Darwin betting preview, tips & odds | Saturday, May 7 2022

Race 1 – $17,500 Ladbrokes It 0-54 Handicap (1200m)

Ima Puppet Hasn’t been far away recently after a third (1200m) and a second (1300m) in 0-54 class during April. A bit of a track specialist with 10 wins or placings from 17 starts, but the six-year-old mare hasn’t won since February 2020. Noble War (TayarnHalter/Paul Shiers) is the biggest danger, but is carrying more weight after a last start third at 0-54 level over 1200m on Anzac Day. That was his first start since December. Toorak Road (Chris Pollard/Jarrod Todd) and Northern Factor (Phil Cole/Wayne Davis) haven’t done much wrong of late, while Kean As A Bean (Jason Manning/Vanessa Arnott) can spring a big surprise.

Race 2 – $18,500 Sky Racing 0-64 Handicap (1100m)

Selection – IDEAS MAN (Trainer: Chris Nash; Jockey: Adam Nicholls)

Making his first appearance in the Top End. The 4YO gelding boasts more than respectable Adelaide form and if he adapts to his new surroundings should prove hard to beat. Arriving in South Australia from Victoria, Ideas Man had eight runs finishing second, third and fourth in his last five starts at Morphettville and Murray Bridge. El Magnificence (Phil Cole/Wayne Davis) has impressed in three starts at Fannie Bay after arriving from SA in March. A first up win at 0-58 level was followed by two thirds in 0-76 and 0-64 class. Local pair Defence Attorney (Tayarn Halter/Paul Shiers) and Manly Cove (Gary Clarke/Jarrod Todd) are in the mix, while new arrivals Smartkap (SA) and Little Miss Rich (Victoria) aren’t out of it.

Race 3 – $17,500 Ladbrokes Split Multis TROBIS Maiden Plate (1100m)

Can It’s Pins finally get the cash at the 18th attempt. After 10 starts in Victoria, the 4YO mare has had seven starts in the NT for one third, five fourths and a last start second on April 14. In fairness, she hasn’t been that far away, but a rival from the other leading Darwin stable poses a big threat. Yaroomba (Gary Clarke/Jarrod Todd), a 3YO gelding, didn’t do much in four Victorian starts late last year before a first up second at Fannie Bay behind the handy Rojo Boom in March. Hard to see others posing a threat except for Rich Feelings (Chris Nash/Sonja Wiseman) and Weapon Of Love (Emma Steel/Adam Nicholls).

Race 4 – $19,500 bet365 Racing Refunds 0-70 Handicap (1600m)

Selections – YESUGEI (Trainer: Nicole Irwin; Jockey: Vanessa Arnott)

Just a field a five, but all of the combatants have a genuine chance. Yesugei, a 4YO gelding from Victoria, ended up in the Nicole Irwin stable after posting just one maiden win in 15 starts. Never fired a shot in the Kangaroo Island Cup (1880m) on February 19 before springing to life with victory over 2200m at Balaklava (0-58) on March 2. Led from start to finish to record a good win against 0-64 class in his Fannie Bay debut on April 7. Captain Hedderwick (Gary Clarke/Jarrod Todd) was a narrow second in open company over 1600m last start. Brother Bassy (Phil Cole/Adam Nicholls) steps up to the mile after a third (1000m) and last start win (1200m) since coming to the NT. Looking For You (Phil Cole/Wayne Davis) has won his last two over 1300m albeit against weaker class. Southern Bolt (Garry Lefoe Jnr/Casey Hunter) has been placed in his past three starts and can never be taken lightly at Fannie Bay.