# Australian Bloodstock – Weekend Runners

Five runners this weekend, ranging from one we expect to win to a couple where blind faith, divine intervention and a complete disregard for recent form might be required.

### 1.09pm – Gold Coast – Palmanova

Somehow this mare started favourite recently, which suggests either the bookmakers knew something we didn't or a few punters had started drinking considerably earlier than recommended.

Unfortunately, she performed well below market expectations and left a few people wondering whether they'd accidentally backed the wrong horse.

The good news is she gets wet ground here, which should suit her, and she's found a genuinely winnable race.

She's beautifully placed, and there really aren't too many excuses left. At some stage, she's going to have to stop promising and start delivering. A bit like a politician before an election!

**Shotpoint is clearly the horse to beat**, and can Palmanova knock her off? I'm sitting firmly on the fence, although the longer I sit here, the less comfortable it's becoming.

**Each-way confidence: 4/10**

### 2.00pm – Randwick – Caltsar

One of our really cheap yearling purchases, and this bloke just keeps turning up and making us look clever. Given what we paid for him, he's already exceeded expectations by a considerable margin.

Every time we've asked him to step outside his grade, he's risen to the occasion, and we're hoping he can do it again here.

Unfortunately, the barrier and race map are about as attractive as a tax audit. He's going to need luck, patience and possibly a small miracle to get the right run.

I expect him to run very well, but winning from this setup would be a surprise.

He's the sort of horse you love owning – bought cheaply, keeps improving and doesn't seem to realise he's supposed to be outclassed.

**Each-way confidence: 3/10**

### 2.40pm – Randwick – Mornington Pier

An honest little warrior who has been an absolute money spinner for his owners, already winning back his purchase price and a bit more.

If every horse we bought did that, I'd have considerably fewer grey hairs and probably a much better relationship with my accountant.

The big concern here is the 2000 metres.

In his previous life, he didn't run the trip, and whilst we're all for second chances, I'm not convinced horses suddenly develop an extra set of lungs just because we've decided to nominate them over further.

He's genuine, he'll have a crack, but I suspect the final 200 metres might feel like the last two kilometres of a marathon after you've trained exclusively by walking to the fridge.

I have to be against him here, despite how much I admire the horse.

**Each-way confidence: 2/10**

### 2.40pm – Randwick – Perisher

Now here's one I'm genuinely looking forward to.

Our UK import made an impressive winning Australian debut, and whilst it looked easy, that was pretty much what we expected given the quality he possesses.

He's a horse with genuine ability, and the exciting part is that there's still plenty of upside.

Looking through this field, most of his opposition have more convictions than a career criminal. They've had plenty of opportunities to show us what they're capable of, and in most cases, the evidence isn't particularly flattering.

Perisher, on the other hand, looks like a horse heading in the right direction.

He should be better than these, and whilst racing has a wonderful habit of making fools of confident people, **I expect him to win.**

If he gets beaten, I'll be looking for answers, and I suspect the horse won't be the only one getting questioned!

**Win confidence: 7/10**

### 5.20pm – Randwick – Don Diego De Vega

This bloke has been a good fun horse for his owners, although he's also been responsible for the occasional headache, a few sleepless nights and some language that probably shouldn't be repeated in polite company.

He's had more little niggling issues than a second-hand European sports car. Just when you think everything is running smoothly, another warning light appears on the dashboard.

On his current form, I've got more chance of being mistaken for a professional athlete than he has of winning a race of this depth.

We're desperately hoping his recent performances are simply a case of him not coming up this preparation, rather than an indication that he's decided racing is no longer his preferred occupation.

He's certainly better than what he's been showing, but until we see some evidence of that on race day, it's impossible to recommend him.

We'll be watching, cheering and hoping he can rediscover his old spark.

Sometimes you've just got to support your horse, even when the form guide is suggesting you might be better off spending the afternoon doing something else.

**Each-way confidence: