Monday Horse Racing Tips – June 19th, 2023

We have expert betting tips for the cards this Monday at Newcastle and Ballarat.

There is plenty of value available with bookmakers at the Monday meetings and we have our best bets across the two cards.

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Newcastle

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Race 2 – Brave Smash @ Yarraman Park Country Boosted Class 1 Handicap (1300m)

#4 – Yirrkala

Arrives here third-up after contesting two races over 1000m at his first two runs this campaign for the Brett Cavanough stable.

He settled back and was full of running through the line on both occasions. Has drawn awkwardly but gains the services of senior rider Grant Buckley and should settle closer in the run stepping up to 1300m.

He should be nearing peak fitness now, will appreciate the rise in trip and finds a winnable race.

Race 5 – New Era Technology Cg&E Maiden Handicap (1150m)

#6 – Sidenay

Has been frustrating for his connections this campaign, missing the minor money by just one on three occasions. Most recently, looked the winner for a few strides in the straight when running fourth at Hawkesbury in June 11.

Faces the starter on the quick backup but should find this easier than recent assignments. Maps to get a nice run and the drop in distance looks suitable.

Race 8 – The Prince Of Merewether Benchmark 66 Handicap (1350 Metres)

#9 – Golden Gate

Golden Gate has carried some big weights and the weight of punter expectation at her last two starts. However, tricky draws saw her forced to go back and run on far too late on both occasions.

Going three back she was an impressive first-up winner at Tamworth.

She’s drawn to settle closer this time around under Tom Sherry and, importantly, blinkers go on for the first time. That should sharpen her up enough to be able to win a race like this deep into her campaign.

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Ballarat

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Race 1 – Pipe Pro Directional Drilling 2yo Maiden Plate (1100m)

#9 – Written Bligh

Was sent out in the G3 Chairman’s Stakes (1000m) at Sandown on debut and was met with some market support. Jumped awkwardly and raced wide throughout but battled on fairly to finish fifth (6L) behind Zulfiqar.

Resumes with the benefit of two pleasing jumpouts, including a winning effort on the Cranbourne Synthetic over 990m on May 29.

Should be able to take up a forward position under Suraj Narredu and will find this easier than the opposition he met on debut.

Race 4 – Global Turf Maiden Plate (1400m)

#9 – Giant’s Reward

Ran into a smart one in Immortality when racing first-up at Geelong on May 19 and beat the rest comfortably. Last start was sent forward over 1200m at Echuca and set a strong early tempo before the swoopers relegated him to fifth late.

Steps up to seven furlongs this time, should be able to control the race from the front under John Allen and should be nearing peak fitness third-up.

Race 7 – Hygain Winners Choice Bm58 Handicap (1200m)

#7 – Thalursian

Joins the Tom Dabernig stable from Team Hawkes looking for his first win in almost a year. However, he should find this a little easier than some recent efforts when racing in NSW, including his fourth two starts back behind Troika at Kembla Grange.

Although he was punched out to win a recent trial at Ararat, he looked to have a little more left in the locker.

Will be asked to carry plenty of weight (61kg) but will receive an economical run drawn low on the track and will sport blinkers for the first time. He looks a nice each-way gamble.