Meeting Overview: (as at 12/01)

As we have seen across the country lately, warm sunny weather has meant a number of tracks require irrigation and Wingatui is no different. With 12mm of water put on the track across Thursday and Friday, the surface is currently a Soft 5. Given there is plenty of sun, wind and heat forecast in the region, this track will be back to a Good 4 by race morning and if not, it will see an upgrade through the day.

The rail remains in the true position, as it was here on Boxing Day. But it is worth noting, the rain poured through the day on that occasion and had a significant impact on those races. It should race very fairly in this rail position, if anything, the inside may have some wear due to the rain and racing it had on Boxing Day, just two weeks ago.

Best Bet

Race 2 - #2 FIFITA (Win)

He is an honest customer who is really in a good groove at the moment. His racing pattern means he always has to do it the hard way in front, and he does face a rise in the weight he carries for this, but from gate 3 in a seven-horse field, he should be able to saunter to the lead and have things his own way. His current quote of $2.50 is as low as I think I would be taking, however, this race maps as one he really should be winning.

Next Bet

Race 6 - #5 SACRED DREAM (Win)

It’s hard to ignore the northern form when it ventures South for the first time, and they certainly haven’t missed this one. A smart 3YO filly that looked to just need more time to adjust to open age group racing finds herself in a good southern stable and in a grade, she shouldn’t take long to clear. The slight concern might be her fitness in this race, having not raced since September, but she has the quality to be winning soon and at $4 currently, I am happy to be with her.

Value Bet

Race 8 - #2 IFFIDIDIT (Each Way)

This ODT Southern mile qualifier has attracted a nice field and with that, I suspect created some value for punters. The two at the top of this market certainly deserve their place there but the run of Iffididit last start at Kurow caught my eye. With no luck on that occasion, you look further back in his form and see a top win during cup week and a close-up 3^rd behind the South Islands form horse at the moment, Betty Spaghetti, who tackles stakes company at Trentham on Saturday. The rise back to 1600m will suit Iffididit and $11 & $3.50 is solid each way shopping.