Darwin racing tips & top value bets | Saturday, June 18

Race 1 (2.17pm) – $20,500 TAB 0-76 Handicap (1300m)

Raazou debuted in Darwin in December with a first up win at 0-58 level (1000m) before coming seventh at 0-64 level (1100m) on New Year’s Day and fourth at 0-58 level (1000m) a fortnight later. Since then he has bounced back in style with a second over 1000m (0-64) in February, a win over 1300m (0-58) in March and a second over 1200m (0-64) on Anzac Day. Three weeks ago, the 4YO gelding won by six lengths against 0-64 opposition (1300m) and on Wednesday was quoted as an outrageous $1.40 favourite. Definitely a major threat, but Kronos has the ability to get the cash. Returning after a long break, Kronos finished second over 1200m (0-76) and third over 1100m at an open level in April before a last start second on June 4 at 0-79 level (1200m) behind the talented Highly Decorated. With a 4kg claim, Kronos has a 1.5kg advantage over Raazou. Rich Sun and Bull Market are probably battling it out for third place.

Super Famous is aiming for three straight wins in Darwin after proving highly competitive during the Alice Springs Carnival, but he will have to be at his best as he confronts outstanding opposition. The 3YO gelding gets the nod after an emphatic five length win against his age group over 1200m on May 28. Starlite Valley finished third on debut in that Darwin race three weeks ago after starring in Alice Springs on April 23 (1100m) and May 1 (1200m) against fellow three-year-olds – that was after winning a 1200m maiden at Morphettville on Boxing Day. Flying Start arrived from Victoria and won three straight in the Red Centre in April, including the NT Guineas (1600m) – that was missing Dakota Lee – by eight lengths. Max Fire debuts in the Top End after finishing third in the listed Hill Smith Stakes (1800m) in October and fourth in the listed Morphettville Guineas (1600m) in March in Adelaide, and fifth in the Shillabeer Plate (1400m) at Oakbank on April 16. Wilsons Prom and Omoplata cannot be treated lightly.

Race 3 (3.34pm) – $17,500 Silks Roof Top Sessions Class 2 Handicap (1200m)

Chief Mondo finally cracked it for a win at Fannie Bay after toppling 0-58 opposition over 1000m two weeks ago. Arriving from Queensland, the 4YO gelding was a first up fifth at 0-58 level (1100m) in March before a third over 1000m (Class 2), a second over 1100m (0-58) and third over 1100m (0-54). He was more than a decent chance last start and has the potential of making it two straight wins this weekend. Northern Factor is racing well and backs up after a courageous second last Saturday at 0-58 level (1200m) when he was caught in the closing stages after leading for a major portion of the race. Siakam hadn’t raced for five months before a first up ninth in Alice Springs over 1100m (0-62) on April 16 before coming second over 1200m (Class 2) in Darwin on May 21. Pillow Guy arrives from South Australia after winning a 1100m maiden in Strathalbyn in March. Dream Weaver has to be respected.

Race 4 (4.05pm) – $17,500 Ladbrokes 0-58 Handicap (1100m)

Swing With Junior had two wins and four seconds in 16 starts in Victoria on his resume before producing an eye-catching second on debut at Fannie Bay on May 28 against Class 2 opposition over 1000m. The 4YO mare has a decent second up record and is capable of victory if she can re-produce that performance from three weeks ago. Cometh The Hour had decent form at the end of 2021 and at the start of 2022 before a poor effort in March, but a 4kg claim is a bonus. New faces to Darwin have made an impression in recent weeks, so keep South Australian visitor Brazen Boy in mind despite not racing since March. Faith And Love has yet to win a race in Darwin in 13 attempts, but with a second and five thirds he must be a consideration. Light And Dark only has a 49 rating, however he is always competitive and might just cause a surprise. Despite not racing since February, Wild Rover was third at Darwin when last first up.

Race 5 (4.40pm) – $22,000 Karen Brown Fine Art Handicap (1000m)

Masterati has been nothing short of sensational at Fannie Bay since debuting in April last year, but he will have to be on his game come Saturday as he confronts excellent opposition. There are only seven starters, but the field would rival any feature race during the forthcoming Darwin Cup Carnival. Masterati, an 8YO gelding with 63 career starts, has had 10 starts in Darwin for six wins, two seconds and two thirds, and was a last start winner at 0-76 level (1100m) on May 28 after a five month break. Syncline has had 12 starts in the Top End since June last year for four wins, six seconds, a third and a fourth, and has finished second in his past four starts. Belmont Day has a good 1000m record, but hasn’t raced since October. Royal Tyke is no slouch over 1000m, Trident is capable of anything despite coming fourth in the Alice Springs Cup (2000m) on May 1, Smuggling won the Pioneer Sprint (1200m) in Alice Springs on May 1 and Niewand finished second in the 2021 Palmerston Sprint (1200m) in Darwin. Should be a super race.

Race 6 (5.15pm) – $18,500 Thanks Robyne Jhowry 0-64 Handicap (1600m)

Floreat Pica has been a consistent performer since arriving in the NT and he could not have been more impressive last Saturday after blasting his rivals by seven lengths at 0-58 level over 1600m. Only has to repeat that performance to make it back to back wins, but the 5YO gelding faces stiffer opposition this week and jumps from 54.5kg to 58kg. In yet another open race, Captain Hedderwick is due for a change of luck having finished second over 1600m in his last three starts at an open, 0-70 and 0-64 level. Cowley’s Creek trailed Floreat Pica across the line last weekend in second place, but seemed to tire after travelling outside the winner. Defence Attorney is as honest as they come and rarely runs a bad race, however he has only negotiated 1600m on one occasion. Thunder Peak hasn’t fired a serious shot since arriving from Victoria with a healthy reputation. Against The Tide cannot be underestimated over 1600m.

Race 7 (5.50pm) – $17,500 Bridge Toyota 0-58 Handicap (1600m)

Wolfburn was the winner of a 1200m maiden on debut in the Top End on June 4, but in his 15 previous starts in NSW the 3YO gelding managed to finish third on four occasions from 1350m-1800m. That might be enough to get him home. It’s perhaps no surprise he was a hot favourite on Wednesday despite drawing a wide gate. Southern Bolt is the only starter in a field comprising eight runners who has won over 1600m. Although her recent form hasn’t been too bad her last win was in the same grade over the same distance on Darwin Cup Day last year (August 2). Victorian pair Pacadow and Kentucky Ruler may have to be analysed thoroughly because although neither have posted a win they have both raced beyond 1600m. Fischer finished fourth in two 1100m maidens in May to start his career before coming second in a 1200m maiden on June 4. Weapon Of Love was a last start third at 0-58 level over 1300m on May 21.