Best Bets

Race 3 #4 SHEZZACATCH

Race 4 #2 BELCLARE

Race 7 #8 VAL DI ZOLDO

Race 7 - LITTLE AVONDALE LOWLAND STAKES (G2)

Key Runners

#2 FAMILY TIES

#3 PENNYWEKA

#8 VAL DI ZOLDO

Summary

One of the last remaining lead up races for the Group 1 New Zealand Oaks, the Lowland Stakes has assembled a field of thirteen 3YO fillies. #2 FAMILY TIES comes into this as a deserving favourite on the back of a strong win in the Oaks Prelude over 1800m last start. She has a sticky draw to contend with here, but she should be able to get back early and get cover in the run. If Opie Bosson can put her to sleep early in a comfortable spot, she will be hard to hold out late.

A filly who will relish the rise to 2100m, after some solid recent racing is #3 PENNYWEKA. Her form suggests she wants a rain affected track, but I am confident that she will handle the conditions today. She will get back in the run, which is her usual pattern and if she can repeat what we have seen her do this prep, this race looks winnable.

It took her a while to break through for that elusive maiden win, but #8 VAL DI ZOLDO was dominant at Taupo when last presented. She had been very competitive in very strong 3YO fillies’ races prior, with solid runs in behind POLYGON & LEGARTO suggesting she is capable in this grade. We know she will relish the 2100m and now that she has that first win on the board, I think she can find another very soon. Barrier 4 allows Michael McNab plenty of options from the jump and I expect to see him find a spot in the first 5 in the run here.

Betting Strategy

Back (Win) - #8 VAL DI ZOLDO

Back (Place) - #1 DISS IS DRAMATIC