Neil Morrice brings us all of his best bets from Monday’s racing taking place at Wagga Wagga, Swan Hill and Will Rogers Downs.
Wagga Wagga Best Bets
Race 3: CERTAIN SHAFT (4)
Trainer: P J Morgan
Jockey: J Mallyon
Hold up tactics can be employed successfully on CERTAIN SHAFT who is the one with scope for some improvement. Interestingly he’s troubled the judge on four occasions and if he enjoys the rub of the green can earn.
Prediction: 4-1-9
Race 4: EASTERN WIND (1)
Trainer: G Colvin
Jockey: A Layt
Back from a lay off on his home track, EASTERN WIND looks to have most of the bases covered in a race that few can win. He goes well fresh, and if near his best should prevent Private Agent from following up his convincing barrier trial win at Goulburn.
Prediction: 1-5-4
Race 6: KAIPAKI (2)
Trainer: R Waters
Jockey: T Schiller
KAIPAKI knows how to win and has been in the money of late. He’s well drawn and should be more forward than when finishing third at Albury last time. The unexposed Indiana Rose is going to cause problems if also fit following a near four-month break.
Prediction: 2-9-5
Swan Hill Best Bets
Race 4: WU DARL (14)
Trainer: A Coffey
Jockey: N Farley
One of just two distaffers in this, WU DARL placed here latest start and enjoys the luxury of the rail. Not many can win this weak maiden and granted a semblance of progression she should figure strongly at the business end. Expect a strong finish from Elope To Vegas while Its Trumps should be fitter than when last seen.
Prediction: 14-3-6
Race 6: FREE WILLY (4)
Trainer: N Hobson
Jockey: C Hall
An eight times winner here, FREE WILLY must utilise his track craft to negate a wide draw but has the ammo to achieve that. He rallied gamely when headed when third here on his latest outing and his outstanding ring of consistency should again see him in the money at the least.
Prediction: 4-1-6
Race 8: ALEDA (11)
Trainer: C Maher & D Eustace
Jockey: L Meech
Although cutting little ice at Flemington last time, ALEDA has solid claims racing back out of the city. Her Murtoa winning form and fact that she’s got a 67% record of making the frame make her a logical favourite, and she has the good early pace necessary to overcome an unfavourable draw.
Prediction: 11-15-10
Will Rogers Downs Best Bets
Race 1 (Maiden Claiming)
TIAGO’S SONG (5)
Trainer: Donald Komardley
Jockey: Devin Magnon
TIAGO’S SONG has menaced in her last three starts and deserves to start a warm favourite in a race that shouldn’t take too much winning. There’s not much to go on when assessing the others in the 8-runner field, though Tell Me Boo Boo can figure if rediscovering last season’s form
Prediction: 5-3-7
Race 4 (Claiming)
GAMBLER (3)
Trainer: Karl Broberg
Jockey: Paulina Ramirez
Several can win this but as one of the most lightly-raced contenders, GAMBLER has to be taken seriously. He’s a beautifully-bred individual for whom track and trip are ideal, and off the back of his recent cosy first win can now start to build. Cat’s American Pie and regular board hitter Euroeast can follow him home.
Prediction: 3-8-6
Race 7 (Maiden Claiming)
WOODS OF CONGAREE (2)
Trainer: Martin Lozano
Jockey: Jason Eads
First-time blinkers appeared to assist WOODS OF CONGAREE when finishing in the money in an identical race here last time. His trainer brings him out just a fortnight later with plenty in his favour with Swashbuckler and Champagne’s On Ice looming as the main threats.
Prediction: 2-3-9
Race 9 (Allowance)
OKIE QUEEN (12) (Nap)
Trainer: Joe Offolter
Jockey: Curtis Kimes
OKIE QUEEN should rule in this feature and can make it a third win on only her fourth career start. Already the winner of a maiden special weight and an allowance, she has the natural gate speed required to obtain a handy early position from her outside draw. Gunning for her will be the likes of Between The Arches and Keena but she should prove too hot to handle.
Prediction: 12-6-11
