The Coast – 2021

Track: Soft-Heavy Weather: Fine

There are thirteen acceptors for the inaugural running of the $500,000 The Coast.  Ten four year olds and three 3 year olds make up the field.  Trainers Chris Waller, Kris Lees & John O’Shea all have two runners entered in the race.  Three had their last start in a benchmark 100 at Randwick, two last ran in the Coolmore Legacy, two ran in the Provincial Championship and a further two ran in the James Carr.  In a wide open betting race Nimalee is the early favourite.  She won the Emancipation Stakes two starts ago and will appreciate getting back onto softer ground here.  The 3 year old colt Wheelhouse comes via the Doncaster Handicap  and has a touch of class.  Nudge is fourth up and has no weight on her back.

All Saints Eve likes wet ground and was good late in the Coolmore Legacy.  Arapaho is second up in Australia and stepping out to 1600m looks to suit him here.  Brutality gets the blinkers on and is another who loves wet ground.  Brandenburg appears to be crying out for 1600m and looks set to improve again here third up.  I Say Hello is yet to miss a placing, while All Hallows’ Eve is a last start winner.  The remaining runners are longer than $20-1.

1. Nimalee

Nimalee looks the likely lead here.  She sat outside the lead in the Coolmore Legacy and weakened in the run home to finish ninth.  Prior she won the James Carr at Group 3 level.   One of the chances.

2. Brandenburg

Finished midfield in the Golden Eagle and the Gong during the spring.  Was under heavy riding along way from home last time but was starting to charge through the line late.  1600m suits.

3. All Saints’ Eve

There abouts in all four runs this preperation and her last start is better than the ninth suggests.   She gets back in her races so may need some luck from barrier one but if she gets it she can play a role here.  Wet track also suits.

4. Arapaho

Former international trained by Bjorn Baker at Wawrick Farm.  Finished sixth at her first Australian start.  Has a strong record on soft ground and is a likely improver.

5. Game Of Thrones

Another who is never far away but struggles to win.  Question marks for her on soft ground.

6. East Asia

Queenslander who finished second first up at Eagle Farm and then third last start at Ipswhich.  An unknown at the distance and is taking a big step up in grade.

7. Wheelhouse

Three year old colt by Pierro.  Outclassed in the Doncaster but was good in the Rosehill Guineas prior.  Gets a leading rider in Tommy Berry here.

8. Charmmebaby

Mare in form.  She ran a slashing race in the Country Championship final, then finished fourth in the Tamworth Cup.  Can she run a mile?

9. Nudge

Another of the Chris Waller runners.  She was making good ground back to the inside in a benchmark 100 at Randwick last start.  Should be peaking here fourth up at the mile.

10. All Hallows’ Eve

Last start Randwick winner.  She has finished in the top three at four of her five starts this preparation.  She should be able to find a decent position in the run and is a roughie with a chance.

11. Electric Girl

Going well but there looks a few queries here.  Unplaced from five previous attempts on wet tracks, unplaced at the mile and draws a wide gate.

12. Brutality

This gelding has already had good early support in the early betting.  He finished off okay out wide on the Kensington first up.   Steps to 1600m now where he has a good record and loves the sting out of the track.  Blinkers on a tick.

13. I Say Hello

Progressive filly who has finished in the top three at all five of her career starts and she kept finding to finish third in the James Carr last start.  This is the first time seeing wet ground and also her first try at the mile.

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

Jo’s Tips	Lewis’ Tips
7. Wheelhouse	2. Brandenburg
1. Nimalee	3. All Saints’ Eve
9. Nudge	9. Nudge
10. All Hallows’ Eve	1. Nimalee

Listed Wagga Wagga Cup 2021 (Wagga 2000m) – Friday

Group 1 South Australian Derby 2021 (Morphettville 2500m)