AU - Illawarra Grange - Race 2

Thoroughbred

18 Runners

5.7f

Maiden

Turf

SOFT 6

29.9K

VIEW

Verdict

PORTICO (4) has raced just three times and keeps improving, the latest offering a closing second over 5f at Warwick Farm. Should travel right up on the pace and over the longer trip will be strong late. Gai and Adrian's ELIO (2) last appeared when just 1.6 lengths back in the Listed Inglis Nursery over 5f at Randwick in December. Has been gelded and trialled well at Gosford recently so he might be in for a big campaign. Stablemate FIERY HEART (3) debuts on the back of two good trial wins recently. Draws a wide gate but will go fast and put himself in contention. Another first starter in VERISMO (6) from the Anthony and Sam Freedman camp is one to monitor in the betting.

numberFire Picks

Horse Stats

#/Silk	Horse#/Horse	Power Rating	High Speed	Win %	Top 3%	Win Prob	Odds
9	Second run back. First-up after three months 5th of 14 at Scone in the LR Woodlands on May 16 over 5 ½f, 3 len behind Queen Regent with 128lbs at $7. Previously second-up 2nd of 8 at Flemington in the LR Festival on February 28 over 5f, 1.75 len behind Gin Twist carrying 121lbs at $5. Should be breaking through in this far easier contest. 1st Pick 9 La Gitana Jockey: Non Runner Trainer: Ben, Will & Jd Hayes J: Non Runner T: Ben, Will & Jd Hayes	122	-	-	-	1%	Scratched
Analysis Second run back. First-up after three months 5th of 14 at Scone in the LR Woodlands on May 16 over 5 ½f, 3 len behind Queen Regent with 128lbs at $7. Previously second-up 2nd of 8 at Flemington in the LR Festival on February 28 over 5f, 1.75 len behind Gin Twist carrying 121lbs at $5. Should be breaking through in this far easier contest.
4	Form hard to fault. At the latest run sat on the pace when 2nd of 9 at Warwick Farm 2yo C&G Mdn-Sw on May 6 over 5f, on a slow track, 0.7 len behind Lord Horatio carrying 123lbs at $3.70. Before that raced on speed throughout when 3rd of 8 at Hawkesbury 2yo Mdn-Sw on April 14 over 5f, 0.6 len behind Portland Miss with 126lbs at $8.50. Going well and is unfortunate to be bumping into a stakes-class opponent. 2nd Pick 4 Portico Jockey: Keagan Latham Trainer: Michael Freedman J: Keagan Latham T: Michael Freedman	173	-	-	-	34%
Analysis Form hard to fault. At the latest run sat on the pace when 2nd of 9 at Warwick Farm 2yo C&G Mdn-Sw on May 6 over 5f, on a slow track, 0.7 len behind Lord Horatio carrying 123lbs at $3.70. Before that raced on speed throughout when 3rd of 8 at Hawkesbury 2yo Mdn-Sw on April 14 over 5f, 0.6 len behind Portland Miss with 126lbs at $8.50. Going well and is unfortunate to be bumping into a stakes-class opponent.
2	Racing first-up today. Finished off last preparation fourth of 9 at Randwick in the LR Nursery December 13 over 5f, 1.5 len behind Where's The Circus with 123lbs at $7. On debut fourth of 11 at Newcastle Max Lees November 15 over 4 ½f, 2.75 len behind Seeiaye carrying 125lbs at $9. Now a gelding and everything points to a bright return. 3rd Pick 2 Elio Jockey: Louis-Philippe Beuzelin Trainer: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott J: Louis-Philippe Beuzelin T: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott	60	-	-	-	17%
Analysis Racing first-up today. Finished off last preparation fourth of 9 at Randwick in the LR Nursery December 13 over 5f, 1.5 len behind Where's The Circus with 123lbs at $7. On debut fourth of 11 at Newcastle Max Lees November 15 over 4 ½f, 2.75 len behind Seeiaye carrying 125lbs at $9. Now a gelding and everything points to a bright return.

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Horse Racing Basic Terms

Blinkers

A hood worn on a horse’s head to limit side vision, which can improve concentration. Blinkers are added or removed to relax a horse or give it more focus.

Filly

A female horse that is four years of age or under.

Turf Course

A racetrack made of grass.