BlackBook - Tuesday, 10 August 2021

Please see below for our #BlackBook runner comments for Tuesday, 10 August 2021. The runner's highlighted are our #BlackBook runners (the key runners of focus), while those included in the 'other' section of each race are additional runner's that have jumped out well enough to be worth noting. All NSW #BlackBook runners are 'other' runners.

BALLARAT - Race 2

#4 MARIMENKO (10) - M, W & J Hawkes

He’s a 5yo with only 1 career start that was a 13th in Sha Tin back in 2020, but MARIMENKO looks as though he moves quite well. He was given a quiet time in Heat 3 on Aug 2 (orange), where he went back before coming wide and just cruising to the line as he made good ground in the straight and past the line. This follows nice jump outs on Jul 16 and especially on Jul 23 amongst good horses in Aysar, Harmony Nation, and Need New Friends with the winner (Adki) since winning a BM58. Must follow for his Australian debut.

Hopefully a few of us got onto that $10 opening price in early markets - he's been very well supported in what looks to be a weak race. If he runs up to his jump outs, he'll finish top 3 at the worst here. Main winning chance.

BALLARAT - Race 4

OTHER

After debuting in the Magic Millions 2YO classic back in 2019, #7 OPICINA hasn’t been seen since until Heat 12 on Aug 3 where the now-4yo mare travelled quite well throughout to finish 2nd. Only her first bit of work back so one for the watch list.

Opened $51 so hope a few got on early. Not a stack of confidence as it's been a long lay off and only had the one jump out (so fitness is a huge query), but she looks an E/W chance.

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HAWKESBURY - Race 7

#13 SIRIUS GIRL (18) - Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes

Jul 30 (Rosehill) - was very wide and on speed throughout, but still looked to close with a bit left in the tank alongside Group 3 winner Mallory - her first trial on Jul 16 was nice too when 2nd - this was a very quick heat for the day too.

Looks an E/W bet at $12.00 / $3.30 (on a 1u x 0.5u basis).