Hawkesbury racecourse is rated as a Soft 5

On March 13, 2023, Hawkesbury racecourse is rated as a Soft 5 with the rail in the TRUE position. The following is a breakdown of each race.

Race 1 – 1:15pm: SKY RACING 3YO MAIDEN HANDICAP (1300m)

In the first race, Mark Brassel is going with the half-brother to mighty grey Chautauqua, 2. I Say Boom.

The horse is in the strong Snowden camp and had a sprinkling of support when resuming at Gosford.

I Say Boom hit the line hard for a close-up fourth. Brassel thinks the horse will improve with that run under his belt and should relish the additional 100m here.

Dangers include 1. Peace Officer, who underwent arthroscopic surgery on both front fetlocks since his last race start in August but trialled impressively at Warwick Farm for his return with an easy win.

The other danger is 6. Russian Rose, who did well on debut when runner-up at Kembla Grange after being trapped wide in the small field. 5. Moonflower was narrowly edged out at Wyong and continues to improve.

How to play it: Stand-out quinella – 2/1-6-5. Odds and Evens: Split

Race 2 -1:50pm: TAB.COM.AU CLASS 1 HANDICAP (1000m)

In the second race, Brassel is going with 5. Tragara, who led and held on well for third at Canterbury Park then sizzled away from Pennypacker (winner of his last two starts) to score by a widening three lengths at Newcastle prior to a let-up.

The horse has trialled twice, and both were good without being knocked around. Dangers include topweight 1.

High Plateau, who appears a big danger after finishing powerfully to score on debut at Kembla Grange.

He sat back last until straightening then unwound a big burst to score.

If they overcook it in the lead, he will be bearing down on them. 3. Jukebox Flyer ran out of steam first-up and will be fitter here, while 4.

Scream won well at Nowra but then pulled hard and was trapped wide at Canberra, and the run best be overlooked.

How to play it: Tragara for the win. Odds and Evens: Odds

Race 3 – 2:25pm: BLAKES MARINE 4YO&UP MAIDEN PLATE (1500m)

In the third race, Brassel is going with 2. Barmera, who has been runner-up three times from his past four starts and looks head and shoulders above this lot.

The horse grabbed near the post at this course two runs back with the winner Sequestered scoring again. Last start was again nabbed in the shadows of the post.

Has beaten a couple of his rivals here pointlessly – is short in the market but bet up with confidence.

Dangers include 6. Spanish Way, who has only raced twice and caught the eye last start when he came from 11th for fifth at Orange (1290m).

The extra distance here should be more suitable and open to further improvement.

The only other danger is 1. Abuse of Power, who has raced twice and done little but is resuming from a spell here.

Sat wide yet stuck to his guns when placed in a recent trial and could be the surprise packet in a race with few chances.