Racing heads to Bendigo on Wednesday. Here is a race-by-race preview.
RACE 1
Interesting race to start with on a track that should by in the good 4/soft 5 range, with no prediction of any rain. MARCHING interests me here. Forget he went around on debut at the Gold Coast on Magic Millions day. It was a quagmire and the meeting was called off after his race. He’s been gelded since and has looked good in two Flemington jumpouts without breaking the clock. He should position on speed and be hard to run down. ABSTRACTED started favourite on debut at the Valley in December and wasn’t disgraced behind Croatian Belle in what was a sprint home. She was hard held in the jumpout won by Marching and is worth following. THE SHAPER unleashed late to overcome his rivals in a trial at Tatura and has also been gelded. CAPPER THIRTYNINE didn’t look comfortable on debut at the Valley in wet ground back in the spring and has also been gelded since then. He has jumped out nicely and will be running on. The chances don’t end there.
Suggested bet: Marching to win but little saver on Abstracted as well.
RACE 2
BENCOOLEN was super impressive on debut when he won with ease and there was a big gap to third. He clocked fastest 400-200 of the meeting and was eased down last 100m. He’s been off the scene for a while but has had two super jumpouts to ready him for this and looks to be a bit above average. LEGIO TEN has been gelded since overcoming some obstacles to win his maiden at Hawkesbury in the spring. Liked his recent Flemington jumpout when he was given a very easy time of it. MISS SUBTLY is very honest and will be better off back at the 1000m. Gets the claim and blinkers. THE PRODIGAL SON showed plenty of dash to win a trial at Tatura and he has claims here.
Suggested bet: Bencoolen to win and box trifecta 2,5,6,12.
Captain Envious is a strong chance at Bendigo on Wednesday
RACE 3
Looks a nice race for the former British performer DEVOTED POET. Placed his only four starts in England and then 3rd at Hillside at his Aussie debut before a battling 5th at the Valley in Feb. Loved his recent jumpout at Flemington when he worked to the line nicely and he looks a good mover. Has been gelded and this trip first-up on the big track looks perfect. BOH RHAP had to make a long sustained run out wide and not beaten far in the run home here when resuming. All the fitter now. LONFIRE has been given plenty of time to mature and has had two solid jumpouts to get him ready for this. Devoted Poet’s stablemate MONARCHS BRAE is having his first Aussie start but he looked sharp in his recent Flemington jumpout and could sprint well fresh.
Suggested bet: Devoted Poet to win.
RACE 4
Former English galloper GLENS TOP CAT sat three-wide for the entire race and looked a spent force on the corner but kept whacking away when 3rd at Ballarat three weeks back. Having first try at this distance but should handle it judging on his tough effort last time. He beat home KEEVS that day, who then went on to finish a solid second at Cranbourne. Looks the danger. MY LANCELOT was third in that Cranbourne race in an improved effort. KNENTII was okay at Benalla and then outclassed in Listed grade last start. Can improve here.
Suggested bet: Glens Top Cat to win.
RACE 5
Not a lot of genuine speed on paper and could develop into a sprint home. I’m hoping Ollie can take the initiative and lead on MYSTERY ISLAND. I liked this bloke’s effort at Mornington two runs back and he was fair in the Warrnambool Cup when not suited on the heavy surface. Firmer track here will help and he could just lead them a merry dance. Fingers crossed. CAPTAIN ENVIOUS was placed in G3 grade behind Soulcombe at headquarters during the Cup carnival. He’s fitter for three runs back and he got home well in the Port Adelaide Cup last start after getting too far back. The claim helps his chances. THAT’S INCRANIBULL has had a couple of hurdle trials to sharpen him up and he may also be the other pace influence in the race. FRENCH MOON was much better last start.
Suggested bet: Mystery Island to win but also taking boxed exacta 1,3.
RACE 6
CELESTIAL HARBOUR is destined for better races than this and looks one of the day’s better bets. Brilliant leading all the way to win here on debut and then caught on the worst past of the track at Hillside. Blundered at the start and had to make a long run before finishing off for 3rd at Sale. Produced second fastest last 200m of the meeting. Kept fresh here and looks a big threat despite wide draw. CADENABBIA looked to be struggling a bit at the 250m but then hit top gear to win as she liked when resuming at Ballarat. Even better for the run and Ollie sticks with her. YOSEMITE didn’t go around a horse and was too good at this track/trip last start. Drawn to get a similar run. SISTINE EXPLORER was also on worst part of the track and battled on at Ballarat when the winner won by four.
Suggested bet: Celestial Harbour to win and she will anchor the quaddie for me.
Cadenabbia, ridden by Damien Oliver, wins at Ballarat.
RACE 7
PUNCH LANE looks a talent. Loved his last 100m when he raced clear to win with his ears pricked at Seymour last month. Since had a trial at Tatura which he won as he liked. Should be good speed on here which will allow him to get a cosy run off pace and then unleash late. LAFILIO is also highly promising and he was heavily backed to lead all the way this course and distance a couple of weeks ago. His overall time and his sectionals were not flash but is improving with every run. Lot to like about the final 100m of PERFECT ENDING’s maiden win at Geelong and she will be even better for the outing. PALANI has a Listed placing to his credit and he was okay when resuming.
Suggested bet: Punch Lane to win.
RACE 8
EAGLES CRAG has had some excuses in his three runs from a break but finds a race to suit here is ready to show his best. He was good making up late ground at Hillside two runs back and then forget he went around in the wet at Lakeside last start. Freshened up, drawn to get a good run in midfield and just needs some luck to go his way. GUNNA GUNNA has also been kept fresh after proving too strong in mares grade at Hillside. Drawn a little awkwardly but is holding her form well. HARD REALITY will be on speed and does seem to like this track/trip. THE ART OF FLYING is up in class but has ability and worth including.
Suggested bet: Eagles Crag to win.
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