Neil Morrice brings us all of his best bets and tips for Monday’s racing at Will Rogers Downs and Wodonga.
Will Rogers Downs Best Bets
Race 4 (Starter Allowance): No5 – STEPHEN’S ANSWER
Trainer: Robertino Diodoro – Jockey: Ty Kennedy
Several go into battle with recent wins behind them but STEPHEN’S ANSWER is the outstanding pick. He boasts an almost unblemished record for his trainer with three wins from three at Delta Downs in 2019 and a very encouraging comeback effort on his first start here when starting a shade of odds-on. This wonderfully consistent operator has been made fitter and will be hard to stop. Uncail took out an allowance in the slop on first start here last month and, along with Seattle Thunder, can give the main pick something to think about.
Prediction: 5-7-3
Race 8 (Allowance): No1 – FOOL’S PARADISE
Trainer: Robertino Diodoro – Jockey: Ty Kennedy
FOOL’S PARADISE has knocked on the door a couple of times since moving to the Diodoro barn, and though closely matched with Baydar, is capable of turning the tables on that foe from their running here a month ago. Baydar showed resilience to take the spoils after three near-misses, making her a bigger threat at revised weights to the main pick than Yield, who has to prove herself after almost eight months off.
Prediction: 1-8-7
Race 9 (Stakes): No3 – LIL FOOTNOTES
Trainer: J Williams – Jockey: Benny Landeros
The distaffers take centre stage for the best race on the card in which LIL FOOTNOTES offers value against probable favourite, Three Chords. The selection is progressive but needs to step up on her first run for this barn in what is a jump up the class ladder. Three Chords returns from a short break but has looked like a mare poised to come good. Lady Orchid should also have benefitted from a recent run back and will strip fitter.
Prediction: 3-6-10
Wodonga Best Bets
Race 4: No4 – HIGH ADVICE
Trainer: Donna Scott – Jockey: Theo Nugent
HIGH ADVICE looked like a horse that is set to break his maiden when pipped in a photo at Gundagai first up, a run that begs to be improved upon even though ground conditions will not be as demanding. He’s preferred to Silesian who was contesting a better race when finishing in mid-pack at Werribee. Shadow Of Pylon has menaced on his last two starts, and should again be in the thick of things.
Prediction: 4-6-9
Race 6: No7 – MISS SHARP
Trainer: Sylvia Thompson – Jockey: Mitchell Aitken
Though it took a while for MISS SHARP to put one on the board, the daughter of Melbourne Cup winner Americain has looked unlucky not to add to her laurels with a sequence of three runners-up placings. She’s well-drawn and can consolidate at the main expense of Powers Lookout and Snake Cavern, who each went close last time and are again candidates for an earning experience.
Prediction: 7-8-4
Race 8: No4 – CARWELKIN
Trainer: Mark Thomas – Jockey: Madison Lloyd
Gunned down in the closing stages at Wangaratta last time, CARWELKIN holds good claims to notch a sixth career victory at the main expense of Southern Native. The mare has been getting closer to another win with each outing and can get the better of the top weight. He’s well drawn trying to bounce back following his only finish out of the money last time. Macca’s Hero has been in good form of late and has to be respected.
Prediction: 4-1-11
