AVONDALE

Best Bet

Race 4 - #5 STRUCK GOLD (Win)

This horse was the subject of a large betting move two weeks ago at Te Rapa before being scratched on the day. Struck Gold debuts here off the back of a very quiet trial in March, where he was never out of second gear on the bridle. Struck Gold also won a trial with ease on a Heavy10 back in December 2022, where he sidled on by subsequent race winner, Our Turn. He isn’t quite paying the $13 that was on offer early two weeks ago, however he looks a strong winning chance in this field.

Next Best Bet

Race 10 - #1 BROOKBOURNE (Each Way)

I selected Brookbourne as a value play last start at Rotorua, where he simply never looked likely over the 1560m in R75 company. Now up to 2200m, back to R65 company, he looks much better placed here 3^rd up. His better performances of late have been when he has landed closer to the speed, which may be the plan here from the low draw over the longer journey. Bailey Rogerson’s 3kg claim could prove a telling factor come this point of the day, in what will likely be a grinding run to the line in this staying contest.

 

WHANGANUI

Best Bet

Race 3 - #4 BELARDO BOY (Win)

Big fan of the $3.60 currently on offer for Belardo Boy in this field, I was of the opinion he would start sub $3 off the back of his impressive first up run. After Lily Sutherland’s 2kg claim, he meets key rival Old Town Road 3.5kg better off at the weights, whilst also now having a run under his belt. The progression to 1340m on the Heavy10 surface will pose no issues, he looks very well placed to turn the tables on his stablemate here.

Next Best Bet

Race 6 - #1 JUSTASKME (Win)

The $2 on opening for this highly talented galloper looked to be big overs. The $1.80 currently is still more than fair as I had him marked $1.60 in this field. Under WFA conditions he gets in extremely well at the weights against all of these outside of Times Ticking (who he still meets 0.5kg better than he would under Handicap conditions). The small field should see him settling closer to the speed than usual, with a repeat of his latest effort likely seeing him win again here. Times Ticking and Secret Amour were both ultra impressive at their latest starts, however, would likely need to improve again to be matching it with Justaskme.