Coongy Handicap – 2021

Track: Good-Slow?* Weather: Afternoon Rain

Nine have accepted for the $200,000 Coongy Handicap which is the last opportunity to win a ballot free exemption into Saturday’s Caulfield Cup – so there is plenty to play for!  Four had their last start in an Open Handicap at Sandown on September 25, while two others ran in the Gold Nugget at Ballarat on September 19.  The early favourite in the betting is Floating Artist.  The Ciaron Maher & David Eustace trained gelding made it three wins in a row after sitting outside the lead and booting clear to win running away at Sandown last start.

Secret Blaze is flying this preparation and won the JRA Cup at Moonee Valley at his last run.  Duais was second in the Australian Oaks in April.  Zayydani ran home well behind Floating Artist at Sandown last start. Wentwood strips fitter here second up, while Pappalino has a strong international record and will benefit from any rain if it is to arrive before jump time.  The remaining runners are longer than $20-1.

*Working off a good/slow track here with plenty of unknowns as to when the forecast rain is going to hit.

1. Secret Blaze

Hit the line well over unsuitable distances at his first three runs back, then finally got out to a trip last start and won the JRA Cup strongly at Moonee Valley.  Draws perfectly in barrier six here.  Each way claims.

2. Duais

Four year old mare trained by Edward Cummings at Hawkesbury.  She finished runner up behind Hungry Heart in the Australian Oaks in April.  Was good in the Cameron first up over 1500m, then weakened out in the Hill Stakes last start.  Worth another chance.

3. Floating Artist

Saved from last Saturday to run here.  Needs to win to get a ticket into the Caulfield Cup this Saturday.  He has been very impressive racing up on speed and booting clear to win his last two starts at Flemington and Sandown in good time.  Think he is a really nice horse in the making and the one to beat.

4. Double You Tee

Seven year old gelding who won the Hobart Cup over 2400m in February.  Drops in weight here after finishing fifth in Gold Nugget at Ballart last start and draws well.  Consider for multiples.

5. Sherwood Forest

This kiwi galloper has finished thirteen of sixteen and eight of eight at his two Australian runs.  Hard to recommend off those performances.

6. Wentwood

Won the Victorian Country Race Horse of the year last season after wins in the St Arnaud, Werribee and Terang Cups.  Loomed first up at Sandown but only battled to the line there after.  Lane sticks which is a positive.

7. Pappalino

Ex European galloper who ran well at Sandown at his first Australian start last November.  He resumed at Ballarat on September 19 where he finished seventh after being heavily supported in the betting.  May not have appreciated the very firm track that day.  Potential improver here on a more forgiving track getting down in the weights.

8. Zayydani

Talented mare who won twice in Queensland in June.  She worked home well from the back to finish third at Sandown behind Floating Artist second up.  Fitter again here.  In the mix.

9. Constantinople

Has been safely held in his two runs back from a spell.  Drops in weight but not sure where he is at.

The following are the top 4 selections for this years race.

Jo’s Tips	Lewis’ Tips
3. Floating Artist	3. Floating Artist
1. Secret Blaze	1. Secret Blaze
2. Duais	7. Pappalino
8. Zayydani	2. Duais

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	2. Duais
2nd	6. Wentwood	0.2 length
3rd	3. Floating Artist	0.3 length
4th	8. Zayydani	1.05 lengths

The track was rated as Good 4.

Scratchings: –