A bigger than normal day of midweek racing greets us here, with a massive seven meetings taking place throughout the course of the afternoon all over our country. After a short hiatus, racing returns in South Australia with a huge 9-race program at Morphettville Parks. There’s two meetings in Victoria, with Sandown and Swan Hill playing host to races. Warwick Farm, Ipswich, Bunbury and Launceston round out the other meetings, and PlayUp form analyst Lewis Willoughby has found his five best bets of the day below;
Sandown Hillside R3 #4 Better Kick $4.00 at PlayUp – Wide open market early, and I thought the price of Better Kick was more generous than I thought we’d be able to get. Comes off a maiden win at Wangaratta where he blew away the opposition comfortably, extending away late over the 1170m distance. His last 200m split was the 2nd fastest of the entire meeting, and to me that indicates that this step up to 1400m will be ideal. Thanks to the claim for L King he holds 58kg, and from barrier 7 has the natural speed to find a position handy, possibly in behind the lead. A drying track is in his favour as well, has always shown potential in city class and should go close. Selections: 4-12-2-9
Sandown Hillside R4 #7 Dee Keepa $4.00 at PlayUp – Third up here and definitely ready to rejoin the winners stall, this Lindsey Smith mare has put the writing on the wall in two starts this prep. She was caught deep no cover fresh behind Llessur at Bendigo, who then went on to win at Flemington in a good race. Last start she looked the winner before getting run down on the line. Out to 1400m now is ideal, a distance that she has twice won at before. She maps perfectly outside the lead, jumping from barrier 9 in a race with low tempo, she will easily push across and find that position. Consistently around the mark, and I expect no different here. Selections: 7-3-5-2
Sandown Hillside R7 #18 Turbeau $13.00 at PlayUp – Thought this Brideoake galloper was worth an each way play here at great odds, coming off a breathtaking win at Cranbourne over 1400m last start. After getting back in the field off moderate splits, he managed to reel off the fastest last 400m and 200m splits of the entire meeting to reel in the leader and win. These splits made even stronger by the fact it compared greater to BM78 and BM70 races on the same night, seeing this was only a class 1. Up in class here but is definitely capable at this level, and will carry the bottom weight of 57.5kg. Is likely to get back in running again here, but the big field is likely to go quick enough to set it up for him to swoop. Selections: 18-16-11-6
Warwick Farm R1 #6 Tycoonist $4.40 at PlayUp – Keen to play Tycoonist here in what looks a competitive open race, coming here second up off a 3rd place in a very small field at Kensington last start. That was an unsuitable race over 1100m, settling off speed in the small field behind a very smart winner in Colonel. He has had a tick over trial since on track over 800m, getting off speed again and working through the line very strongly under no pressure. This was the fastest trial of the morning, and the last 600m time rated very strongly as well. 1300m second up now will suit, and he undoubtedly goes back from barrier 9, and looks to attack the line strongly. Selections: 6-1-5-7
Warwick Farm R4 #8 Stoical $3.10 at PlayUp – Second up here coming out of maiden grade, after a seriously impressive Kembla Grange maiden win last start. Bounced straight to the front and never looked in danger, running his last 600m in a very fast 32.68 seconds. Second up now and will only have improved from that victory, he maps from barrier 4 to land straight on the bunny again and control proceedings. The booking of James McDonald shows big intent, and sticking to 1000m will obviously be no issue. Tipping this horse will graduate onto some nice Saturday races, and should be taking care of this field. Selections: 8-3-5-2
