Midweek racing from a number of venues around the country today, starting with a dual Melbourne program at Echuca and twilight racing at Sandown. Gosford hosts only 6 races as the NSW venue, while the Gold Coast, Gawler, Bunbury and Launceston round out the other meetings. Don’t forget Happy Valley kicking off later in the night. PlayUp form analyst Lewis Willoughby has identified his five best of the day below…
Gosford R1 #8 Screebe $3.10 at PlayUp – Though this R&M Freedman horse did enough on debut behind the seemingly smart Belieber at Wyong over 1100m, closing off in a strong last 200m sectional when the race was all over. There was a big gap back to third on that occasion, and I think Screebe would’ve gained a lot from the experience. Fitter for that debut, and out to 1200m here off a strong tempo should suit. The booking of James McDonald is a big push, and with only 55kg I think she can go one better this time around. Selections: 8-1-5-6
Gosford R2 #3 Free State $1.80 at PlayUp – Looks the best bet on the program here, Free State resumes off two very nice trials over the 800m trip. The first one at Gosford he was given a very soft time and worked strongly through the line under his own speed, and the latest one at Hawkesbury he was niggled to extend late and did so nicely. Two runs last prep were very encouraging, including a strong debut performance behind Sahra in which he hit the line well over 1000m. The trip over 1100m here fresh should be perfect, and I expect him to map with the drop on them in barrier seven. Selections: 3-10-7-2
Gosford R4 #1 Ruddock $1.60 at PlayUp – The A Neasham stable has hit the ground flying, and the well-bred Ruddock is the latest stable star to find the winners stall. He was a dominant 3L winner at Canterbury a few Friday’s ago over 1550m, seemingly never in doubt breaking his maiden. He now comes up to Class 1 grade, but strikes a very weak race and only has to rise 0.5kg thanks to the claim. There is a lack of speed engaged here, so a repeat of last start’s tactics where they roll forward and control from the front looks likely. If he gets a cheap lead in front, nothing will run past him. Selections: 1-5-3-6
Sandown Hillside R2 #5 Ord $3.30 at PlayUp – Keen enough to have a bet on Ord here in what looks a competitive event. Third up now, and last start fought on very strongly behind Ocean Beyond, who has since franked the form very nicely by winning a hot race at The Valley. Peak fit here now, and the booking of the newly arrived Nash Rawiller is a step in the right direction. Should find a position handy to the speed, and the short rise to 1300m is likely suitable. Think he finds the right race to win here, and should at least be a top three chance. Selections: 5-3-6-10
Sandown Hillside R3 #6 Translation $3.90 at PlayUp – Very confused as to how the market has Translation at almost double the price of Vandoula Lass, seeing the crossed the line locked together in a recent Flemington jump out. Translation bounced and led on that occasion, and was kept under a very strong hold through the line, never asked to extend. With the booking of D Oliver here on debut, and breeding suggesting that she should be a rocket over the 1000m trip, I expect them to bounce straight up on the bunny and give a very big sight in front. Selections: 6-7-1-5
