Best Bets

Race 3 - #7 DAYZEE DIOR (EACH WAY)

3yo Saville Row filly who has shown plenty of ability in her short career to date. First-up this campaign, she worked hard and gave in easily early in the straight, however that run should have her up to the mark for this. Dayzee Dior has shown a dynamic turn of foot when ridden cold in her last preparation, with there being an abundance of early speed in the race, it’s likely she maps to settle midfield and should have every possible chance to hit the line hard with even luck in running from the middle gate (6). My only concern will be her lack of exposure to dry tracks; however I am expecting a much-improved performance from this filly in what is an open race.

Race 6 - #5 TAVANASIA (PLACE)

I thought this filly was a great place bet at relatively short odds (around $1.90 on TAB). She maps to lead or be handy to the speed in what looks a race devoid of any tempo. The switch back to a Good surface, as well as Joe Kamaruddin taking the steer from the inside barrier are all big assists for mine. Happy to just have a place play, with Loquita and Tres Chic looking like talented fillies who would be hard to beat with luck in running.

Race 9 - #1 DEVIL IN DISGUISE (WIN)

Admittedly, he is a touch shorter than I had expected on open at the $2.10 quote, however, this looks his race to lose. He’s a 4yo son of Mongolian Khan who has now had 5 runs back this campaign, where he has been building nicely into his preparation without winning. NZ’s leading jockey Michael McNab now rides from the low gate (3), where he should land a spot in front, or just behind the leaders. He is a grinding stayer, so his undoing could be a lack of tempo in a small field – however, Michael McNab is the best in the business to mitigate that.