Captain Shuffles vs Wisper A Secret

Eight races are down for decision on Saturday night at The Creek, with each of the three open class events shaping as intriguing battles, while race one should be a delicious Band 5 contest.

The open class pace may only have the five runners but will be a key tactical battle with the fit and in-form Captain Shuffles drawn gate one, while Wisper A Secret returns from a spell from gate four.

With a potential tilt at the Miracle Mile on the cards, how will Pete McMullen tackle this race, knowing that Captain Shuffles holds the keys to the contest?

The only defeat Captain Shuffles has suffered in his past four starts was a second place from gate seven behind Leap To Fame, while Wisper A Secret has impressed in two trials in readiness for his return.

It shapes as a two-horse battle, the early market mirroring that assessment with Captain Shuffles opening the $1.45 favourite with Ladbrokes and Wisper A Secret at $3.40, the only two runners in single figures.

Of the remaining three runners, Manila Playboy returned from a spell last week with a strong second, the smaller field should suit the closing speed of Northview Hustler and Tims A Trooper can dart straight to the poles for an economical trip.

Captain Shuffles

After claiming a metropolitan double last week, Jack Chapple has another strong book of drives and after Risk Taker has landed gate one in the second race of the night, the combination can chase back-to-back victories.

“He let down really well to put the leader away and he finished off doing it pretty well,” Chapple said when assessing last week’s victory.

With good early speed out of the machine and this week’s assignment over the same 2138-metre journey as last week, Chapple will have the options from the start.

“We can elect to take a sit or hold the front if we want to.

“I think I’d like to hold the lead, there is not a strong front runner that I’d like to sit on, so first preference would be to hold the front,” he said.

Risk Taker Feb 1

The open trot will be the toughest test that Not As Promised has faced at Albion Park, with the five-year-old to line up from outside of the front line, with some experienced free-for-all performers drawn to his inside.

Track record holder Is That A Bid was only narrowly beaten last start at Menangle, Top Of The Moment draws to utilise his early speed from gate two and Love Gun has impressed in two starts for the Dixon stable.

Not As Promised has the ODM embargo following an error three starts back which led to his first defeat at The Creek.

Bouncing back with a pair of wins since that error to take his record to eight from nine at Albion Park, this will be a good test of where he measures up in open company.

Luvbite

The opening race of the night is a Band 5 event, and while there may only be two last start winners, it is a deep race.

Luvbite is one of those last start winners, making full use of the ideal trip behind the speed last week, peeling off cover and sprinting to the line to score.

Bronski Zulu has not really had much in his favour and that continues with gate 10, however this race should generate good tempo which will assist his chances.

Cheer Leader is given no favours from gate seven following her last start second behind The Might Sully, where she may have arrived if afforded space sooner.

A case could be made for any runner in the field, with the veteran Our Major Day looking to make the most of his first appearance from the inside gate since March 2021.

BEST BETS

Chris Barsby

R2 N8 Moops – “His run last week was a real eye-catcher. He is drawn directly behind Risk Taker, if he happens to hold the front, it is going to put Moops in a good spot and I think he is going to be value.”

Darren Clayton

R7 N3 Hiranya – “A drop back to his own grade should suit after tackling open company at his past two. Brendan can get aggressive early and up on the engine can see them off.”