Racing Best Bets | Saturday 13 December

Qail Al Frarasha is fresh off a win at Ellerslie on 22 November in a Group 2 race. Her first two starts were in Group 1 company, where she was beaten by some very strong, in-form horses. She does step up in distance here and has only won once at this trip, but in a small field I don’t think that will trouble her. She beat race rivals Jaarffi and Bourbon Express last start and looks well placed again.

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Smart Love has kicked off this preparation in outstanding form, winning three on the trot and looking capable of adding another here. She meets some well-rated rivals but definitely has the ability to keep her streak going. Drawn well in barrier 2, she should be able to land on the rail and track the leaders. She has strong form over 1300–1400m, with three wins and two seconds, and she’s two from two on this track. Masa Hashizume, who has ridden her in all three wins this prep, stays aboard, which is another positive.

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The Odyssey has started this preparation well with a win and two thirds. In his most recent run, he finished 3rd over 2040m in a Listed race. He steps up to 2400m, which will be a big test as he’s only run the distance twice, with one placing. His run home last start was very strong, and I think he can produce another solid effort to finish somewhere in the top four.

Have A Crack has been in excellent form this preparation, continuing his strong run with a second placing by ¾ of a length last start. He’s been impressive every time he’s stepped out and is always right in the mix. He’s drawn a sticky gate in barrier 14, but for his racing style it may actually suit, as he likes to settle back and charge home. He steps up to 1200m from last start, and I expect him to be very competitive again.