3 minute read

We head to Scone this weekend for one of the best two-day carnivals of the year.

Easily one of my favourites and this year has certainly lived up to expectations.

Friday looks a great entrée and expect Saturday to hopefully provide us with a few winners.

Stevie Wonder could have found Andermatt this weekend so no prizes for that, however I am surprised he is in the black.

This is assuming he gets a run in the Ortensia Stakes as it looks a far more suitable contest (distance, opposition and draw).

Went like a rocket first up at Canterbury before repeating the dose at Randwick last start.

He returned a new career peak and looks set for loftier targets.

Has been a wet track monster to start this prep though I doubt it's just been the wet tracks.

It may have helped in slowing down his opposition though he's clearly got real talent, the middle draw is perfect and with clear air he should have these covered.

Have marked him $1.70 and could have marked him shorter.

The Dark Jewel Classic is always a great betting race and this year is a cracker.

The John O'Shea trained Le Gai Soleil won well first up for the Sydney Specials last prep and no reason not to back her again this weekend.

She has won four of five first up and it's no secret John O'Shea targets this meeting, he kicked off Lost And Running in Friday's 1000m maiden two years ago.

Just have to be on weather watch as she will have no concerns with a soft track, however a heavy track isn't her go.

We saw that second up when failing to get involved in the Group 3 Aspiration Quality.

Loved her first trial at Randwick before not asked to do much in her most recent.

Again we are team McEvoy and the middle draw should allow him to park her wherever she is comfortable.

Looks well placed down in the weights and with clear air down the outside she should be very hard to hold out.

Simon Dinopoulos' Tips:

Race 8 #16 Le Gai Soleil @ $5.50
Race 9 #18 Andermatt @ $2.30