An absolute cracking day of midweek racing comes here before us, with a number of meetings taking place around the country. Listed racing continues down in Tasmania, with the Elwick Stakes for the 2YO’s, and Thousand Guineas for the 3YO’s, in Launceston. Meanwhile, Victoria has a dual program with Moe, and twilight racing at Sandown. Canterbury, Oakbank, Rockhampton and Ascot round out the remaining meetings, all with big fields and very competitive betting markets. With that being said, have a look below at PlayUp form analyst Lewis Willoughby’s top five best bets for the day:
Sandown:R3 #5 Swing and Boom $5.00 at PlyUp – Really liked what I saw from this filly last start when breaking through for a maiden win at Cranbourne, came from off speed and put them away smartly. Recorded the quickest last 400m for the entire meeting that day. Will get back again, drops in weight thanks to the smart 3kg claim, and if there is no on-pace bias, she should be making it two on the trot. Have a saver on Score as well at good odds.
Sandown R7 #15 Maozi $11 at PlayUp – A large number of horses can win this race, so i’ve sided with something at value. Complete forgive run at The Valley first up for this Snowden filly, got no room at a crucial stage on the turn. It maps slightly awkward again today, might be held up behind the speed but if it gets clear running it can win. Is here second up, and has never lost second up, and any rain wouldn’t necessarily hurt. Just thought the double figures early was overs. Other winning chances are Pinyin, Symphonette and Shezawitness.
Sandown R8 #13 Rainbow Thief $5.00 at PlayUp – First up at Caulfield ran an eye catching race when struggled for room, but got through the pack late and savaged the line to grab fourth. Will get back again today but is fitter for that run, and only attempt second up previously resulted in a dominant win. If the rain comes earlier than expected and the track starts to deteriorate, that gives me even more confidence. Willing to lay Bam’s On Fire, and Jumbo Ozaki may be vulnerable first up, although would not surprise.
Canterbury:R1 #1 April Rain (Best) $2.00 at PlayUp – It was very hard not to be impressed with the debut run of this Waller filly, absolutely flew at the line late. That was over 1100m, she’s fitter now and better for race experience and off that run she can be winning. Will likely get back for cover from barrier 9, and is well weighted in comparison to the field with 59kg. This is a hot race, but i’m tipping she could be something pretty smart.
Canterbury R3 #4 Miyake $3.70 at PlayUp – Last start this colt came from an impossible position of about 13L last to win over the 1500m. Recorded a good last 600m sectional for the day, and the way in which he put them away was most impressive. Comes here with absolutely no weight on his back in 53kg, and the step up to 1900m seems the logical move. If he is to win here, he might be set for a pretty nice staying path come the Autumn. I think the only thing that beats him is a slow tempo from a small field, which may end up happening.
