Hawkesbury Wednesday Racing Tips: Strawberry Impact Set to Shine
If patience and a stroke of luck are key in horse racing, a talented four-year-old home tracker is poised to reignite his career with a commanding performance at Wednesday's feature Hawkesbury meeting. Strawberry Impact, a gelding by Group 1 winner Pierata from the Blake Ryan stable, has arguably been one of the unluckiest gallopers across New South Wales, with just one win from 13 starts since debuting at Newcastle 14 months ago.
After a dominant breakthrough victory at Kembla Grange in only his third start, Strawberry Impact has secured nine minor placings, including seven runner-up finishes, up to Saturday metropolitan BM 78 level. Many argue he should have won at least three of those races, particularly a pair of Midway BM 72 events last spring where he closed strongly from behind after encountering poor racing luck.
First-up in a Provincial Qualifier over 1400m at Kembla on soft ground, he covered extra ground before finishing hard to miss by a neck. Now, he returns home for the first time since early last spring, tackling a competitive Benchmark 72 Handicap for three and four-year-olds over 1500m on a drier track.
Hawkesbury Track Conditions and Race Previews
The Hawkesbury track is rated a Good 4, with the rail out 5m from 1100m to 450m and true for the remainder. Here's a detailed race-by-race preview for Wednesday's meeting:
Race 1: Two-Year-Old Maiden Plate
10. Rocket Girl, a debutant filly by prolific sire I Am Invincible, is primed to start her career impressively for the leading Chris Waller-James McDonald combination. She has shown strength in two Rosehill trials, cruising home under a good hold in the latest, and is drawn advantageously. 1. Extremely Tempted, a colt by Extreme Choice from the Waterhouse-Bott stable, is a big watch after two progressive trials, winning the latest in commanding fashion. 2. Lafite and 3. Priory Park can contend for minor money, with a gap to the rest.
How to play it: Rocket Girl to win.
Race 2: Benchmark 64 Handicap
5. Fairway To Heaven aims for back-to-back wins at her fourth start. After a fair front-running debut in the city, she dominated to break through at Kembla as a hot favourite. With superior cruising speed and a low draw, she holds an edge. 7. Lighthouse Lass drops back from deeper metropolitan opposition, while 2. Somerton Smart, with a 3kg claim, could feature if he tucks in from an outside barrier.
How to play it: Fairway To Heaven to win.
Race 3: Maiden Handicap
2. Lontrice can break through stepping up to the mile second-up in his first full preparation. He battled on okay first-up after 18 weeks off and will relish this trip. 10. Jade Sunset is an improving filly suited over more ground, while 3. Almaaz has been consistent but may be under the odds here.
How to play it: Lontrice to win.
Race 4: Benchmark 72 Handicap
10. Dear Jewel is well placed to strike third-up, four weeks between runs. Beaten only one length in BM 72 company at Warwick Farm over this trip, she looks ideally placed on the 54kg limit from a handy draw. 2. Madrina resumes from an awkward barrier but tackled tougher races last prep.
How to play it: Dear Jewel to win.
Race 5: Benchmark 78 Handicap
7. Aligned can improve second-up with gear changes to claim a fourth win at his 14th start, crucially on a seven-day back-up. Drawn to sit behind the speed, he has a strong chance. 6. Spione is a significant market watch returning for his first run since November, fitted with two trials and drawn for a handy trail.
How to play it: Aligned to win.
Race 6: Benchmark 72 Handicap
3. Strawberry Impact is a talented home tracker who should have won more than his lone victory from 13 starts. With nine placings often without luck, he can peak second-up after running home late on soft ground at Kembla. 11. Night Agent is a promising three-year-old who demolished a weaker field by 10 lengths but faces a much stronger race here.
How to play it: Strawberry Impact to win.
Best Bets and Value Picks
- Best Bet: Race 3 - 2. Lontrice
- Best Bet: Race 5 - 7. Aligned
- Best Value: Race 4 - 10. Dear Jewel
Disclaimer: Horse racing tips are for informational purposes only. Gambling should be enjoyed responsibly. If affected by problem gambling, seek help from GambleAware NSW or Gambling Help Online at 1800 858 858.
