| What | Hawkesbury Races |
| Where | Hawkesbury Race Club – 1 Racecourse Rd, Clarendon NSW 2756 |
| When | Thursday, April 13, 2023 |
| First Race | 12:50pm AEST |
|
Visit Ladbrokes |
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NSW racing heads to Hawkesbury on Thursday afternoon for a competitive eight-race program kicking off at 12:50pm AEST. The rail is out +5m between the 1100m and 450m, and +3m from the 450m to the winning post, leaving the remainder in the true position. Conditions will likely stay in the Soft 6 range as a small downpour is expected heading into race-day.
Best Bet: Black Iris
Black Iris makes her return on Thursday afternoon and looks set to break her maiden status in the process. She’s coming off a 162-day spell and went to the paddock in disappointing fashion despite finding a tough maiden. She’ll be looking to bounce back after two outstanding barrier trials leading into this first-up assignment, and the appointment of Zac Lloyd should get the best out of this daughter out of Exosphere. She draws to get perfect run throughout the 1100m journey, and with a powerful turn-of-foot expected when getting clear, Black Iris should be finding her first victory for James Cummings and Godolphin.
Best Bet
Race 3 – 
#1 Black Iris (2)
2yo Filly | T: James Cummings | J: Zac Lloyd (a0kg) (59kg)
$2.35 with Bet365
Next Best: Iron Man
Although Iron Man must overcome a tricky barrier, he looks one of the better bets on the Hawkesbury program. He’s found second place in both his starts for trainer Edward O’Rourke and has been unfortunate not to be a winner in his short career. His first-up effort this preparation behind Grand Crusader has rated nicely, with two subsequent winners coming out of that nine-horse field on March 3. If he can track across from barrier nine to lead on Thursday afternoon, this Exosphere gelding could take a power of chasing. Rachel King knows him well after taking the reins in his first-up attempt, and we’re confident Iron Man’s second effort will be a winning one.
Next Best
Race 2 – 
#1 Iron Man (9)
3yo Gelding | T: Edward O’Rourke | J: Rachel King (60kg)
$2.80 with Neds
Next Best Again: Shipshape
Shipshape is another selection yet to find the winner’s enclosure; however, this son of Astern looks set to peak after settling for the minor money on two occasions this preparation. The James Cummings and Zac Lloyd combination can be figuring throughout the program, and Shipshape is no exception. His latest effort behind Golden Queen at Warwick Farm on March 29 was a bold showing to just miss by a half-length on the line. That form should stack up nicely moving forward, and he draws to build into the race in similar fashion to his latest run. He’ll be trucking up the inside turning for home, and once he finds clear air, Shipshape will get every chance to secure victory.
Next Best Again
Race 4 – #5 Shipshape (1)
3yo Gelding | T: James Cummings | Zac Lloyd (a0kg) (58.5kg)
$1.70 with Palmerbet
Thursday quaddie tips for Hawkesbury races
Hawkesbury quadrella selections
Thursday, April 13, 2023
- 3-5-6-9
- 1-3-9
- 1-3-9
- 1-3-4-5
Investment: $144 for 100%
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