3 minute read
Track likely improving to Soft 7 and rail True.
Race 1 MAIDEN PLATE (1600m):
We open up over the mile, and four-year-old mare 7. Sleigh's Belle can break through fourth-up over more ground. Went to the front and was only collared late last time, and with a senior rider sticking carrying 1kg less, she can run this right out.
Dangers: Metro four-year-old 5. Spicy Restaurant is a query over the trip, but the trainer has made gear changes and this is the weakest race he's faced in a while. Local four-year-old 4. Raphael is best of the rest.
How to play it: Sleigh's Belle to win. Odds and Evens: Odds
Race 2 MAIDEN PLATE (1175m):
Progressive Canberra three-year-old 7. Kelvedon Road seemingly has a mortgage on this third-up. Has been narrowly beaten in two runs back, yet with any degree of luck would have won them both, and he will relish being back on the bigger track.
Dangers: Doubt there are any, but improving filly 9. Strawberry Swing can keep the top selection honest at her third start; while watching the betting on local filly 8. Adapt who debuts off a trial win.
How to play it: Kelvedon Road to win. Odds and Evens: Split
Race 3 MAIDEN HCP (900m):
Still with the maidens over the flying sprint, and surely luckless five-year-old 3. Openhimup can finally break through ridden a little closer. Has been hitting the line all prep, and should have won two starts back before coming from a mile back at Corowa. Returning to the bigger track from a more economical draw is ideal.
Dangers: Home track mare 5. Boss Lady Rocks did little or nothing on debut when rock solid in betting, but can improve here from the inside draw on a slightly drier surface. Expecting a big run from 2. Master Kostya first-up for nearly nine months.
How to play it: Openhimup to win. Odds and Evens: Odds
Race 4 BENCHMARK 66 HCP (1000m):
Competitive sprint, and the speed should be good. Tough seven-year-old wet tracker 1. Yeldarb was in the worst part of the track at Sandown, and the run was better than it looked. Has a strong record at this course, and huge weight has been off-set with a 4kg claim for a drop in class.
Dangers: Consistent local five-year-old 5. Seventh Seal has been in the money last four around this region, and draws to sit right behind the speed. Rival home six-year-old 2. Galaxy Force also draws to gain a useful run, and has been finding the line well enough in deeper grade; while keeping safe 4. Tobermory who resumes with blinkers off behind a nice trial win, and has a handy first-up record.
How to play it: Yeldarb to win and trifecta 1,5/1,2,4,5/1,2,4,5. Odds and Evens: Split
Race 5 CLASS 1 HCP (1000m):
Prepared for payback with lightly raced local four-year-old 1. Tap 'N' Go who underwent a series of post race vet checks and tests after an horrendous and mystifying performance first-up in heavy ground at Gundagai after trialling impressively on the same track rating. Trainer has applied the blinkers for the first time, and on improving ground, he can quickly recapture his best.
Dangers: Wangaratta three-year-old 4. Mojo Music is the obvious threat after surging home to win on debut in heavy going, and the Outreach stock love any track rain-affected. Gap to the rest headed by dominant last-start maiden winner 7. Mathrin who likes the ground and draws the inside; while 2. Defence Force can improve with blinkers added.
How to play it: Tap 'N' Go to win and quinella 1 and 4. Odds and Evens: Split
Race 6 BENCHMARK 58 HCP (1500m):
Very tricky affair over the middle distance. Local mare 2. Opoho Dreaming continues to improve, and can peak here over a little more ground.
Dangers: Home track mare 1. Snowbella led all the way in a deeper field last time, although the second horse that day should have bolted in. Can find the lead and give a big sight with a 4kgrider off-setting the hefty weight; while improving 7. Astrobleme can run into the minor end of the prize.
How to play it: Opoho Dreaming to win. Odds and Evens: Split
Race 7 CLASS 1 HCP (1400m):
Open contest to finish with plenty of chances. Liked the way Wang six-year-old 1. Heimberg hit the line first-up for four months, and the extra trip is a big plus.
Dangers: Watch for five-year-old and hard fit mare 9. Pay The Deeler working home late staying at the minimum weight. Keep safe emerging three-year-old 4. Red Arion who scored in heavy ground at his second start; while 6. Saint Henry can find form again coming back in trip off a six week freshen-up.
How to play it: Heimberg to win. Odds and Evens: Odds
BEST BETS:
R3 3. OPENHIMUP
R4 1. YELDARB
BEST VALUE:
R5 1. TAP 'N' GO
