Another edition of Wednesday racing comes before us, and it’s Launceston Cup day! There is a bumper 10 race program down in the Apple Isle, including the G3 Vamos Stakes over 1400m, and of course the cup over 2400m. Local horse Toorak Affair is the current favourite, and is looking to make it four wins in a row. Back on the mainland, racing is taking place from Sandown, Gosford, Penola, Toowoomba, Terang and Ascot. PlayUp form analyst Lewis Willoughby has identified five key bets spread between Victoria and NSW that you should be having today.
Sandown Hillside R1 #3 The Browzer $3.80 at PlayUp – This is a very tricky little race, but i’ve ended up with this John Sadler gelding on top. Last start second up at the 1200m at Colac, I don’t think he appreciated the small, tight turning track. He just got nailed on the line after wobbling at the 200m mark and then picking up well again late. Two starts back, he ran his debut on this track/distance and was very good in finishing second after sitting three wide no cover. The figures he ran out of that race would definitely be good enough to win this. So, back up to the 1300m, back on a more favourable track, today could be his day.
Sandown Hillside R3 #6 Memphis Rock $2.90 at PlayUp – This Lindsay Park galloper has returned this prep as a gelding, after showing glimpses of talent during his first eleven career starts but was never able to properly put it all together. first run as a gelding last start was very good, sitting on speed without cover over 1000m at Flemington, and just peaked on his run late as fitness gave out. He still managed to run a lightning quick 32.64s last 600m, which would comfortably beat anything in this race. Second up now fitter, holds distance and weight, drawn well and strikes a very winnable race.
Sandown Hillside R5 #9 Sophia’s Choice (BEST) $3.30 at PlayUp – This 3YO Robert Kingston filly comes here first up, off the back of a very impressive 2nd campaign. She kicked off last prep with a dynamic maiden win, before winning again up in grade. She then split Banquo and Regimental Band when finishing 2nd in a listed race at Flemington. She was very good lately in a trial, finishing a lip behind the smart Mrs Beckham, and likewise was very good in a jump out when coming from off the pace to win dominantly under a massive hold. She looks to have taken serious improvement, and should be fit enough to handle the 1300m first up.
Gosford R2 #9 Stunning bet now at PlayUp – This Snowden 2Yo filly lines up here on debut off the back of two very impressive trial wins at Randwick. The first coming over 742m when she showed a high cruising speed in the run and went through the line under a big hold when winning. She ran the 2nd fastest last 600m for that day of trials. Then stepped up to the 1050m in her latest trial and gave nothing else a look in when pushed out to win. Now comes here to the 1000m which looks ideal, and has drawn very nicely in barrier four. Not usually a fan of backing horses on debut, but she could be something smart.
Gosford R4 #3 Speedzone bet now at PlayUp – The form of this John Thompson colt may not look like much on paper, recording three starts for zero placings. But it is definitely better than it actually shows. Two of those starts have been on soft or heavy going, which is clearly unsuitable for this horse. His only start on a good track was over 1400m two starts back in quite a nice race. He found the line very well after settling on the fence, and finished strongly behind Parche and La Tigresa. Comes here today fourth up and sticking to the 1600m which is suitable. Drawn midfield so should get some cover in a two wide line, I expect this horse to go up over the odds and be worthy of a bet.
