Trainer Tom Charlton is confident Pin Up Sheila can follow up her debut victory when she lines up in the Hyland Race Colours Handicap (1100m) at Warwick Farm on Wednesday. The filly scored an all-the-way win at Canterbury a month ago, beating Celestial Charm, and two subsequent winners have already emerged from that race, boosting the formline.
Strong debut form gives confidence
“It doesn’t look like it was a bad race,” Charlton said. “We hadn’t had much of a look at her at the trials, it was the first time we’d put a bit of pressure on her and she responded well. We were keen to run her again, we felt she had another race in her and more experience would do her good.”
Pin Up Sheila started at $12 on debut, not the most fancied of the stable’s three runners. Charlton sent her around at the Randwick trials on June 12 to keep her ticking over and believes there has been improvement between runs.
“She’s still learning and I don’t think we’ll see the best of her until she’s three or so,” he said. “She trialled really well the other day despite getting caught a bit deep, it was a little bit messy, but she looks to be going nicely.”
Astronomix gets second chance
Promising three-year-old Astronomix will have a second chance to start his campaign in the TAB Handicap (1100m) after a false start three weeks ago. The gelding was scratched at the barriers and required to trial again, which he did six days later.
“We had a barrier mishap, it was a windy day and there was some commotion in the gates and he took a bit of fright,” Charlton said. “We had to trial him again and here we are. It looks hopefully a good kick off point for him.”
Astronomix won on debut at Kensington in January and was beaten favourite when placed in two subsequent starts. Charlton says the horse is improving all the time. “He’s definitely a bit more mature mentally, he’s a much more relaxed conveyance in everything he does and a big strong, powerful individual,” he said. “You’d think there’d be natural improvement to come but he seems a more rounded individual despite his problem at the gates the other day.”
Race-by-race preview and tips
Race 1 - Hyland Race Colours Handicap (1100m): Pin Up Sheila pounced on the lead on debut and held off a subsequent winner. Freshened with a trial where she sat wide and brushed home. Draws to be where needed and chance to back it up. Dangers: Bonvoy, Scuro Star, Sambuca Sky. How to play it: Pin Up Sheila WIN.
Race 2 - Asahi Super Dry Handicap (1100m): Omolong looked the part winning his latest trial last week at Rosehill. A well-bred colt, $850,000 yearling, half-brother to dual Group winner Prost. Dangers: Spain, I'm Relevant, Dubious Express. How to play it: Omolong WIN.
Race 3 - Drinkwise Plate (1100m): Crossways looks to have speed to offset a wide gate on debut. Won runaway Canterbury trial. Dangers: Kalim, Zoufame, Farfetched. How to play it: Crossways WIN.
Race 4 - Exceedance @ Vinery Stud Handicap (1600m): Lennox was right in the market first-up at Canterbury two weeks ago and didn't get much of a crack. Second-up record handy, yet to miss a place. Dangers: Hot Bandit, Existential Bob, Deal N' Dash. How to play it: Lennox EACH-WAY.
Race 5 - Catanach's Jewellers Handicap (1300m): Deep Pleasure is overdue for a change of fortune after going to the line hard held behind a wall at Kensington last time. Dangers: Sister Daae, Ernaux, Mrs Maree. How to play it: Deep Pleasure WIN.
Race 6 - Irresistible Pools and Spas Handicap (1300m): Sociable has found one better in two runs back and looks ready to rise in trip. Drops 3.5kg. Dangers: High Blue Sea, Airworthy, Three Arrows. How to play it: Sociable EACH-WAY.
Race 7 - TAB Handicap (1100m): Astronomix showed plenty of ability in his first preparation and probably holds the key. Late scratching at gates a few weeks back, has trialled since. Dangers: Clear Proof, Against The Law, Dear Jewel. How to play it: Astronomix WIN.
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