Form Analysis by Ryan Phelan
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Ryan Phelan
Cranbourne – Sunday, 18 January 2026
Race 1:
OVERVIEW: WINSUM BELLA (5) gets a positive stable change to Mitch Frost, who has been striking at a strong rate over the past 12 months. She stepped out in a Shepparton trial last week and showed a much-improved turn of speed compared to what had previously been exposed. She can press forward in what isn’t an overly strong race and prove hard to beat.
ILLUMINATE ME (1) is steadily improving with each run and hasn’t been far away her past couple in races slightly tougher than this. The draw ensures an economical run. FIREUPP (6) finds a more suitable race here and if he can recapture what he showed on debut, he’s right in this, while HURRICANE HOOLY (3) has early speed and can improve with the right run.
BACK: WINSUM BELLA (5) – 3 units (win)
SELECTIONS: WINSUM BELLA (5), ILLUMINATE ME (1), FIREUPP (6), HURRICANE HOOLY (3)
Race 2:
OVERVIEW: FINAL BOW (9) drops significantly in class based on the opposition she’s been facing recently and gets a soft trailing draw behind what appears to be a fast front line. Although she was below par last time, expect improvement with James Herbertson back aboard.
FEEL THE REIGN (10) must overcome the backrow draw, but this is a more suitable race, and his recent sectional performances have been sound. FEEL THE BUZZ (4) was good last time at Melton, and the winner of that race has since franked the form. PICKLE IT (6) is a quick beginner off a very fast front row and if she finds the right position, has claims.
SELECTIONS: FINAL BOW (9), FEEL THE REIGN (10), FEEL THE BUZZ (4), PICKLE IT (6)
Race 3:
OVERVIEW: THE BLAZINBOOTS (4) hasn’t had any luck with barrier draws this preparation and has often been well up in class. This race presents as a winnable assignment based on his form last preparation. He can show speed from the draw and may represent decent value.
COLORADO GIRL (2) is nearing a win based on recent performances and has the speed to cross to the pegs and secure the right run. LOVE A BELLE (9) is first up with no public trial but has plenty of ability, having raced in good company and run fast times last campaign. BELLA LOUISE (8) was a winner in solid time at this track last outing but faces a tricky draw.
BACK: THE BLAZINBOOTS (4) – 2 units (win)
SELECTIONS: THE BLAZINBOOTS (4), COLORADO GIRL (2), LOVE A BELLE (9), BELLA LOUISE (8)
Race 4:
OVERVIEW: ROCKNROLL ROCKET (7) has been racing much better than his numerical form suggests, often grinding outside a fast tempo. He strikes a winnable race here and if he gets a reasonable run, will be hard to beat.
TOPHUT JOHNY (5) has been good his past couple, enjoys this track, and should race handy. BULLETPROOF KID (8) resumes off one trial, and his form last campaign was solid, while EARS THE BOSS (1) is a quick beginner aided by the draw but may lack the class of some rivals.
BACK: ROCKNROLL ROCKET (7) – 2 units (win)
SELECTIONS: ROCKNROLL ROCKET (7), TOPHUT JOHNY (5), BULLETPROOF KID (8), EARS THE BOSS (1)
Race 5:
OVERVIEW: EMMWALLEN (5) showed ability last campaign before going for a spell after leading all the way in comfortable fashion. He resumes here off two trials and should be forward enough for a bold showing.
IM ABOVE THE LAW (7) benefits from a concession claim after racing up in class his past couple. He’ll need luck but this is a much easier assignment. SOVEREIGN TIGER (8) hasn’t brought his manners for a while, but the ability is there if everything goes right. KARAKAJACK TOOTH (6) finds this more suitable than her last run at Melton, where she wasn’t far away, but hasn’t won for some time.
BACK: EMMWALLEN (5) – 3 units (win)
SELECTIONS: EMMWALLEN (5), IM ABOVE THE LAW (7), SOVEREIGN TIGER (8), KARAKAJACK TOOTH (6)
Race 6:
OVERVIEW: JUST A BIT DUSTY (3) has shown signs of improvement in his two runs for the Alford camp. He was well supported last time and draws better here, which may allow him to find the lead more comfortably.
Also in that race was NOBLE COUNT (8) who won fair and square coming from behind and a repeat of that effort sees him go close. AT THE DISTANCE (4) was in the market there and did plenty of work, and James Herbertson jumping aboard is a plus. AGAINST THE BRIDLE (6) was doing his best work late in the same race without genuinely threatening and gets the worst map in the rematch.
SELECTIONS: JUST A BIT DUSTY (3), NOBLE COUNT (8), AT THE DISTANCE (4), AGAINST THE BRIDLE (6)
Race 7:
OVERVIEW: An impossible race to be confident in. IN HIGH PLACES (6) has at least reached the podium previously and comes from a top stable. When he trots safely, he can give a sight.
BUCKLE ME UP (4) has had plenty of groundwork at the trials into this and stays under notice. TAKEN BY WINE (1) is a quick beginner who always looks for the top and won’t find an easier race to break through as a 62-start maiden. ALDEBARAN SARIAH (7) mixes her manners, but her recent placing when getting it right keeps her in the mix.
SELECTIONS: IN HIGH PLACES (6), BUCKLE ME UP (4), TAKEN BY WINE (1), ALDEBARAN SARIAH (7)
Race 8:
OVERVIEW: A one-lap dash to finish and IMA CHARMA (7) appeals despite the widest draw, with the short distance likely to suit and the map allowing him to find the right trail with Alford aboard. He’s also a two-time winner at this track in good time.
CHEYS ANGEL (4) comes here off the fastest recent time and despite having her first look at Cranbourne, the race sets up suitably. CALEDONIAN RANGER (2) was well supported at Hamilton but did too much work, and with a better run will be right in it. OUR CHEEKY DEVIL (5) is often underestimated but does enjoy these one-lap races.
SELECTIONS: IMA CHARMA (7), CHEYS ANGEL (4), CALEDONIAN RANGER (2), OUR CHEEKY DEVIL (5)
The odds quoted on the fields page are a GoodForm generated price estimate based on a range of key form factors and are not necessarily the odds that may be offered by a licensed bookmaker.
