The Hawkesbury racing card this Saturday features a strong field across eight races, with several standout contenders highlighted ahead of the event.
In Race 1, Spice Trail, who was beaten as the favourite in her debut, appears to have made progress in her lead-up trials. Fitted with a tongue tie and well-drawn, she will be ridden by Will Stanley and is considered a strong chance. Our Noble Boy, returning from a spell following a solid performance at Wagga, faces a tricky barrier but remains a talented runner. Ready Made Heir is also competitive, having finished in the top three in four of seven starts.
Race 2 presents Flight Of Power, which has impressed in recent trials and, drawn in barrier one with Aaron Bullock aboard, looks set for a favorable run. De Grawin Queen, another trial standout making her debut, requires a bit of luck from an awkward barrier position. Czech Me, who won a recent trial on the Canberra polytrack by a large margin, and Sequoia are other key players in this event.
Oakfield Iowa, fresh off a strong third-up win at Scone, is the favourite in Race 3. With a good gate and Aaron Bullock in the saddle again, the mare is expected to perform well. Gilette returns to provincial company and races against her own sex, carrying a competitive weight after rider Jacob Stiff’s claiming allowance. Bright Promise’s impressive recent effort at Nowra also places her in contention.
Race 4 features Harrybegood, who displayed promise first-up over 1100 meters and is expected to improve. The stable holds him in high regard, potentially grooming him for higher-grade spring races. Schumacher, despite a challenging draw, brings winning debut form and will be ridden by Mitch Bell. Other notable runners include Revamped, a late-developing five-year-old with limited starts, and Superata, who has trialled well ahead of this event.
In Race 5, Mister Rizz stands out after consistent performances in Australia and promising trial results, indicating readiness for a win. Grafton Street, a former Aidan O’Brien-trained galloper stepping up to 1800 meters, holds a favorable barrier and could contend. Costabit may attract interest from exotic bets as he debuts over a longer distance suited to his running style.
Race 6 highlights Grand Saddles, coming into peak form third-up and suitably positioned near the inside barrier for a comfortable run. Beautiful You finished just behind the winner on debut at Wyong and will face a challenging wide draw this time. Boston Glide, despite quiet trials, could be competitive from gate one with Jeff Penza riding.
Satness, expected to lead easily in a race lacking early pressure, appears ready to peak on the third start of the preparation in Race 7. All Star, in good form for a new stable in tougher races, remains a notable threat after a recent tune-up trial. Substantial, hampered by wide barriers recently, will need some luck to feature prominently.
The final race, Race 8, is competitive with several proven performers. Stateroom returns to provincial level after a strong maiden victory at Warwick Farm and enjoys a favorable inside draw. Tempestuous, a former Breeders Plate runner-up recovering from injury, showed promise at Hawkesbury recently and may improve further. Unbridled Storm, narrowly missing out first-up and now with Aaron Bullock aboard, is well placed alongside Marhoona, the 2024 Golden Slipper and Galaxy winner, who also has a good draw. The favourite Tempted, unbeaten at Randwick and runner-up in The Everest, brings notable credentials but faces questions over the 1000-meter distance. Roselyn’s Star, coming off a dominant July win, and Beskar, a fast horse with potential, complete the field to watch.
Overall, the Hawkesbury meeting offers a mix of promising younger horses and seasoned competitors, setting the stage for an engaging day of racing.