Australian Racing: Wednesday 24 February 2021 – Gosford

Winning Form brings you all of their best bets and tips for Wednesday’s racing taking place at Gosford, Australia.

Best Bet: FLEXIBLE (Race 7)

Value Bet: RAOUL (Race 5)

Jackpot (race 4 – 7). – Cost: R54.00

Race 4

LA GRISA is a 5yr old mare taking on the boys, but she won her last start over eleven furlongs by just under three lengths after hitting the front at the 150M mark and then striding away from the opposition, suggesting that the extra distance of today’s event will be to her liking. She renews her rivalry with CASTEL SANT’ANGELO who finished third in the race mentioned above, 2.9L behind the former. He now meets his conqueror on 2.5kg better terms, which should bring the pair closer together, but the nod goes to the top choice based on the way she finished off that last contest. The latter is drawn in gate seven and should nevertheless be right up there when they hit the line. PRINCE CAMELOT was making good late progress when ending up in fifth place last time out over 2100M, two and a half lengths behind the winner and the form of that race has been franked. He has a handy draw four and will get 2kgs taken off his back thanks to his claiming apprentice to aid his cause. 

Race 5

RAOUL has only had the two runs to date, finishing second on debut over this c&d and then third last time out when stepping up to 1300M, just over two and a half lengths back from the winner, this despite showing signs of heat stress after that race. He has subsequently finished third in a barrier trial and from draw six, he seems likely to enjoy going back over the shorter 1100M sprint. OBLIVION is drawn one outside the top pick and finished fifth on debut over five furlongs, five and a half lengths adrift of the victor, but he would have learnt from that experience and with the natural improvement that can be expected, he should be a big runner here. One runner out of that race has since come out and won since, so that form looks decent. DOUBLE EX makes his debut, but has improved with each of this first three barrier trial, winning his latest. He is drawn the widest of them in in gate nine, but any betting support for him or indeed either of the other two first timers in the field should be respected.

Race 6

There are five unraced runners in this race and as is always the case in these types of races, a keen eye should be kept on the betting markets to get any indication as to whether the connections feel that they have any chance of winning first up. Of the raced runners, ATTRIBUTION could be the best. She has had the four runs so far, posting a second and three third place finishes, including last time out over six furlongs, just over one length behind the winner, despite jumping awkwardly. She returns from a 15 week rest, but did win her only barrier trial to prove her fitness. She jumps from gate five and could break her maiden at the fifth time of asking. DRUMMIN has had the two runs, improving from fifth place on debut over 1100M to finishing second next time out over the same trip, just a short-head behind the winner when returning from a 23 week break. She jumped awkwardly that day, but recovered well to lead the field into the straight, only to be collared in the shadow of the post. She is drawn seven and should be right up there in the mix. VIRTUOUS MISS is drawn one outside the latter and has had five runs for four seconds and one fourth place finish, the latest two over six furlongs at this track. She was just a head back from the winner in that last start and has her peak run today and as such, she should be included in all bets.

Race 7

FLEXIBLE is a 3yr old filly taking on males, but she goes for her hat-trick here after wins over six furlongs and the latest over seven furlongs by just under two and a half lengths. She finished well after coming the widest into the straight that day, suggesting that she should appreciate the extra ground on offer today. She will have to negotiate gate nine, but notwithstanding that, she is taken to be the best bet on the day’s card. CHAMPAGNE VEGA also has his hat-trick run after victories over 1300M and the latest by four lengths over seven furlongs. He has won both those starts after returning from a 26 week absence, which is clearly just what he needed. He has cracked pole position and could emerge as the biggest danger to the top selection. SKY DIAMONDS is a 4yr old filly who has consistent formlines to her name. She raced three wide last time out before ending up in second place over the mile journey, just under two lengths behind the winner. She has a kind draw three and should be involved in the finish.