As midweek racing returns to Belmont Park, form analyst Scott Embry delivers another detailed breakdown of the Wednesday program. With seven races featuring a mix of progressive youngsters and consistent mid-tier performers, Embry outlines the leading chances, race-shape projections, and key trial impressions ahead of an intriguing afternoon of action.
RACE 1 – Emerging Filly Steps Up
VIRESHA heads into the opener following a promising sequence of runs to start her career. Her debut saw her finish behind Pony Up, Rising Fame, and eventual maiden winner Itzabeast after a soft educational trial. Second-up she flashed home for fourth behind Itzabeast, Rising Fame, and Final Call, showing further improvement.
At her third appearance, she turned the tables on Rising Fame and finished ahead of Rock The Market, highlighting natural progression. She rises 5kg to carry 59, which is a noticeable shift, but the race lacks depth and she appears well placed to continue advancing.
REFEMME NO ANGEL has trialled well numerous times, but race-day conditions have not yet allowed him to show his best. With the option to roll forward, this event may present the right scenario.
PEMBETON and CAWARRA have produced more polished work as two-year-olds than they have this season. Both carry potential but must lift on current form.
Numbers: 4 – 3 – 6 – 8
Suggested Selection: VIRESHA WIN
RACE 2 – Trial Form Holds Strong Influence
BELAURA STAR and MALOLO trialled together over 950m at Lark Hill, and the weight differences between a trial rider and a race-day jockey — notably Jarrad Noske versus Tash Faithfull — are worth remembering. BELAURA STAR travelled in a manner that suggested he could draw past MALOLO if Noske urged him, so Embry trusts that visual impression for a confident debut assessment.
HOLD MY WINE produced a solid runner-up finish behind Strideaway on debut as a juvenile but has struggled since. Issues have clearly disrupted his progress, yet the presence of William Pike signals stable belief, as the Pearce yard often uses him when confident.
MALOLO, who held BELAURA STAR in the trial, should take a prominent position, while GODLESS STORM may find the wide alley beneficial, keeping him in clear running as he drops back to 1000m.
Numbers: 10 – 7 – 13 – 2
Suggested Selection: BELAURA STAR WIN
RACE 3 – Sharp Sprinters Clash
SOUND OF SPEED looked the winner first-up until Anaballistic arrived in the final stride. With only a 400m jump-out as preparation, he should take significant improvement into this second-up run, making him tough to challenge.
CANNYKEV remains a maiden but trials like a genuine 1000m sprinter at this stage of his racing life. Placement into a C1 is ideal, particularly with a 3kg claim from Natika Riordan helping his cause.
GANGGAJANG produced a dominant Narrogin win by nearly six lengths despite drifting heavily in markets. Embry highlights that “the market doesn’t always know,” making that performance impossible to dismiss. SESH is consistent without delivering a decisive finish but maintains relevance.
Numbers: 5 – 2 – 8 – 4
Suggested Selection: SOUND OF SPEED WIN
RACE 4 – Class Edge at the Forefront
KAZANA and PONY UP drop sharply in class after running in the Group Three Champion Fillies, easily the strongest form reference in this event.
KAZANA won on debut over Admire Astra, who won her next start. She then tackled the Burgess Queen, finishing 5.4 lengths behind Playin’ It Sweet, Talkanco, and Pure Excess, followed by a 4.8-length margin behind Pure Excess, Talkanco, and Fine Star. This is a significant drop in quality and she carries just half a kilo more.
PONY UP finished fourth behind Esta Mirando and subsequent winner Artistry In Motion, then competed in the Champion Fillies where she finished just ahead of Kazana. She maps for a handy run near the front.
FLINDERS LANE faced Saam Time Lucky last start and should appreciate easier opposition here. SHAMILIAN MISS continues to race like a filly searching for extra distance.
Numbers: 11 – 12 – 9 – 1
Suggested Selection: KAZANA EACHWAY
RACE 5 – Promising Types Return
HEY PINO began his previous campaign with a closing second behind Repeater, who progressed through C1, C3, and Westspeed events in consecutive starts. Second-up he finished behind King Adviso, who rose through multiple grades, and third-up he closed strongly in a 60+ behind Lombadina.
His recent trial signals readiness for another strong prep, and with suitable race conditions he can finish off powerfully at a value price.
MT SHIRATAKU trialled in the same heat and produced encouraging late work. With tactical flexibility and further development ahead, he shapes as the primary threat and is likely to attract strong wagering interest.
PRINCESS IN RED remains a reliable performer, and SUNBRONZED appears attractively placed with a favourable weight adjustment.
Numbers: 4 – 2 – 9 – 1
Suggested Selection: HEY PINO EACHWAY
RACE 6 – Two Main Forces Stand Out
SUPIDO EXPRESS and SALTY MISS return to a C1 after competing in a tougher 60+ Graduation behind Nicciana. SUPIDO EXPRESS is preferred due to his ability to settle prominently and control his own fortune, something that may prove decisive in this field.
SALTY MISS often needs the right trail into the race but is more than capable when presented with momentum. The stable continues to operate with strong consistency.
TERRITORY MAN was beaten seven lengths in a recent trial but made the only noticeable late ground in the heat. Pike handled him quietly, hinting at more to come. FLASH DANCER may take early initiative to secure a suitable position.
Numbers: 1 – 3 – 2 – 6
Suggested Selection: SUPIDO EXPRESS WIN
RACE 7 – Stable Rivals in the Spotlight
TRUE BLUE BONDI and NINE BALL meet in a C3 1400m event, creating an intriguing stable match-up. TRUE BLUE BONDI is expected to push forward from a wide alley and settle over the speed, while NINE BALL launches from the back with her proven closing strength. Embry sides with the on-pacer.
NINE BALL’s return was encouraging and the 1400m distance suits ideally. Her pattern has been mastered: relax early and unleash late.
SANDFIRE ROSE showed significant maturity late last preparation and trialled well for this return. Although her wide draw is a challenge, Holly Nottle often keeps horses fighting even when caught deep. IMPRESSIVE JEWEL was given a proactive ride first-up and held on well, suggesting she can improve second-up.
Numbers: 3 – 5 – 12 – 8
Suggested Selection: TRUE BLUE BONDI WIN
