BENDIGO Golden Mile Day
BEST BET: LYUBA Race 4 #3
BEST VALUE: PURE SCOTT Race 8 #7
Race 1: 2-5-1-3
Although well beaten by potential star Kings Will Dream, that’s no knock at all so I think HARRISON is the way to go here. He ran into that horse only 2nd-up and can only improve. He did finish in front of rival here GALLIC CHIEFTAN, who remains a chance again. BRIMHAM ROCKS was good on Oz debut in easier Mornington assignment but liked what I saw. SIN TO Win brings some sound Kings Will Dream placings.
SUGGESTED: HARRISON to break through.
Race 2: 1-2-5-4
HOLY BLADE was impressive from the back at Sandown, can only think Bendigo offers similar opportunity to unwind. Hard to knock. SUPERHARD comes up the morning favourite, has trialled well and showed good promise first prep. WATCHDOG had a margin in Pakenham win resuming, have to accept that. FREEZE OVER is a fit on-pacer, back to 100m a plus.
SUGGESTED: Stay with HOLY BLADE.
Race 3: 2-1-10-3
Wow this is tough. About $7 the field with them chasing $250k VOBIS money, no early market leads for 1sts starters. Going with DIVINE MY TYCOON (went off $12 on debut), showed speed and beat home subsequent winner Chess Star. MORE BRICKS ran up to betting on debut, has horrible gate on paper, but Weir and Vobis work well together. NADURI has experience and shown good ability. REALLY SWISH was good in Adelaide but then who knows here.
SUGGESTED: Tread carefully. I’ll go DIVINE MR TYCOON.
Race 4: 8-3-2-11
With Sprightly Lass and Property, this race falls the way of LYUBA, rarely runs poorly and fresh record excellent. The one to beat. ASHLOR was solid at Moonee valley resuming, slight fitness edge has him in. ROCK N GOLD is fit and had excuses at The Valley. TOY BOY next best.
SUGGESTED: PROPERTY to resume a winner.
Race 5: 11-3-12-1
A typically tough BM78 but think GALAXY RAIDER a good option after a luckless run resuming at Flemington – ran the fastest last 200m of the day (after being held-up) – that’s Handsome Thief form. Alley probably not an issue given racing pattern. BLUE TYCOON ran well in a strong race last start after a couple of Adelaide wins, surely in the mix again. HASKI is improving through the grades and with Callow from good draw, gets a chance. AMADEUS can improve.
SUGGESTED: Looks good race for GALAXY RAIDER.
Race 6: 10-2-7-6
JESTER HALO has built a terrific record and recent G3 runs on pace excellent. Latest was behind Spanish reef who won again. Like it back from 1600m to 1400m here. FRENCH EMOTION resumed up the straight and ran well, much better suited here at 1400m. SEBRING DREAM is another talent resuming. Has place hope. TAHANEE resumes in suitable race.
SUGGESTED: Like JESTER HALO at some value.
Race 7: 6-11-12-10
Sense KIWIA absolutely targeted for this by Weir for major Bendigo support Gerry “Jayco” Ryan. Horse was fantastic resuming1400m Flemington and this looks ideal. Bendigo Cup runner-up (2400m) in spring. WYNDSPELLE has no recent wins but plenty of likeable runs. PETROLOGY is hardly a pal of punters but gets Callow and on day can produce something pretty special. OBSERVATIONAL won this last year (2nd-up) and has trialled well. Including MIDTERM.
SUGGESTED: Pretty keen on KIWIA.
Race 8: 7-5-1-2
Even contest, seeking value for PURE SCOTT who has been here and won and raced well in strong spring company. She can produce a big finish which she will need to here. HOLBEIN is the fit on-pacer, going to look winner on straightening. OVERSHARE took on older horses at 1400m first time at Flemington. Own age now and another go forward runner. SIRCONNI is a talent, off decent break, but the best of him is good enough.
SUGGESTED: PURE SCOTT at the odds.
Race 9: 6-5-10-16.
LEODORO has raced well this track before and think race shapes well for it. Needs luck closing but can see that happening here whereas KING’S COMMAND has been brilliantly ridden to past two dominating on-pace wins, doesn’t look as though much pressure again, but surely jockeys awake to that now. LAND OF PLENTY an obvious threat. Terrific first time out for Weir, alley no help but has form in strong races. MY PAISANN is a little favourite of mine. Suited 1400m 2nd-up.
SUGGESTED: Giving LEODORO the nod.
QUADDIE:
2-6-7-10
1-5-6-8-10-11-12
1-2-5-7
5-6-10
$94 for 25%