Ryan Phelan's Sunday best at Cranbourne (24/05)

By Ryan Phelan

Ryan Phelan takes a look at Sunday night harness racing from Cranbourne.

Race 1

OVERVIEW: SWAYWITHSIERRA (3) was specked in betting last time out at Melton where she led, gave a strong kick and was only nabbed late. She’s fitter now third-up and should be able to find the front comfortably from the draw. If she controls the middle stages, she can prove hard to run down late. TOPHUT JOHNY (10) was a comfortable winner here last week as a short-priced favourite when leading throughout. He moves to the back row now and will be dictated by tempo if he’s to sweep into the race. BETTORSWEETVICTORY (8) his stablemate, draws awkwardly but is racing well, and the pegs may prove the place to be if the breaks come late. MILLION DOLLAR MAV (1) didn’t impress at his first run for the new stable, but this stable is known for improvement and he’s worth keeping safe.

BACK: SWAYWITHSIERRA (3) – 2.5 units

SELECTIONS: SWAYWITHSIERRA (3), TOPHUT JOHNY (10), BETTORSWEETVICTORY (8), MILLION DOLLAR MAV (1)

Race 2

OVERVIEW: SOLS ME NAME (5) looked outstanding first-up at Kilmore, drawing the back row, working around the field and putting them away decisively. Winners have since come from that race. He competed in the top juvenile grade last season and clearly showed ability, with signs suggesting he has returned even better this time in. He shapes as the best bet of the night. STARZINHEREYES (6) is a lightning-fast beginner who may attempt to cross and hold the top selection. She’s racing well and has strong exotic claims. SCHERGER THAT (8) loses some advantage from the backrow draw but has been racing well in stronger company and gets in nicely with the claim. SPORTS WRACK (4) did plenty of work last week and stuck on reasonably despite being beaten comfortably. He may map more favourably this time.

BACK: SOLS ME NAME (5) - 5 units

SELECTIONS: SOLS ME NAME (5), STARZINHEREYES (6), SCHERGER THAT (8), SPORTS WRACK (4)

Race 3

OVERVIEW: SHAZZA LOVE (5) is enjoying her best season to date and arguably should have won more races, with several close seconds from awkward draws after rattling home late. This draw gives her tactical options to slide across early, and with the right run, she looks the one to beat. MASTER LOUEY (8) shapes as the main danger on the back of consistent form this preparation, including a win here two starts ago. Despite the back-row draw, he shouldn’t be too far off them when the sprint goes on. ARZALI ROCKSTAR (6) won at Melton last start from a better draw and in easier grade than she meets here. SKIPPYS DELIGHT (4), her stablemate, improved last time when able to race handy and has place claims again.

BACK: SHAZZA LOVE (5) – 2.5 units (win)

SELECTIONS: SHAZZA LOVE (5), MASTER LOUEY (8), ARZALI ROCKSTAR (6), SKIPPYS DELIGHT (4)

Race 4

OVERVIEW: DESERT ROYALE (4) produced the best run of his career here last week, leading throughout and appearing to click with Herbertson in the sulky. He’s one to monitor in the score-up as he has shown a tendency to pace, but if he steps cleanly and finds the front again he’ll take catching. KITTY CASH (6) is a mare with plenty of ability, though still not the finished product, as shown when she galloped away badly resuming as an odds-on favourite. If her manners hold together, her talent exceeds most of these. THATS MY CARDIGAN (8) her stablemate, also has ability but remains unreliable. Added fitness may help sharpen his focus. KYVALLEY JENNY (3) has gate speed and while she may lack the class of some rivals, she’s reliable and should be respected if others make mistakes.

SELECTIONS: DESERT ROYALE (4), KITTY CASH (6), THATS MY CARDIGAN (8), KYVALLEY JENNY (3)

Race 5

OVERVIEW: A standing-start event for the trotters where manners will be crucial. DISTANT SUN (5) is yet to place in three attempts from the tapes, but he has stepped away safely each time and simply found stronger opposition. This looks a much more winnable opportunity, especially compared to last start when he was caught in an early speed battle. SHES SKY HIGH (6) comes through the same race, but unlike her stablemate she missed the start badly. If she gets away cleanly, her ability gives her a strong chance against this field. EL CONQUEROR (8) loves standing starts but faces a significant handicap. He was close-up last time in a stronger race at Melton. SCAR (3) boasts an excellent record at this track, though it’s been three years since he faced a stand and he struggled then. If he steps away safely, he’ll be competitive.

SELECTIONS: DISTANT SUN (5), SHES SKY HIGH (6), EL CONQUEROR (8), SCAR (3)

Race 6

OVERVIEW: A very difficult race to close the card. WHISKEY DAWN (5) is a four-year-old mare making her debut after three sound trials at Bacchus Marsh, which need to be taken on trust. The trainer-driver combination has an excellent strike rate, and the exposed form of the opposition looks modest. MI BOW (4) lacks gate speed, but she’s been closer to the mark this season than most of these. She’s still a maiden after 22 starts, although the engagement of an elite trainer-driver combination may help bring out improvement. WAITING FOR ANNA (2) resumed here last week, showed speed early and battled on for fourth. This is a much easier assignment. LUCKY YOU (3) finished ahead of Whiskey Dawn in a recent trial and has shown some signs of improvement this campaign despite not yet placing.

SELECTIONS: WHISKEY DAWN (5), MI BOW (4), WAITING FOR ANNA (2), LUCKY YOU (3)