Another fine edition of midweek racing, coming off the back of an ultra-exciting Adelaide carnival. There is no rest for the wicked, however, with races coming at us today from five venues around the country. Ballarat, Balaklava, Randwick-Kensington, Sunshine Coast and Pinjarra here all hosting solid programs with competitive racing. PlayUp form analyst Lewis Willoughby has identified five key plays to be having today, see them below.
Ballarat R5 #10 Snittitude $11.00 at PlayUp – Thought this gelding looked great value in a competitive race. First up run last start was sound, closing off really nicely over the 1105m distance at Werribee. He managed to beat home very short priced favourite Lombardo, and also stablemate Dee Keepa, who has since run well. Second up now fitter, and getting out to 1200m will suit, he won his maiden nicely over this distance back in WA. I think he takes improvement from the fresh run, is drawn well enough in the big field, and holds weight from the last start. Over the odds here, each way. Selections: 10-5-4-7
Ballarat R6 #12 Jenkins $4.40 at PlayUp – This Cumani galloper has likewise gone up silly odds, and has quickly been found by some astute punters. His run at Warrnambool last start third up was seriously unlucky, getting back in the ruck and being checked off heels or tightened for room at numerous stages in the run and in the straight. He found the line very well out wide in the closing stages, and with even luck I predict he goes very close to winning that race. Fourth up here, and stepping out to the 2000m will be perfect, as he is looking for extra ground. Restrains again from barrier 13 to find cover, C Williams sticks aboard gives me more confidence too! Selections: 12-6-3-2
Ballarat R8 #13 Persan $2.35 at PlayUp – Finally broke through last start for a deserved maiden win, and did it very nicely too. Peeled off heels at the top of the straight and found his best gears, scoring a comfortable win on the line. The form out of the race is stacking up very well, with second place getter Old Head coming out on Sunday and winning a maiden nicely. The Maher/Eustace stable clearly have an opinion of this horse, they’ve kept him racing as a colt, and his runs since debut have been at Group level behind Castelvecchio and Shadow Hero, while still being a maiden. He strikes a very weak bm64 here, and can make it two in a row. Selections: 13-5-7-8
Randwick – Kensington R1 #1 Tommy Gold $3.50 at PlayUp – Comes here fresh off the back of a promising trial at Randwick. Although he raced greenly and keenly mid stages, he let down and sprinted very well when he was slipped some reign in the straight. I think the booking of Glen Boss is key here, a strong rider who will be able to control the inconsistent racing habits of the horse. He comes out of the best form lines, last prep he was finishing behind Mamaragan, who since ran very well at the top level. A bit of sting out of the track would only enhance this colts chances, great chance here. Selections: 1-6-5-2
Balaklava R2 #3 Shots Bet Now at PlayUp – Resumes from a spell here, has only had the one career run over the 1500m where he managed to attack the line very well late. Up to 1600m looks ideal for this sun of Dalakhani, coming from a stable relation to the great Alcopop. The 3kg claim brings his weight down to a very competitive 56kg, and apprentice Margaret Collett has been riding in good form lately. Only a small field, and not an overly competitive race, he should be finding the line very well, and this trainer only brings his horses to race when they are 100% ready to go. Selections: 3-1-4-2
