNY AZ is a significant class dropper after resuming in the Magic Millions and looks really nicely suited. Expecting positive tactics with Pike on from this alley. BALDERDASH hails from an in-form yard and has to be considered, as does consistent on-pacer AGENT JAY.

Tips: 3-9-5-10
Suggested: 3. RUM RAKER win.

3. RUM RAKER
9. THAT’S FUNNY AZ
5. BALDERDASH
10. AGENT JAY

Race 5 – 4:15PM MGM BULK HANDICAP (1108 METRES)

These top-four selections all appear evenly matched, but opted for SNIPPIRANHA on top. Got into a groove in Esperance, with some consistent performances, and her last start Ascot run was good considering it was a walk-and-sprint. Should land in the first four/five in transit and has to closing speed to gun down the leaders late. UNIVERSAL APPEAL has a big finish and has to rate highly, but she’ll be coming from the rear again. Likely leader SOLARIZE will take some catching, while no surprise to see COCKYJOY bounce back with a tongue tie on, while TOGETHER WE DREAM could be the blowout.

Tips: 6-5-1-3
Suggested: 6. SNIPPIRANHA win.

6. SNIPPIRANHA
5. UNIVERSAL APPEAL
1. SOLARIZE
3. COCKYJOY
2. TOGETHER WE DREAM

Race 6 – 4:45PM MGM GROUP HANDICAP (2219 METRES)

Rolling with RAYARNIE to upset likely short-priced fave MEXI COLA. He’s certainly a hard horse to catch, with only three wins from 29 starts, but two of these have been over the 2200m and with clear galloping room last start, he probably should’ve won at Ascot. Expected to roll forward and turn it into a staying contest, and can give this a shake. Mexi Cola is a really progressive staying type and stands out as the obvious horse to beat. Does have 60kg over 2219m off a 25-day break though. UNENDING is rock hard fit and ready to win, while Pike sticks with VOLKSWAGON FRANK.

Tips: 7-1-3-4
Suggested: 7. RAYARNIE each way.

7. RAYARNIE
1. MEXI COLA
3. UNENDING
4. VOLKSWAGON FRANK

Race 7 – 5:15PM GIACCI FAMILY HANDICAP (1690 METRES)

Good contest to finish and all things being equal, promising 3YOs FUHRER and COME RIGHT BACK should fight out the finish. Decided to side with Fuhrer, who looks set to rail in front and control proceedings, and the Kakadu formlines certainly read well. Second up at 1690m, will be hard to get past. Come Right Back was thrown over the line by Pike first up. Has a lot to learn, but has obvious ability and blinkers on is a sign of intent. DARING SOLEIL was massive last start, a high draw hinders GLAMOUR PACKED, while DALALAH and BLAISZEN CAZAH are musts for quaddies and first fours.

Tips: 3-9-7-4
Suggested: 3. COME RIGHT BACK win.

3. COME RIGHT BACK
9. DARING SOLEIL
7. GLAMOUR PACKED
4. DALALAH
12. BLAISZEN CAZAH

*Numbers amended after Final Scratchings

**This edition of #TheLegUp by @thoroheadsWA originally published at 7:00am on Wednesday 26 February 2020