Best Bets

Race 1 - #4 BELLO MIO (WIN)

I thought there was a touch of overs about the $5.50 on open for Bello Mio in this small quality lineup of 3yo’s. He was better than a pass mark first-up down at Awapuni, where he clocked the fastest closing 600m of the race, which included race-rivals, The Rackateer & Inca Belle. Two starts back at Pukekohe, Bello Mio ran a career peak figure when he was beaten a length on Karaka Million Night by the likes of Maven Belle, Master Brutus & Pier. I had him marked around the $4.00 mark, the $5.50 looks a more than fair price to kick the day off.

Race 3 - #8 JUST A FLOOZIE (WIN)

Taking $2.00 about a 2yo having is typically dangerous territory, however, going off her trials this I Am Invincible filly could be well above average. She’s won two trials at Avondale, with the latest being the clear fastest 800m trial of the day. Despite being on debut, she looks to be versatile, having won one trial off the front and the other coming through the field after missing the jump. I think the $2.00 on open is attractive enough, as I believe she will be starting odds-on come the jump.

Race 5 - #6 MR MOJO RISIN’ (WIN)

He was the runner-up in the AHD Hawke’s Bay Guineas at Group 2 level in October last year, having gone down 2.3L to the extremely talented Group 1 winner, Pier. Now kicking off a new campaign, he looks awfully hard to beat back at maiden company. Mr Mojo Risin’ is rated 69, off the back of his placings at 3yo stakes company last year, therefore looks very well placed back in maiden grade with only 57kg on his back after Masa Hashizume’s claim. His trial earlier this month was very nice, being cuddled in behind runners on the bridle throughout, suggesting he has come back in fine order. I had him priced around the $2.00 mark, I expect he’ll be ridden positively from the outset and with even luck should prove hard to roll.