AU - Strathalbyn - Race 1

Thoroughbred

10 Runners

10.2f

Maiden

Turf

SOFT 5

17.4K

VIEW

Verdict

EMPIRE RULER (4) has the clearest winning case after four straight placings, including a Gawler second when beaten just over half a length by Miami Miller. The new 1 ¼m task is the one reservation, but first-time blinkers and his reliable recent form have him on top. Deserves the win and should go close. RICH MELODY (6) is the main danger after consecutive thirds at Gawler, the latest beaten just under a length, and he is close enough to Empire Ruler on that recent meeting to keep pressure on the top pick. CHILLY BRO (3) was plain on paper last start, but he covered ground and had a bumping incident after a near-miss at Murray Bridge. In the mix. LADY DEEDS (9) was sound first-up at Gawler and her narrow second at this track before the break gives her a genuine place chance if she begins cleanly.

numberFire Picks

Horse Stats

#/Silk	Horse#/Horse	Power Rating	High Speed	Win %	Top 3%	Win Prob
4	Has put together four straight placings this season and went close again at Gawler, finishing second to Miami Miller and beaten just over half a length after looming up. He was also second at Balaklava the start prior, with Noel Callow aboard for three consecutive placings. The 1 ¼m is new, but he brings the right form. 1st Pick 4 Empire Ruler Jockey: Noel Callow Trainer: Luke O'connor J: Noel Callow T: Luke O'connor	143	-	-	-	56%
Analysis Has put together four straight placings this season and went close again at Gawler, finishing second to Miami Miller and beaten just over half a length after looming up. He was also second at Balaklava the start prior, with Noel Callow aboard for three consecutive placings. The 1 ¼m is new, but he brings the right form.
6	Has found the placings at his past two, most recently third at Gawler when beaten just under a length after being run down late. His prior Gawler third at $31 showed the improvement was no one-off, and Brooke King has been aboard for two placings from three rides. Has a little to turn around on Empire Ruler, but the winning chance is genuine. 2nd Pick 6 Rich Melody Jockey: Brooke King Trainer: Dion & Raygan Koch J: Brooke King T: Dion & Raygan Koch	118	-	-	-	19%
Analysis Has found the placings at his past two, most recently third at Gawler when beaten just under a length after being run down late. His prior Gawler third at $31 showed the improvement was no one-off, and Brooke King has been aboard for two placings from three rides. Has a little to turn around on Empire Ruler, but the winning chance is genuine.
3	Covered ground and was bumped near the 4f when seventh at Gawler, so the beaten margin of just over nine lengths does not tell the full story. Two runs back he was beaten only a head at Murray Bdge at generous odds, which is the form line that keeps him relevant. A place hope with the right rebound. 3rd Pick 3 Chilly Bro Jockey: Campbell Rawiller Trainer: Sue & Jason Jaensch J: Campbell Rawiller T: Sue & Jason Jaensch	118	-	-	-	12%
Analysis Covered ground and was bumped near the 4f when seventh at Gawler, so the beaten margin of just over nine lengths does not tell the full story. Two runs back he was beaten only a head at Murray Bdge at generous odds, which is the form line that keeps him relevant. A place hope with the right rebound.

Upcoming Races

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.

Starter Race

An allowance race restricted to horses who have started for a certain claiming price recently.

Mare

A female horse of five years or more.