Gai Waterhouse | Gai Waterhouse Gais Tip Sheet

Thursday 11th DECEMBER - KEMBLA GRANGE

Rail Position: +7m 1100m-W/Post, +5m Remainder

VASALA - Race 1, 1400M, A Hyeronimus 59.5kg

Vasala is pleasing us in the lead up to this assignment. His two trials have been positive, and he wasn't beaten far at all in his most recent one at Randwick which was encouraging to see. These hit outs have given him a solid fitness grounding for 1400 metres first-up, and we just felt he'd be better suited by this distance on a big, expansive track like Kembla rather than 1350 metres around the tight turning Wyong circuit tomorrow. He also shapes like a horse who will appreciate getting out over a bit of ground as his preparation unfolds, so this is a suitable starting point for him at this stage of his career. Adam will be positive from barrier 9 to try and get across into a better position, and he'll let him land where he's comfortable in the run but hopefully it's towards the head of the field where he can establish himself in a nice rhythm. This is a lovely race for him to kickstart his career in, and we hope to see him fighting out the finish for you all. 

OUTTA LINE - Race 7, 1400M, T Clark 59.0kg

Outta Line is delighting Adrian and myself ahead of her first-up run. She's had two solid trials at Randwick to prepare her for this, and she's continued to improve nicely since her most recent one so she's ready to rock and roll here. She produced a terrific performance to win on debut at Wyong in July, where she travelled strongly throughout and was too good for her rivals in the run to the line. The form from that race has worked out particularly well, with three horses coming out and winning since, so that's a nice boost and gives us confidence that she's got more to come this preparation. 1400 metres is the perfect starting point for her as she'd be vulnerable over anything shorter, and she's going to thrive as she continues to get out in trip so we wanted to kick her off at the provincials because the slightly easier grade should help her be very competitive at this distance. Kembla’s a big, spacious track which will really play to her strengths and give her time to balance up and hit top gear down the straight. She’s in terrific order at home, and Tim knows her well so on what she has shown so far we’re looking forward to seeing her run a bold race for you and hopefully getting her campaign off to the best possible start. 

Friday 12th DECEMBER - CANBERRA

Rail Position: True

STATE SECRET - Race 5, 1200M, L Beuzelin 57.5kg

State Secret was unlucky to be scratched last weekend, but he's none the worse for the trip away and Adrian and I are still very excited ahead of his first career start. He has had two trials to prepare him for this run and took a clear step forward from his first to his second, where the penny really seemed to drop. These two hit outs have given him a solid fitness grounding for 1200 metres first-up, and his work at home since has been very encouraging. Canberra's a lovely fair track for his first run, and he's drawn to do no work in barrier 2 so Louis will be positive from there to try and control the race from the front. He’s a horse who will improve with race experience, but he’s well educated and forward enough in condition to do himself justice on debut. This is a very realistic starting point for him and we’re confident he can run a strong race and get his career off to a winning start.

Saturday 13th DECEMBER - ROYAL RANDWICK

Rail Position: True

FEAR NO EVIL - Race 1, 1600M, A Hyeronimus 59.0kg

Fear No Evil is delighting Adrian and I ahead of this outing. His most recent run at Newcastle was good and he wasn't beaten far, but we don't think it was a true reflection of his ability. He'd only recently travelled up from Melbourne and he didn't give the strong kick we know he's capable of, but he still fought on valiantly. He's had a bit of time to get over that run and his recent trial at Canterbury was excellent, so that's kept his fitness up to the mark nicely. This is a lovely race for him at his home track, and Adam knows him well so he'll be positive from a good draw so he can take up a handy position. This race is restricted to 3 and 4 year olds which we hope will make it slightly more winnable, and if the forecast rain materialises it won't concern us as he's got proven wet track form. He's got plenty going for him, and if he puts his best foot forward we think he can bounce back and run a very competitive race.