Midweek racing comes around, and we are now less than a week away from the Melbourne Cup! Today at Bendigo we have the running of the 2400m Bendigo Cup, which is another chance for staying horses to try and qualify for the Melbourne Cup. A win here, plus a weights penalty, would be a big boost into gaining a spot in that illustrious field. Other racing from around the country includes Strathalbyn, Randwick Kensington, Ipswich, Ascot and Launceston. PlayUp form analyst Lewis Willoughby has identified his five best of the day.
Bendigo R2 #7 Better Kick $4.20 at PlayUp – Comes here fresh off the back of two Flemington jump outs, winning the latest after being pushed out on the straight, but coming away nicely on the line. Had two runs last prep, starting favourite on debut in a Flemington race and only beaten under a length. He then pulled up lame after finishing last at Ballarat on a wet track, and the first and second horse out of that race have since contested very strong Group level races. He will be fitter off the two jump outs, and has race experience on his side. The drying track will help, he is drawn well in barrier four, and should be right in the finish. Selections: 7-13-3-14
Bendigo R3 #5 Dee Keepa $5.00 at PlayUp – First up here off two jump outs, both have been very impressive. She was put back under a hold in a Coleraine jump out over 900m when nicely clear of the field, and in the latest at the ‘Bool over 1000m she fought hard under light riding to win. Her three runs in Australia last prep were good, albeit over a distance further than today. There are some slight concerns about the wide draw, and the 1100m distance, but I think she will be fit and forward, she clearly has good talent as highlighted by her NZ runs and her jump outs, and at the current price I’m happy to bet on a 1×2 each way basis (double your place bet to whatever your win bet is). Selections: 5-6-7-11
Bendigo R9 #12 Campese $3.90 at PlayUp – Comes here second up off a stylish first up victory, where he was a touch slow to begin, settled in an awkward position, rode up the fence and pushed on for a nice victory without ever going around a horse. That was over 1400m on a soft 7, which would have brought him on a lot, and with some extra fitness now sticking to the same distance should be ideal. He is only a lightly raced four year old, who contested the Bendigo Guineas at the end of last prep, indicating he has some talent. Up in grade now but drops 3kg, and maps nicely midfield from barrier seven. Looks to have come back this prep in great order, and can begin to build that picket fence. Selections: 12-8-7-11
Randwick-Kensington R1 #1 Lord Olympus $3.30 at PlayUp – Going with this gelding from the Mark Newnham stable because I thought he deserved to be closer in the market to the favourite, and looks a bet at the current price. Fifth up here into his debut campaign, and he has currently won three of his four career starts. In all honesty, he should be unbeaten, as he missed the jump second up and settled last, only to fly home and be beaten a nose on the line. From barrier one here expect him to kick straight up on the bunny, and there is no issue with wet tracks as he has trialled very well previously on soft6/7 tracks. The claim for T Sherry helps, and he will have the huge bonus of race fitness over his rivals. Selections: 4-5-3-2
Randwick-Kensington R6 #7 Snippy Fox $7.00 at PlayUp – Really keen to be with Snippy Fox here, who looks a great bet. Deep into her campaign and will be rock hard fit, and worth noting she is unbeaten on heavy tracks from two starts. Her four runs this campaign have come over 1300m, and her last two in particular have been sound. Two back at this track, she got caught up badly in the straight, but once clear she fought through the line very impressively. The last start at Warwick Farm, she got taken on in the lead and was entitled to weaken late, but managed to stick on better than expected. Gets another lovely map here from barrier three, sticks to equal grade and gets that 3kg claim again. Selections: 7-2-5-10
