Best Bet

Race 6 - #5 DA OPTIMIST (Win)

He’s a 5yo Exceed And Excel gelding having his 2nd career start, who did run 38L last at Rotorua on debut on the testing Heavy10 track there. Willing to forgive and forget his debut effort, now stepping back to the 970m on the synthetic looks a much more suitable assignment. Wide draw (9) is a slight concern over the short trip, however, the services of Warren Kennedy should assist in offsetting that.

Next Best Bet

Race 1 - #3 YESTERDAY’S GONE (Win)

Really liked the debut effort of Yesterday’s Gone over the 1300m at this track two weeks ago. He probably goes close to winning had he not lugged in for the majority of the home straight, proving a very difficult ride for Ashvin Goindasamy. Now stepping up to 1550m, with the services of 2kg claiming apprentice Kelsey Hannan, Yesterday’s Gone looks very well placed to be breaking his maiden status. The $3.80 on offer is a good price, I had him marked shorter in what looks a winnable maiden contest.