BENDIGO CUP Wednesday November 1
Got to say this is such a lack lustre meeting for a 2nd biggest town in Victoria for their Cup day – even worse off after scratchings. The Cup itself (just 7 runners) just doesn’t fit well it seems into a robust spring calendar but also the under card is so underwhelming. But in every race there is a winner so here we go. Track has improved from a soft 5 at acceptance time to a good 4 and we know what a wonderful track this is.
BEST BET: Race 7 #4 METSON
BEST VALUE: Race 4 #6 FLYING SPARK
Race 1: 5-4-3-1
Going experience FLASH CASH who was excellent resuming but “old” form stacks up well. Good spruik BOOM CHICKA BOO off fair public trial and Caulfield jump outs and hard to beat.
SUGGESTED: Go the experience FLASH CASH.
Race 2: 10-3-9-2
VINLAND looks so well placed here if has returned to the form of 2YO expectation (eg She Will Reign). Gawler trial was good. CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE resumed for Weir in solid form and experience and fitness a plus. Plenty of conundrums here but working top two picks.
SUGGESTED: VINLAND wins.
Race 3: 2-4-1-5
All a hope here and not an attractive betting race. BIG PHIL looks well placed but doesn’t have a mortgage on this. Query is SERENADE THE STARS gelded fresh and off a heavy track trial but in good hands.
SUGGESTED: Tread warily, all the 6 can win.
Race 4: 6-3-4-1
The original false favourite Raspberry Rose was beaten Benalla Tuesday (scratched here of course) so this is open for inspection and not much conviction. Going FLYING SPARK on home track where is 3 for 3.
SUGGESTED: FLYING SPARK on home track.
Race 5: 2-1-4-5
Want to take the shorts THORUM off a year off and a tendon injury? Sure market a key guide on day but positive in advance, naturally with form in much better races. PAINTE is ex Joe Pride, has gear off, old Nieta form, and recent trial form. Oh and Weiry. Safest might be home tracker in GO DOWN, 2 from 3 here and placed other start.
SUGGESTED: Again be wary. THORNUM is too short for mine but if market positive, it should win.
Race 6: 5-8-4-7
Again fighting Weir and Lindsay Park but more value (now) the gelded WRITTEN IN STONE over impressive maiden winner PIRAPALA. Surprise if winner outside those two.
SUGGESTED: WRITTEN IN STONE at the value.
Race 7: 4-2-7-8
A good race for today’s card and the lesser spring perhaps (Sandown Guineas). METSON reads too well off the Eptimum form now and gets price to match. But no give me. I HAVE ARRIVED was excellent on debut, sure alley a worry. There are 7 last start maiden winners (maybe best TAMASA) here so good luck defining definitively level of improvement.
SYGGESTED: METSON looks safest option.
Race 8: 1-3-2-4
QEWY must win this. A Geelong and Sandown Cup winner (and Melbourne Cup 4th) sandwiched between) since we last saw. That’s good enough to win this and make luck on speed while the fitter KIWIA looms the obvious danger chasing.
SUGGESTED: Good quinella but QEWY to win, saver on Q with KIWIA.
Race 9: 8-3-6-10
Weiry’s race – Going the trifecta here (with him). But happy to label NIGHT’S WATCH on top, been touch green (Johnny Allen will sort that). Knockout hope to local SAVAJU who needs to hope.
SUGGESTED: Back NIGHT’S WATCH and hope you have the right Weir runner. Think so.
Race 10: 6-4-10-7
SADDLE THE SUN makes the good progression to a BM70 suggested more upside but SOJU WARRIOR has excellent fresh record. Must include BENNY GOES BERZERK in a skinny basically non-winner’s race, (hence top tip).
SUGGESTED: Stay with winner this grade – SADDLE THE SUN.
QUADDIE:
2-4-7
1-3
3-4-6-8-10
4-6-7-8-10
$150 for 100%