Winning Form brings us their best bets and tips from Wyong, Australia.
Best Bet: BOB (Race 6)
Value Bet: STAR CHERIE (Race 8)
Jackpot (race 5 – 8)
1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th |
3 | 3 | 15 | 3 |
5 | 2 | 10 | 10 |
7 | 9 | 5 | |
7 | |||
5 |
Cost: R90.00
Race 5
At the time of writing, there were six late scratchings, four of which were first-timers. However, that still leaves eight unraced runners in the field, so as is always the case in these types of races, a keen eye should be kept on the betting markets to get some indication as to whether the connection believes that they can win first time out. Any betting support for a runner or runners should be respected. Of those who have raced, HAURAKI GULF looks to be the pick. He finished a close-up fifth on debut over five furlongs and then third in his next start over the same c&d, just under a length and a half behind the winner, despite losing a fore shoe. He returns from a 22-week absence during which time he was gelded, but he has had the benefit of three barrier trials, winning the latest to prove his well-being. He has cracked pole position and should be right up there when they hit the line.
MABEL is a filly taking on the boys, but she finished second first time out over five furlongs and then third last time out over 1100M, 1.4L back from the winner. The form of that race has stood up well with four runners from the contest subsequently winning. She has her first run since a shorter 16-week rest but has had the one barrier trial where she finished third. She is drawn the widest of them all in gate eighteen, but she is a speedy sort who should be able to move across without expending too much energy.
SINGLE HONOR showed marked improvement in his last start, finishing third over 1100M, 1.2L behind the winner when returning from an 18-week break. He has a far kinder draw four and gets the services of ex-SA jockey Keagan Latham, so will get all the necessary assistance from the saddle.
Race 6
With the late scratching of one of his main rivals, the door may have been open for the day’s best bet, BOB to chalk up his second career victory. He has turned in two solid last performances over nine furlongs, the latest a third-place finish, just a head behind the winner. He had to be steadied at the 1200M mark and then overraced in the middle stages, before hitting the front as the field entered the home straight, only to be run out of it very late and the drop in trip is sure to be to his liking. His gate five will do him no harm.
ZUDIN stayed on well when finishing fourth last time out over 1500m, 5.3L adrift of the victor. He has his peak run after returning from a 13-week rest and whilst facing the widest draw of then all in gate twelve, he should be doing his best work late and could be the biggest danger to the top choice.
SIDEREAL finished third last time out over seven furlongs, 2.2L behind the winner when returning from a lengthy 36-week absence, but the form of that race has been franked. From his cosy draw three, he should be involved in the finish.
Race 7.
This looks to be a tricky race with plenty of runners with chances, so some caution is suggested. The tentative top pick goes to HEZA GENTLEMAN who has finished second in his last three outings, the latest over seven furlongs, getting beaten by just a head. He has pulled pole position and should be right up there in the firing line.
Two 4yr old fillies could chase him home, with the slight preference going to BORN TO PLAY who is seldom far off the action, ending up as the runner-up last time out over six furlongs, two lengths behind the winner. She has gate nine but likes to race up with the pace, so this may not be too big a disadvantage. She also has her first run for her new trainer and if fully settled into her new surroundings, she should make her presence felt in this line-up.
EYE SEE THINGS last five outings have yielded three seconds and two third-place finishes, the latest being one of those third places over six furlongs, 2.7L off the victor. She is drawn wide in gate thirteen but should use her early gate speed to tack across soon after the gates crash open.
Race 8
Two 3yr old and one 2yr old fillies could dominate the finish to this race and complete the trifecta, but the firm top selection goes to the day’s value bet, STAR CHERIE. She has posted two solid last efforts over this sprint distance, the latest when finishing just a head back from the winner. She is a speedy sort who jumps from gate six and seems likely to turn in another honest performance today.
PAPER DAISY is the 2yr old filly in the race who has only had the two runs to date, winning on debut over five furlongs and then following that up with a ninth spot finish next time out when stepping up to 1100M, 8.4L adrift of the winner and was immediately rested for 23 weeks. She returns here after having had three barrier trials, where she finished second in the latest. Notwithstanding a wideish gate nine, she should not be easily overlooked.
NEVER SECOND has her first run since a shorter 19-week rest and did win her only barrier trial to prove her fitness. She won over 1100M three runs back and then finished second over the same trip next time out, followed by a fifth place in her latest outing over six furlongs, 2.7L behind the victor. She jumps from gate three and should do better over what seems to be a more suitable distance.
