BEST BETS

Race 2 #2 TESTIFY ME (Each Way)

Race 5 #3 AROMATIC (Each Way)

Race 6 #3 MASTER BRUTUS (Each Way)

Race 8 #7 SEDAKA (Each Way)

 

FEATURE RACE PREVIEW

Race 5 – Wentwood Grange Cuddle Stakes (Group 3)

Key Runners

#1 ZOLA EXPRESS

#3 AROMATIC

#13 NOM DE PLUME

Summary

A competitive lineup of mares contesting this Group 3 over the mile. Expecting them to only get along at a moderate clip, with #14 RUBY ROCKS and #2 BELCLARE looking the only likely leaders in this field. The market has no clear favourite, with #8 PEARL OF ALSACE heading the early market in what looks a very open contest.

Betting Strategy

Back (Each Way) - #3 AROMATIC

She was 8 weeks between runs when closing late over 1500m last start, with the fastest closing 200m of the race. The extra 100m and likely testing conditions will only be in her favour. Her figures on rain affected going are far superior to this field, which I think could be a telling factor come this stage of the day. The tempo of the race could be against her; however, she has shown gate speed at times, which could see her land a spot handier than expected.

 

Race 6 - Gee & Hickton Funeral Directors Levin Classic (Group 1)

Key Runners

#1 THE INTIMIDATOR

#3 MASTER BRUTUS

#13 MAZZOLINO

#15 SKEW WIFF

Summary

A very competitive lineup of 3yo’s assembled for this year’s running of the G1 Levin Classic. The speed should be genuine throughout, with the likes of #1 THE INTIMIDATOR, #5 MATTER OF HONOUR, #8 ALFRISTON and #16 LUELLA CRISTINA all likely to be looking for handy positions early. #1 THE INTIMIDATOR holds favouritism ahead of the smart filly #13 MAZZOLINO, both of whom came through the Vertical Logistics Mufhasa Stakes en-route to this.

Betting Strategy

Back (Each Way) - #3 MASTER BRUTUS

Master Brutus has been awfully stiff to have not won anything more than a maiden to date. He has yet again drawn another sticky gate (14); however, he maps to get a nice cart across the field with Alfriston drawn 12, who likely rolls forward if he steps cleanly. The big question mark for most of this field will be how they cope with the trying conditions over a mile, being by Swiss Ace, you’d expect the sting out of the ground should only help Master Brutus here. He has the best rating on the board of this field, where he ran Maven Belle to a nose three starts back. If he gets even luck from the draw, I expect him to play a part here.

 

Race 8 – Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand Oaks (Group 1)

Key Runners

#1 SAKURA GIRL

#5 FAMILY TIES

#7 SEDAKA

#18 SAVACAT

Summary

A large field of fillies engaged here in what will likely be a true staying test over the 2400m. #1 SAKURA GIRL will likely roll forward early with the likes of #4 CONTAGIOUS and #14 THE WOMAN KING looking for spots handy to the speed. I wouldn’t be surprised if the conditions are testing by this point of the day, which should see the best staying fillies have their chance. Off the back of her victory in the McKee Family Sunline Vase, #1 SAKURA GIRL holds favouritsm in a very open market.

Betting Strategy

Back (Each Way) - #7 SEDAKA

She was brave when running 2^nd last start, having no luck in running whilst sitting three and four wide for the majority of the race. She’s drawn another sticky barrier (12), with even luck and a heady steer from Sam Weatherley, I expect this filly to run another bold race here with some mid-race cover. My concerns would be the testing track and the hard run last time; however, she looks to be as talented as any in this and you’re getting the right price to find out.