VRC-CRV WINTER CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES FINAL
Onto our feature of the day and AL DUCA (3) looks the one to beat. He'd put up two strong winning performances through the Winter then had a tough run on fast ground at Bendigo and dropped out. Seven weeks into last time over this route and he stuck on very bravely so imagine he'll have the most improvement to come and he gets a lovely run on speed here. JIMMY THE BEAR (1) won this last year. He was okay without threatening in the key lead up (which he also won last year) but gets the key switch with Billy Egan replacing the apprentice. Don't love barrier one but his best is still the best in this field and write off the champ at your peril. SEAFALL (6) won the key lead up here in a good effort, she's flying on soft ground and should take beating. ELECTRIC IMPULSE (8) beat home Seafall in the Swan Hill Cup last time and should be ready to peak third up, respecting. HIGHLIGHTS (10) next best.
Visit TAB.COM.AUOnto our feature of the day and AL DUCA (3) looks the one to beat. He'd put up two strong winning performances through the Winter then had a tough run on fast ground at Bendigo and dropped out. Seven weeks into last time over this route and he stuck on very bravely so imagine he'll have the most improvement to come and he gets a lovely run on speed here. JIMMY THE BEAR (1) won this last year. He was okay without threatening in the key lead up (which he also won last year) but gets the key switch with Billy Egan replacing the apprentice. Don't love barrier one but his best is still the best in this field and write off the champ at your peril. SEAFALL (6) won the key lead up here in a good effort, she's flying on soft ground and should take beating. ELECTRIC IMPULSE (8) beat home Seafall in the Swan Hill Cup last time and should be ready to peak third up, respecting. HIGHLIGHTS (10) next best.
At the latest run 5th of 11 at this track Davidbourke on June 20 over 1620m, slow going 3 len behind Seafall carrying 58.5kg at $4.80. The run before that favourite; settled well back; won by a nose at Caulfield Hcp May 30 over 1600m in the wet defeating Cartoon Graveyard carrying 58kg at $8. Won this last year and will be very hard to hold out late.
Third-up today and won third-up in the past. Resuming 14th of 16 at Sandown-Hillside Bm100 on May 23 over 1400m, slow going 12 len behind Meridius carrying 59kg at $41. Second-up sat on the speed throughout before fading 9th of 14 at Caulfield Hcp on June 27 over 1400m, slow going 6 len behind Coeur Volante carrying 62.5kg at $26. Wait until he produces something more before considering.
Most recently held ground to the line 2nd of 11 at this track Davidbourke on June 20 over 1620m, slow going nose behind Seafall with 58.5kg at $4.80. The start before that ran second last of 12 at Bendigo in the LR Golden Mile on May 2 over 1600m, 7 len behind Von Hauke with 57kg at $4.40. Fitter off that and sets up beautifully on speed.
Third-up today and won third-up in the past. Resuming 13th of 16 at Sandown-Hillside Bm100 on May 23 over 1400m, on a slow track; 12 len behind Meridius with 57kg at $51. Second-up ran last of 11 at this track Davidbourke on June 20 over 1620m, on a slow track; 8 len behind Seafall carrying 56.5kg at $16. Hard to recommend.
Last start 4th of 9 at Caulfield Qlty Hcp on June 27 over 2000m, on a slow track; 5.5 len behind Nellie Leylax with 58kg at $21. Before that 6th of 11 at this track Davidbourke on June 20 over 1620m, slow going 4 len behind Seafall carrying 58.5kg at $41. Not going well enough.
At the latest run won by a nose at this track Davidbourke June 20 over 1620m in soft going defeating Al Duca with 53kg at $5.50. The race before that 6th of 14 at Swan Hill Sw H Cup on June 7 over 1600m, slow going 1.75 len behind Cartoon Graveyard with 54kg at $7. Won key lead up and gets in well again, go close.
Third-up today and won third-up previously. Resuming 8th of 11 at this track Bm100 on May 16 over 1600m, 3 len behind Wonder Boy carrying 54.5kg at $51. Second run from a spell 4th of 14 at this track Bm100 on June 6 over 2000m, on a wet track; 1.2 len behind Ghetto Supastar with 54kg at $51. Not far away last time. Risking back in trip.
Third-up today and won third-up previously. Resuming 4th of 16 at Sandown-Hillside Bm100 on May 23 over 1400m, on a slow track; 3.5 len behind Meridius carrying 53kg at $51. Second run from a spell came from midfield; 3rd of 14 at Swan Hill Sw H Cup on June 7 over 1600m, on a slow track; 1.1 len behind Cartoon Graveyard carrying 54kg at $5.50. Ready to peak now and should take holding out.
Recent form sound. At the latest run 2nd of 14 at Swan Hill Sw H Cup on June 7 over 1600m, on a slow track; neck behind Cartoon Graveyard with 54kg at $12. Before that 4th of 12 at Morphettville in the G3 Cummings on May 9 over 1600m, on a slow track; 3 len behind Arran Bay with 55kg at $21. Tricky draw but is racing well.
Last start sat on speed throughout when 3rd of 11 at this track Davidbourke on June 20 over 1620m, on a slow track; head behind Seafall with 54.5kg at $26. The start before that faded in the straight ran last of 9 at Caulfield Bm84 on May 9 over 1600m, on a slow track; 5 len behind Makdane with 59kg at $21. Better last time and sets up well on speed.
Second run back. First-up after 11 months raced on the pace before fading to run last of 7 at Caulfield Hcp on May 30 over 1600m, on heavy track; 10 len behind Jimmy The Bear with 54kg at $3.70. Previously second-up 2nd of 10 at Redcar Rating 100 on May 26 2025 over 2011m, nose behind Liberty Coach with 62kg at $3.80. Can do much better but want to see on a dry track.
At the latest run 10th of 14 at Swan Hill Sw H Cup on June 7 over 1600m, on a slow track; 5.5 len behind Cartoon Graveyard with 54kg at $26. The race before that 6th of 9 at Sandown-Hillside Bm100 on May 23 over 1800m, slow going 6 len behind Pudding carrying 53kg at $21. Not keen on his chances.
Most recently made ground from midfield; 2nd of 7 at Sandown-Hillside Hcp on June 13 over 1400m, slow going 1.3 len behind Coeur Volante with 54kg at $5. The race before that 2nd of 14 at Swan Hill Bm66 on June 7 over 1300m, on a slow track; nose behind Join The Que with 60.5kg at $4.40. Finds a few better today. Going well but this is tougher.