Best Bets

Race 3 - #1 SIR ALBERT (WIN)

He comes into this on the short back up, having finished runner up last Thursday at Timaru. Sectionally, he was clearly the best late last week in the 3yo SW&P race he contested, recording the fastest closing 800m, 600m, 400m and 200m. He also trialed up well on the synthetic prior to his last start 2^nd, when finishing behind subsequent race winner, Wind In My Wings. Now back in maiden company, with Michael McNab sticking, staying at the 1600m, he looks hard to beat in this lineup. Kinloch looks the obvious danger; however, the wide draw and speed underneath will make things tricky for him.

Race 6 - #5 SEARCHLIGHT (EACH-WAY)

She’s an interesting runner in this field, dropping right back from 2200m to 1400m on the synthetic, four weeks between runs. She maps to lead and control this race as Michael McNab pleases, with Kikimora, the other likely on speed runner drawn underneath likely looking for a soft run stepping back up to 1400m. Searchlight gets the blinkers back on, it wouldn’t be surprising to see McNab roll along in front to ensure it is a truly run 1400m.

Value Bet

Race 4 - #10 KUDOS DE SOTHYS (EACH-WAY)

The switch back to the poly track is the reason I’m having an each way play on Kudos de Sothys at long odds. His form this time in hasn’t been inspiring, only beating one runner home in each of his two runs this preparation. The last time this horse won was on the poly back in September 2022, where he ran away from his rivals with sharp closing sectionals under a big weight. He does need to lift significantly off his first two runs this campaign, however, in what looks a very open contest, he would be a major player with his best.