Race 7 – U&U Recruitment Benchmark 90 Handicap (1200 METRES)
3 Hold On Honey ($6.50)
Seasoned speed horse who makes his own luck. The seven-day back-up reads well at this circuit and the three-kilo claim brings him to 57.5 which is a key lever from gate 7. Records at Doomben and at 1200 are solid and he maps to control or sit outside the lead. Hard to catch if he rolls at even fractions.
4 Bunker Hut ($2.30)
Class runner with a significant claim to 53 from barrier 1. Consistent at this trip and arrives off a strong Sydney figure behind Cloudland. Box-seat map with the rail to follow and he owns the best last six-hundred profile in the race. Clear benchmark.
9 King Of Naples ($26.00)
Capable on his day and gets a light weight. Recent work has been better than the figures suggest and the draw gives him every chance to stalk the right back. Needs the leaders to overdo it but is the value runner to charge late.
Race 8 – Bundaberg Rum Class 6 Plate (1350 METRES)
2 Viminele ($5.50)
Second-up improver who was very good late fresh at Eagle Farm. Strong record at Doomben and at 1350 and the claim gets him in neatly. Draw 4 sets a soft map midfield with cover before angling out on the bend. Right set up to peak.
11 Naval Trader ($5.50)
Honest gelding who thrives around Doomben. Closed hard behind Nettuno last start and now finds his pet trip. Barrier 2 ensures an economical run behind the leaders. If the tempo is genuine he will be in the finish.
13 Starry Eyes ($41.00)
Wide draw makes the map tricky and recent figures are mixed, but he has wins at 1200 to 1400 and can tag a hot tempo. Likely settles back and looks for gaps late. Needs a genuine speed and a clean last run to figure. Rough place chance only.
Race 9 – Ladbrokes Mates Mode POTS Benchmark 78 Handicap (1200 METRES)
5 About To Explode ($3.80)
Progressive sprinter with a sharp last start win at Eagle Farm. Draw 9 is workable given his pattern and he owns a strong last four hundred to sustain a wide lane. Handles all conditions and brings the top rating into this grade. The one to beat.
16 Heyoka ($11.00)
Honest mare who races well at this track and trip. Maps to land just behind the speed from gate 4 and has a neat turn of foot at the top of the straight. Second-up profile is sound and she presents as the main danger at a price.
17 Bright Blonde (EM) ($4.20)
Emergency with current winning form at the track. Low draw suits her on-pace style and she carries a competitive weight. If she secures a start she is a must-include for the finish.
Professor’s Final Analysis
Best Bet: Bunker Hut ($2.30)
Best Each Way: Hold On Honey ($6.50)
Best Value: King Of Naples ($26.00)
Professor’s Best Value Place Multi
Race 7 – King Of Naples (Place)
Race 8 – Starry Eyes (Place)
Race 9 – Heyoka (Place)
