Track – Currently Rated Good 4

Rail – True

Race 1: Merry Christmas Everyone Maiden Plate 1200m

Datura went down here as a short priced favourite last start when had every chance, gets a positive jockey change and the step up in distance looks to suit but couldn’t get involved in the price currently on offer. Modulate comes through proper city races where he has been racing well enough, can lead here and looks suited. Futago ran well enough first up and can take big improvement from that run.

1 unit – Modulate @ $3.30

Race 2: Barossa Volkswagen/SABOIS 2YO Plate 1100m

Majority of the field on debut here, not the races I like to get involved in. Will watch with interest.

Race 3: Gawler Summer Twilight Series Class Two Handicap 1100m

Miss Cuoco is racing well, loves it here on the home track and looks to find a suitable race, will most likely be last in the run so will need luck. Just a Bigger Dash was a class above them when resuming for a win at Clare, this is tougher, but it wouldn’t surprise me if he’s up to it. Lady Alcatraz comes off a dominant win last start, also comes through a strong from race two back, is going well and is right in this.

Good little race but can’t split the top three, staying out.

Race 4: Goldin Farms Benchmark 70 Handicap 2100m

Exalted Lightning is going well, comes here with a strong fitness base and this looks a suitable race for him, can finish over the top of them late. Robocop does not win often but will most likely box seat here and keep kicking in the straight. Cavalry Gold and Igitur both have claims here, can’t knock winning form in this type of race.

No betting interest here.

Race 5: Pretty Princess Cheree Benchmark 64 Handicap 1500m

Grumpy Guru went well when resuming off a long break, goes well second up and must be respected here. Autumn Street had no luck in a much stronger race first up, can be a big improver here. Cobber is going well and can run well here. Jet Express has been average in its past two runs, might have had enough this prep.

Not a race I want too get involved in, many queries.

Race 6: Ausbia Electrical Benchmark 82 Handicap 1200m

Chapel City is flying this prep, this is his easiest task so far, this prep, any speed up front and I expect him to be running over the top of them late. Oamaru Owl was impressive when winning first up, step up to the 1200 is a concern. Magnus Knight is racing well. Counter Pulse should lead and will give them something to chase.

2 units – Chapel City @ $3.30

Race 7: Coopers Star of Christmas Series Final 1500m

Gogo Grace was good when winning two weeks ago, is unbeaten here at Gawler, if she handles to step up to the 1500 will be very hard to beat. Baker’s Dozen didn’t have the track to suit last week, can run well here. Lord Topper is flying, will be on the speed and prove hard to catch. Dances on Stars is not the worst at odds.

0.5 units – Lord Topper @ $10

Race 8: Holdfast Insurance Benchmark 75 Handicap 1700m

All Bar Two is racing well, if can find a position from the tricky gate, will be running on strongly late. Kirona is racing well, will most likely settle last here, if the speed is on can finish off strongly late. Emmooki’s Dash comes through a strong form race last start, right in this. Cayman Nites wouldn’t surprise here.

Tricky race to end the day, staying out.