Meeting Overview:

Going: Soft6 (as at 14/11)

Rail: True 

With plenty of wind and sunshine on the forecast, it was unsurprising to see the team at Riccarton irrigate following Saturday’s meeting, but what may have caught a few by surprise was to see the Heavy8 posted on Monday morning. However, this is already back to a Soft6 and with continued sun and wind, I expect we will see a Soft5 in one of the next track updates and suspect even a Good track for Wednesday. The rail stays in the true, which saw a slight leaders bias on Saturday’s meeting.

Best Bet

Race 1 - #18 SHEAF (Win)

With a bit of support for this horse on Saturday, it’s unsurprising to see her short in this field. The rise to 2000m in this looks like it will suit her perfectly and if she can handle the quick back up, she finds a winnable race. There is yet to be a rider declared as she requires one more scratching to get in the field and the barrier is less than ideal, but if she lines up, I expect a big showing. The stable wouldn’t have her in it if she couldn’t go close.

Next Bet

Race 4 - #3 DAMAS (Win)

Will be much better for the outing it had when racing over 900m on debut, drawing the outside on that occasion, he just did a little wrong and will benefit from the experience. What has caught my eye was the smart trial recently at Woodville where he was sent forward, found the rail and went around much more professionally. The draw isn’t ideal but the claim and Lily Sutherland staying aboard is a tick and the stable of Caley Myers are firing well.