Race 3 – Vale Frank Reynolds Maiden Plate (1200m)
4 PONTE ARCOBALENO – $3.40 Gelded and comes into this fitter second-up off a sound effort on the synthetic. Took ground off them late and the jumpouts prior to resumption were sharp. Drops 6.5kg with the claim and maps to be closer in the run this time. With any luck from the inside half, he’s ready to break through.
8 ZIGGY PLAYS GUITAR – $13 Has shown glimpses on the synthetic and now gets back to turf which should suit his action. Forgive the last start at 1400m – didn’t see it out. Back in trip, fitter now, and should settle midfield with cover. Will be strong late if the pace goes on. Knockout hope.
13 YULEBA SHOWGIRL – $71 Beaten a long way on debut but that was on debut in a solid form race. Blinkers and pacifiers go on and she draws soft for a cheap run in transit. Has shown enough in jumpouts to suggest improvement is coming. Knockout chance at odds if there’s early speed and she’s held up for one late run.
Race 5 – Baxters Concrete BM62 Handicap (1200m)
5 JUGIONG – $10 Capable galloper who resumes in a manageable race. His best form stacks up, including a third behind open company performers at Wangaratta. Two jumpouts have been sound and although the draw isn’t ideal, he can settle off-speed and chime in late. Ready to run a race fresh.
6 SEEYOU RAIDER – $7 Speedy type who likes to lead and control. Fresh trial was slick and he maps to find the front with minimal pressure here. Races well at this trip and his form last prep was consistent in tougher company. Fitness the only query but has the motor to take catching.
15 RHODESIAN RED – $7 Racing in career-best form and returns to 1200m after a strong win in 0-58 grade. Handles all going and has tactical versatility to settle wherever the speed lands. Well weighted and drawn to do no work. Can figure again if the pattern suits.
Race 6 – Picklebet’s Get Your Pickle On BM56 Handicap (1100m)
2 RAVEN’S SILVER – $7.50 Big weight with the claim but has a touch of class for this. Resumed with a sharp trial and has form around much stronger horses in previous preps. Draws to stalk the leaders and will appreciate any sting out of the track. If he sees clear air at the right time, he’s in the finish.
5 FRENCH LOLLY – $7 Progressive type who put away a maiden last start with authority. Gets back to turf now and has trialled well since. Looks to have natural upside and if he handles the surface switch, he’ll be charging late. Can measure up in this grade.
6 MR ASSERTIVE – $5 Was building nicely last prep before two flops on heavy tracks. Trials have been solid and returns to a soft deck which should suit better. Maps to stalk from midfield and gets Brad Rawiller to steer. Worth forgiving and following first-up.
Rusty’s Plays:
Best Bet: PONTE ARCOBALENO (Race 3) – Big weight drop, tidy return and jumpouts have him ready. Looks ready to break through.
Value: SEEYOU RAIDER (Race 5) – Can lead, control and pinch this fresh if fit enough. Right setup.
Each-Way: FRENCH LOLLY (Race 6) – Progressive gelding who won well last start. Can handle the step up.
