Saturday Blackbookers - April 30

Bets.com.au Staff

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Last updated: 02 May 2022

Bets.com.au Staff 02 May 2022

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We've reviewed all of the city meetings from April 30
The team have assembled their runners to follow from Ascot, Eagle Farm, Hawkesbury, Morphettville and Sandown
Saturday Blackbook runners are included below

Hell Hound was an impressive Sandown winner. (Getty)

ASCOT

Race 3 - Mosquito (second): His lack of tactical speed is a concern, albeit lightly raced and seemingly looking for 1400m-1600m, this three-year-old has a future. Sent for a little spell after a maiden win, he was strong late on March 31 as he was here behind a smart Hardly Ever, when forced to switch right off heels and was still last approaching the 150m.

Race 9 - The Velvet Queen (second): A younger sister to dual Group 3 winner The Velvet King is this filly that looks ready to work through the grades this prep. Has been luckless in three attempts following back-to-back wins last spring, including this 1400m return when held-up at a key stage before launching late. Likely to see her over further this campaign.

EAGLE FARM

Race 7 - Ashgrove (third): It was a cheeky run second-up from this Derby-bound colt, running on well into third over the mile. He lacks the class of some of the types he will face, but he has the tank to beat them as the distances rise. Over 2000m next start, then onto the Derby, Ashgrove will want to put in another great performance, then he really will be a live chance in the May 28 feature.

Race 8 - Jamaea (third): Is a filly well on track for a good winter prep after a great first-up effort, storming home from the back with a hot speed on offer. She has always shown immense talent and this could be the prep where we see the best of it, heading into her four-year-old season with plenty of time to mature. The key to her is good ground, with perhaps a BRC Sprint (May 21) the aim.

HAWKESBURY

Race 4 - Mission Phoenix (second): Was desperately in need of the run first-up off a 15-month lay-off and after an improved second-up showing over 1600m, has only been denied here by Deepstrike, a hard-fit visitor who was dropping in grade to complete a hat-trick. Won two races in his first prep and with a low rating of 71, is ready to put a few together.

Race 6 - Surreal Step (third): Making his stable debut for Brad Widdup and ridden quieter than usual, he was easily the pick of the closers in on-pace dominated race, where he got the better of Marboosha, who has been thereabouts over the carnival. Has won in the 1200m-1400m range and with an 86 rating, he can drop in grade and contest a BM88.

MORPHETTVILLE

Race 4 - Illation (first): One of the more exciting three-year-old's around is this younger brother to Inference, a Group 1 winning colt. After a brilliant debut victory, Illation stayed at the 1400m for this listed tilt and once the inside run presented, it was game over. Overall time was very good for two-year-old class vs the City Of Adelaide Handicap won by Morvada.

Race 9 - Wild Imagination (sixth): A versatile four-year-old from the Richard & Chantelle Jolly yard is this daughter of Mafki, who won over 1600m and 2000m last prep, while first-up at 1300m, she arguably should've returned with a victory. She saw plenty of backsides in the run home and despite never getting a look at them, has still only been beaten 1.8 lengths.

SANDOWN

Race 1 - Hell Hound (first): Confident that we have a Group One filly on our hands after an impressive debut win at Terang before knuckling down and getting the job done here at Sandown. She still looks a season away from being the real deal, but once she turns three, races such as the Blue Sapphire and Coolmore Stud Stakes look great options and aims for her going forward.

Race 5 - Literary Magnate (second): It was a great first-up run from the Thousand Guineas fourth place getter, given she is in need over a touch more ground. She does need to back-up what was a big first-up performance, but the quality is behind her to be doing so, along with the handicap rating to work her way through the grades. 1400m next time should suit perfectly.