Race 6 – 4:20PM – Smartloans Bendigo BM66 Handicap (1300 METRES)
1 BRUNG KING – $16
Veteran campaigner with city-grade credentials but has found the going tough this prep. Fitness now peaking after a few runs and finally gets a drop in class. He’s lumping the grand piano (63kg), but with the 3kg claim from Sarah Field, he gets some relief. Drawn awkwardly but will press forward. The kind of horse that could out-tough them late if they overdo it upfront. Knockout chance.
7 JUGIONG – $9
One of the more progressive types in this field. Fresh off a confidence-building win at Wodonga, he now steps up to 1300m for the first time. Maps beautifully from barrier 7 and has the tactical speed to be in the right spot. Two wins and a placing from five starts reads well in a field of battlers. Major player.
12 KHADIME – $4.2
Lightly raced mare with genuine upside. Forget she went around last start at Sale — her Flemington jumpout win before that suggests she’s back on track. A return to a firm surface suits and Egan sticks. Expect her to settle midfield with cover and be launching late. Watch for her to blouse them.
Race 7 – 4:55PM – Budget Car & Truck Hire BM66 Handicap (1500 METRES)
2 ENTRUSTING – $8
No knock on class here — ran in Group company during the autumn and only needs to bring 90% of that form to be right in the finish. Looked flat first-up but strips fitter now. Barrier 13 isn’t ideal but he’s shown he can launch from the back. Blinkers off, intent on.
8 QUELLO DORATO – $7
Has come back in terrific order this prep with consistent efforts across multiple surfaces. Brings synthetic form but has handled turf before. Childs rides and stays on, which is a big push. Expect him to be there in the thick of it when the whips are cracking.
12 SISTER SHAY – $17
Handy mare who’s been ticking along quietly this prep. Comes in light with Sarah Field’s claim and draws to do no work from barrier 2. Put away a handy field at Wodonga and has the perfect set-up to run a cheeky race again. Can run top three at odds.
Race 8 – 5:30PM – Bendigo Locksmiths BM66 Handicap (1100 METRES)
3 EDGES DIAMOND – $3.3
Undefeated in two starts and you can’t knock winning form. He’s shown versatility and the ability to absorb pressure, and Allen rides again. The price is skinny enough, but he’s the one with all the upside and maps to get the run of the race. Expecting him to box-seat and go bang.
12 KID DYNAMITE – $12
Could be ready to explode third-up. Stuck on well last time and has trialled like a horse going better than the form guide suggests. Barrier 3 is perfect and he gets a nice setup to pounce late. One for exotics but wouldn’t talk you out of a small each-way nibble.
14 HAPPY TIERS – $4.8
Lightly raced and showed some ability on debut when breaking maiden nicely. Resumed at Bendigo in a deeper race and wasn’t disgraced after getting back. Barrier 2 and Mertens aboard means she’ll get her chance. Upside play.
Rusty’s Picks:
Best Bet:
3 EDGES DIAMOND (R8) – Untapped sprinter who’s done everything right to date. Clean action, sharp turn of foot, and maps to win.
Value:
12 SISTER SHAY (R7) – Drawn soft, gets in light and has more talent than the market is giving her credit for.
Roughie:
1 BRUNG KING (R6) – Has raced in better class and may just out-stay this lot late if the tempo is genuine.
