Race 3 – 2026 Face Of The Carnival Search Now Open Country Boosted Maiden Handicap (1400 METRES)
1 DOUBTFREE – $3.5
Put the writing on the wall last start when just nutted at Corowa. Up to 1400m now and looks ready to peak fourth-up. Draws to lob into a lovely position with McDougall steering. Hard fit and has finally found the right race.
4 AZZUCCA – $5
No knock on her consistency and she hasn’t had much go her way this prep. Handles all surfaces and looks well suited in a race with little early pressure. Likely to slide forward from the draw and give them something to chase.
5 BRUTAL BELLE – $3.2
Four straight placings and ready to win. Has been building through the line and the recent 1435m effort was a beauty. Draws out but can work across and stalk the speed. In the mix every time and gets her chance to break through.
Race 5 – Wagga Workwear Benchmark 58 Handicap – Heat Of The Wagga Stayers Series (1800 METRES)
1 PRINCE OF ARENDELL – $19
Maps to drift back and find cover. Drops significantly in grade after tackling better races. Handles all ground and gets a strong senior rider on. If they overdo it up front, he’s the one charging late at odds.
3 BOY FROM TENNESSEE – $6
Won well at this trip two back and nothing wrong with the lead-up form. Has a booming finish and Kissick knows him well. If they roll along, he’ll be one of the few strong enough to finish over the top.
4 MR TADASHI – $6.5
Back in trip after a few tough staying efforts and that might be the key. Draws well, maps handy and comes through tougher races than this. Local trainer has a knack with these types and Billy Owen stays on.
Race 8 – Triple Threat Riverina Benchmark 58 Handicap (1300 METRES)
3 KEITH – $14
Tough old veteran who goes well here and has the early speed to roll across and take luck out of the equation. Has won at the track and distance and looks ready to fire third-up. Can give cheek if left alone.
7 HEAVENLY KISS – $5
Showed good improvement last prep and her win at Albury was full of merit. Draws wide but has the speed to overcome it. Finds a very winnable race here and with Penza on, she’s a live chance to keep progressing.
9 BOLD TRIUMPH – $7
Tough on-pacer who bounced back with a deserved win at Corowa. Likes to race on speed and drawn to be there again. He’ll be in this for a long way and hard to get past if conditions suit on-pacers.
Rusty’s Plays:
Best Bet: BRUTAL BELLE (Race 3) – Four straight placings and now gets a race lacking depth. Looks ready to win.
Value: BOY FROM TENNESSEE (Race 5) – Stayer with a turn of foot. Right setup to land the knockout.
Each-Way: KEITH (Race 8) – Genuine track specialist who maps to lead and make his own luck. Overs.
