Meeting Overview: (as at 19/01)

With irrigation going on early in the week and some mid-week showers we see the track currently rated a Soft 6. However, with plenty of wind and sun since and on the forecast to come, we are likely to see this track back to a Soft 5 come race morning and maybe even a Good 4 through the race day. The rail remains in the True position, which is where it was last Saturday. It played extremely fairly last Saturday, and I suspect we will see more of the same here again. Later in the day, riders may want to get a few widths off the rail, but I think everyone will get their chance on this surface.

Best Bet

Race 6 - #2 KANA (Win)

She is a pretty smart customer on her day this horse and if you are prepared to forgive her run in Listed company on the quick back-up at Riccarton last start, then she probably should be a lot shorter than $5.50 here. She destroyed a Rating 65 field at this course and then went on to score a very nice win at Riccarton in this grade. The draw is a plus for her and so is the booking of Daniel Stackhouse. She can find a spot in behind them early and she can unleash a lethal sprint when she gets clear.

Next Bet

Race 1 - #6 TERRA PRETA (Win)

This is a pretty deep race with some handy types clashing to start the day. Although it doesn’t read as the most impressive win in this field, Terra Preta was a tidy win last start. She got to the front and really started to coast, so she will improve with the experience. A key factor for her here in my opinion is the rise to 1400m, she looks like a mare who will appreciate getting over 1600m+ in time and this looks like a great race for her to progress in. One which I think at $7.50 makes her very backable. She has a sticky draw in gate 9, but with plenty of speed inside her, I think she can settle around mid-field in a nice spot and look to round them in late. The booking of in-form Sam Spratt is nothing but positive.

Value Bet

Race 8 - #6 SKYMAN (Each Way)

This is such a deep and exciting race, and it is the former Australian trained galloper who has my attention. His form over 1600m in Australia is better than some may think and the SW+P format of this race, see him get in with 56kg. Barrier 8 should give Daniel Stackhouse a great chance to track a horse like El Vencedor across and settle inside the first 6 runners. He was eye-catching recently when trialing behind Legarto over 1100m and I feel he will be at his peak for this. He is currently at $9 & $3 in this and I am very keen to have an each way bet here.