VRC LIFE MEMBER DANIEL CONNELL TROPHY
Results
Going for a bit of value here with BRITISH COLUMBIA (11). He was sound first up at Caulfield over 1400m when beaten 4.5 lengths and should strip much fitter. His best ratings would see him one of the hardest to beat and although he may be better suited over a mile, he's more than capable here. BEL AIR (10) broke through for a deserved win last start here after a string of minor placings. Up in grade but down in the weights and can go on with it. RUMBLED AGAIN (15) has run third in both runs back from a spell, not far off Bel Air here last start. Should be ready to peak now and can win. HELIX (17) is knocking on the door with two minor placings in a row. His form ties in with Bel Air too and he can turn the tables. ELKINGTON ROAD (9) was solid first up and is certainly good enough if at his best.
Visit TAB.COM.AUGoing for a bit of value here with BRITISH COLUMBIA (11). He was sound first up at Caulfield over 1400m when beaten 4.5 lengths and should strip much fitter. His best ratings would see him one of the hardest to beat and although he may be better suited over a mile, he's more than capable here. BEL AIR (10) broke through for a deserved win last start here after a string of minor placings. Up in grade but down in the weights and can go on with it. RUMBLED AGAIN (15) has run third in both runs back from a spell, not far off Bel Air here last start. Should be ready to peak now and can win. HELIX (17) is knocking on the door with two minor placings in a row. His form ties in with Bel Air too and he can turn the tables. ELKINGTON ROAD (9) was solid first up and is certainly good enough if at his best.
Second run back. Comes off a 42-day let-up. First-up after four months ran last of 7 at Ballarat Bm100 on December 9 over 1100m, on heavy track; 24 len behind Taunting carrying 57kg at $26. Previously second-up eased back early on 8th of 12 at this track in the LR All Vic Sprint on July 1 over 1200m, on a slow track; 5 len behind Mnementh carrying 58.5kg at $15. Unlikely to threaten.
Group 2 placegetter. Dual acceptor. Back from a spell. Finished off last campaign second last of 16 at Sandown-Hillside Bm100 May 27 over 1800m, soft track; 23 len behind Normandy Bridge carrying 54.5kg at $41. Previously first up; ninth of 13 at this track Hcp March 25 over 1400m, 8 len behind Not An Option carrying 54.5kg at $17. Doesn't appeal.
Second run back. First-up after eight months 9th of 11 at Geelong Bm84 on January 6 over 1100m, 4 len behind Rey Magnerio with 62kg at $101. Previously second-up 6th of 13 at this track Hcp on March 25 over 1400m, 3 len behind Not An Option carrying 55.5kg at $19. Fitter but must improve sharply.
Useful type. Most recently won by 1.5 len at Geelong Bm84 January 6 over 1400m defeating Toronto Terrier carrying 58kg at $7. The start before that 5th of 14 at Caulfield Bm84 on December 16 over 1200m, 3.5 len behind Boldinho with 58kg at $13. Last-start winner who can measure up again.
At the latest run 6th of 11 at Geelong Bm84 on January 6 over 1400m, 2 len behind Lafargue carrying 60kg at $8.50. The race before that won by a head at Caulfield Bm84 December 26 over 1400m on a rain affected track defeating Toronto Terrier carrying 57.5kg at $8.50. Wide draw too testing.
Useful gelding. Most recently 3rd of 11 at Geelong Bm84 on January 6 over 1400m, 1.5 len behind Lafargue with 58kg at $17. The run before that ran on from midfield; 3rd of 10 at Caulfield Bm84 on December 26 over 1400m, on a slow track; 3 len behind Lounge Bar Rubi carrying 59.5kg at $6.50. Will be saved up for one last crack.
Resuming. Finished off last campaign fourth of 8 at Morphettville Bm82 September 2 over 1600m, 0.6 len behind Regal Azmon with 59.5kg at $2. First up last campaign fourth of 11 at Sandown-Hillside Bm78 May 6 over 1300m, soft track; 1.5 len behind Chassis carrying 61.5kg at $8. This looks a stern test.
Back from a spell. Finished off last campaign won by 0.8 len Camperdown Camp Cup January 21 over 1600m defeating Turbeau with 56.5kg at $1.60. When resuming last campaign fourth of 8 at Ballarat Bm84 November 19 2022 over 1400m, on heavy track; 3 len behind Green Fly with 57kg at $8.50. Certainly good enough but may need the run.
Group 3 placegetter. Second run back. First-up after six months made some head-way from midfield; 4th of 14 at Caulfield Bm84 on December 16 over 1200m, 3.5 len behind Boldinho with 58kg at $19. Previously second-up 9th of 15 at this track in the G1 Aust Gns on March 4 over 1600m, 3.5 len behind Legarto with 57kg at $26. Handy type who should be competitive.
Useful type. At the latest run favourite; won by 0.8 len at this track 4yo+ Bm70 January 1 over 1400m defeating Helix with 62kg at $3.30. Before that made some head-way from midfield; 2nd of 10 at Caulfield Bm70 on December 16 over 1400m, neck behind My Boy Birmingham with 61.5kg at $4.50. Hard to beat again.
Second run back. First-up after seven months 6th of 10 at Caulfield Bm84 on December 26 over 1400m, on a slow track; 4.5 len behind Lounge Bar Rubi carrying 58kg at $8.50. Previously second-up 3rd of 11 at this track Bm70 on January 14 2023 over 1400m, 0.6 len behind Shove Over with 59kg at $3. Strips fitter and should run very well.
Third-up today and won third-up in the past. First-up ran last in a small field at Ballarat Bm84 on December 9 over 1400m, in the wet; 16 len behind Brung King carrying 56.5kg at $9. Second run from a spell held ground to the line 3rd of 9 at Moonee Valley Bm84 on December 30 over 1600m, 1.0 len behind Real Sensation carrying 56.5kg at $4. Not far away last start. Big chance.
Group 3 placegetter. Most recently 4th of 11 at Moonee Valley Bm78 on December 30 over 1200m, 1.3 len behind Pink Beau Ty carrying 58.5kg at $26. The start before that second last of 8 at Caulfield in the G3 How Now on November 18 over 1200m, 7 len behind Rose Quartz with 55kg at $26. Cannot be ruled out.
Second-up. First-up after seven months 5th of 9 at this track 4yo+ Bm70 on January 1 over 1400m, 5 len behind Bel Air carrying 61kg at $26. Previously second-up eased back early on 7th of 10 at Sandown-Lakeside Bm78 on March 8 over 1400m, 2.25 len behind Seonee carrying 57kg at $41. Unlikely to threaten.
Third-up today and won third-up in the past. Resuming 3rd of 10 at Cranbourne Bm70 on November 25 over 1300m, slow going 0.6 len behind Is It Me with 58kg at $11. Last start sat on the speed and boxed on steadily 3rd of 9 at Caulfield F&M Bm78 on December 16 over 1400m, 0.6 len behind Running By with 56kg at $8. Well placed and should be in the finish.
Useful gelding. Last start 6th of 11 at this track in the LR Chstr Manifold on January 1 over 1400m, 5 len behind Not An Option with 54kg at $101. The start before that eased back early on 7th of 10 at Caulfield Bm70 on December 16 over 1200m, 4 len behind Is It Me carrying 60.5kg at $10. Likely to be attacking the line strongly.
Most recently came from midfield; 2nd of 10 at this track Bm70 on January 13 over 1400m, long-neck behind Vagrant carrying 60kg at $3.50. The race before that made ground from midfield; 2nd of 9 at this track 4yo+ Bm70 on January 1 over 1400m, 0.8 len behind Bel Air with 60kg at $7. Should be in the finish again.