Belmont Park gears up for another engaging midweek meeting this Wednesday, with racing analyst Ernie Manning offering a detailed breakdown of each race on the December 3 program. Known for his studied approach and consistent eye for emerging talent in Western Australian racing, Manning has once again delivered a full list of selections for punters and racing fans eager to follow the form lines as the season heats up.
The midweek card features a well-balanced spread of maiden events, handicaps, and competitive clashes across a variety of distances. With several up-and-coming runners looking to build momentum, Wednesday’s meeting is poised to provide valuable insight ahead of the summer racing period. Manning’s selections reflect both proven performers and horses showing promising recent efforts.
Below is a comprehensive look at his choices and the narrative surrounding each event.
Race 1 – Early Maiden Contenders Take Centre Stage
Manning’s pick to open the day is VIRESHA (4), a runner who has shown enough potential to suggest a breakthrough performance could be imminent. Despite limited experience, VIRESHA has produced encouraging signs in previous outings, indicating readiness to be highly competitive in this maiden field.
Behind the top selection, Manning lists Refemme No Angel (3), a filly possessing reliable trial form and a solid racing foundation. She is expected to be strong through the middle stages and maintains consistency that may help her figure in the finish. Wild Things (7) also makes Manning’s top four, offering an element of unpredictability but clear upside. Rounding out his selections is Cedar Leaf (5), an honest type capable of improvement with the right run in transit.
The opener appears built for progressive horses, and Manning’s order suggests confidence in VIRESHA’s capacity to step forward decisively.
Race 2 – A Wide-Open Affair With a Standout Choice
The second race presents a competitive field, but Manning places his support behind BELAURA STAR (10). This lightly raced runner has displayed strong late finishes and the kind of sectional improvement typical of a horse ready to push for victory at the midweek level.
Hold My Wine (7) is considered the closest threat, having demonstrated both speed and race sense in recent appearances. Manning gives the third line of selection to Bradbury’s Moment (9), a horse capable of producing peak performances under the right conditions. To complete the quartet, Godless Storm (2) earns a mention thanks to prior efforts that suggest further upside.
With multiple proven chances, Race 2 shapes up as one of the more tactical events of the day, but BELAURA STAR appears poised to deliver a strong showing.
Race 3 – A Promising Prospect Headlines the Field
Manning’s top selection in Race 3 is SOUND OF SPEED (5), who he has also labelled as his Best Bet of the program. This indicates a high level of confidence in the horse’s form trajectory, sectional capabilities, and potential to control the race either from the front or by stalking the pace.
Backing up the top pick is Cannykev (2), a consistent competitor known for honest efforts and solid staying power over similar distances. Sanctions (7) also makes the list, offering late-run potential, while King’s Drama (1) rounds out the selections as another runner who tends to perform steadily in this grade.
Manning’s designation of SOUND OF SPEED as his premier selection of the day underscores the horse’s suitability for the conditions and a race profile likely to complement its strengths.
Race 4 – A Balanced Line-Up With Several Genuine Chances
Race 4 brings together a diverse mix of lightly raced horses and reliable midweek competitors. Manning places SHAMILIAN MISS (3) at the top of his selections, confident in the horse’s consistency and ability to handle pace variations.
Close behind is Kazana (11), who has shown good late finishing speed and has the potential to surge into contention. Flinders Lane (9) also features, offering tactical versatility, while Oisin (1) completes the top four with a record suggesting competitiveness when conditions align.
This race appears especially wide open, and Manning’s hierarchy highlights horses with both proven merit and progressive potential.
Race 5 – A Strong Mid-Card Event With Clear Standouts
Race 5 features Manning’s preferred runner MT SHIRATAKU (2), who has been trending upward in recent performances. The horse’s consistency, tactical speed, and capacity to handle pressure make it a compelling selection, which is further reinforced by Manning nominating MT SHIRATAKU as part of his Daily Double.
Following behind are Rock The Market (13), a runner capable of late surges, and Anaballistic (10), who appears suited to the race tempo. Princess In Red (9) rounds out the choices with form indicators suggesting improvement is achievable.
Race 6 – Tactical Battle in Middle-Distance Clash
For the sixth event, Manning goes with TERRITORY MAN (2) as his leading selection. The horse has put forward strong efforts recently and appears well-placed to take advantage of the setup.
Salty Miss (3) and Flash Dancer (6) are the next best options, each showing adaptability and honest race patterns. Tousled Crown (11) completes the group, offering potential if conditions break favourably.
Race 7 – Competitive Finale With Several Winning Chances
The day closes with Mannings top pick TRUE BLUE BONDI (3), a horse with consistent performances and a capacity to finish strongly. Nine Ball (5) sits close behind as a reliable competitor capable of making an impact, while Itzabeast (4) and Impressive Jewel (8) complete the final selections of the card.
