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Selections and best bets from Chris Scholtz for the Randwick and Canterbury meetings on December 31 and January 1 plus Trial Watch and Blackbook runners.

RANDWICK December 31

RACE 6 (7) MACH SCHNELL: A leap in class requires a leap in faith but there is no reason to doubt this gelding can rise to the challenge on a seven day back up from his strong victory in a BM78 over 1800m at this course last Saturday. With his featherweight after the claim (rider may not take her full 3kg allowance) he'll be carrying up to 10kg less than last week and will camp on the pace, setting him up to find any weakness in his higher weighted rivals.

RACE 8 (12) VOWMASTER: This 5YO has had his issues but his first-up second when beaten a nose over 1000m at this course after 20 months off underlined his obvious talent. He posted excellent sectionals charging though the traffic and must be fitter for this better trip with that run under his belt. Has the weight edge to go on with it.

RACE 9 (8) ARNAQUER: Has plenty of fitness behind him getting to 1600m for the fourth run of his current prep. He's been placed in two of his three 1400m starts since resuming and showed he wanted this trip when working to the line strongly for second in this class in a strong form race splitting Democracy Manifest and the subsequent winner Kanazawa. Reunites with the in-form Tyler Schiller over a trip that looks ideal for him at this point of time.

RACE 1: 8-9-7-5

RACE 2: 5-9-7-12

RACE 3: 2-4-5-3

RACE 4: 8-6-2-9

RACE 5: 17-2-9-8

RACE 6: 7-3-1-5

RACE 7: 8-2-4-10

RACE 8: 12-4-1-6

RACE 9: 8-3-6-11

RACE 10: 6-8-12-11

RACE 1 (8) HACHIMAN: Relying on the Wyong Magic Millions form. Best work late through the line and sure to be suited by the extra trip on this big track.

RACE 2 (5) SUPER EXTREME: Strong last start win over this course and distance after a tough run. Can repeat.

RACE 3 (2) GARZA BLANCA: Costly last start but expect a positive ride over this extra trip. They swooped on the luxury early odds – make him an anchor play.

RACE 4 (8) PO KARE KARE: Many chances but this mare has been well prepared to resume off an excellent Hawkesbury trial. Primed to swoop late.

RACE 5 (17) BROKEN ARROWS: Honest dual acceptor at peak and deserves a win. Suited this race. The winning trial by (2) OAKFIELD DUKE at Wyong was a beauty but the race doesn't end there.

RACE 7 (2) BACIO DEL MIST: Tough affair with many chances. This one gets a nice run from good draw and is weighted to give a good sight at value odds.

RACE 10 (6) QUEEN BELLISSIMO: Genuine mare is back to her right class. Has worked up to this and benefits from a claim. Each way in a good betting race.

CANTERBURY January 1

RACE 2 (8) SHALATIN: He's still a maiden after eight starts but his four placings have been strong performances including an early third in the G3 Todman Stakes that earned him a high reputation. Came back as a gelding with blinkers off to just miss over 1100m at this course and should have no excuses this time over the extra 100m as he gets the significant gear addition of the shades back on and is the type who will appreciate room to move from his wide gate.

RACE 4 (11) SEMANA (EW): Progressive filly has made an impression with two wins and a third in her three provincial/country starts and has the talent to go beyond this grade. She went a month between runs but had no trouble justifying her short odds to win easily over 1400m at Goulburn on December 16 when she sat on the speed and sprinted clear. Expect her to push forward and prove hard to run down under these conditions.

RACE 7 (8) LUNA ROCKS (Value): Warwick Farm winner in April had trialled well but let them down at short odds in her first start this season when she faded out of it over 1000m at Hawkesbury on December 15. Suffered cardiac arrhythmia and was ordered to trial, subsequently performing strongly when a hard held third in her 740m heat on the poly track at Warwick Farm. Has the ability and will count on her to turn her first-up form around with a nose roll added to her gear.

RACE 1: 10-5-2-8

RACE 2: 8-9-10-11

RACE 3: 10-6-5-13

RACE 4: 11-7-1-10

RACE 5: 11-15-13-2

RACE 6: 3-9-1-7

RACE 7: 8-3-4-1

RACE 8: 3-9-8-1

TRIAL WATCH REPORT

NOTED TRIAL RUNNERS – December 30-January 1

ORANGE FRIDAY: Hide Your Heart (R1)

RANDWICK SATURDAY: Po Kare Kare (R4); Garrison (R5); Oakfield Duke (R5)

GOSFORD SATURDAY: Starspangledancer (R1); Externus (R1); Lara's Laulet (R1); Luna Volanti (R2)

CANTERBURY SUNDAY: West Cork (R2); War Star (R2); Luna Rocks (R7); Super Bright (R7); Lease (R8)

FLEMINGTON SUNDAY: Exploring (R1)

RECENT TRIAL WATCH WINNERS: Hide Your Heart; Off Da Hizzle; Mission Value; Kalino, King Of Sparta; Chipper; Passeggiata; Goofy Mick; Banana Queen; Lazzago; Dynamic Impact; Cardone; Hamaki; Sovereign Fund; Hell I Am; Reateros; Barossa Rosa; Godfather; The Novelist; Glint Of Silver; Hi Dubai; Sherringford; Tsarina Sophia .

TRIAL POINTERS

HAWKESBURY December 19

PO KARE KARE (Bryce Heys): Talented mare has won two of her first six starts and is set for more success after a strong performance in her fast 800m heat (47.24; 34.06) won by a handy type in LUNA VOLANTI. She was ridden with no urgency to settle last and was eight lengths off the leader at the 500m before surging over the last 100m to finish a strong third with Alysha Collett keeping her under a tight hold through the line.

WYONG December 16

OAKFIELD DUKE (Kristen Buchanan): This robust grey has won four of his first six starts and you can expect him to build on that record after his impressive win in the fastest of the 11 heats over 845m (49.73; 34.26). The noted speedster Perfect Style led by six lengths at the 600m before this gelding cut him back easily from the 400m under a cold ride from Aaron Bullock. It was easy as you like over the last 200m as he cruised to the line almost three lengths clear, leaving the others spread out over many lengths.

BLACKBOOK REPORT

Eligible Blackbook Runners – December 31-January 2

RANDWICK SATURDAY: Garza Blanca (R3); Bullfinch (R6); Shameless Miss (R6); Sacrimony (R8); Vowmaster (R8); Kettle Hill (R9); Canadian Dancer (R9)

DOOMBEN SATURDAY: Glitter Strip (R9); Magnus Bellagio (R4); Aramayo (R5); Count Da Beans (R6); Sneaky Paige (R8)

CANTERBURY SUNDAY: Vowmaster (R8)

FLEMINGTON SUNDAY: Zorro's Dream (R4); Biometric (R6)

TE RAPA SUNDAY: Levante (R7)

MORUYA MONDAY: Mr Rock It (R1)

RECENT BLACKBOOK WINNERS: Dunkel; Sunshine In Paris; Skyman; Validated; Superium; Cavalier Charles; Vienna Princess; Athelric; Bankers Choice; Turbeau; High Blue Sea; Pal D'Oro; Vilana; Key Largo; Argentia; Port Albert; Turaath; Minsk Moment; Rocketing By; Asfoora; Highlights; Greek Hero; Tuvalu; Lunar Flare; Tijuana.

Blackbookers – Selected December 24-26

(Follow for next 3 starts)

CASSIMIR; CHATEAUX PARK; ELETTRICA; GODZILLA; MAGNUS BELLAGIO; REGAL POM