Race 6 – 4:00PM – Hygain Winners Choice BM70 Handicap (1600 METRES)
7 ACTIVE DUTY – $6
Ultra-consistent galloper with a real appetite for the mile. He bounced back with a strong win at Geelong two starts ago and nearly pinched one in Adelaide next time out. Last start was a touch flat, but he boxed on okay considering the high weight. Back to his right trip and drawn to control things from barrier one. Fry knows him well. Can roll forward and take catching.
11 MAID IN DUBAI – $19
Tough mare with a will to win. She was excellent in the Coota Cup last start when closing strongly late. Drawn wide but gets in light, and she has a sneaky good record around this distance range. Might be ready to peak third-up, and if the inside chops out, she’ll be one of the few savaging the line. Don’t dismiss her at the odds.
12 MACEDON ROSE – $3
Lightly raced with scope and building nicely this prep. Last two runs in town have had merit – she’s been attacking the line without luck. This is a nice drop in grade and she’s hard fit now. Gaudray claims 3kg and gives her every chance. Will be giving a start, but the long Ballarat straight is her friend. Big danger.
Race 7 – 4:30PM – Sportsbet Race Previews BM66 Handicap (1000 METRES)
3 INTEREST POINT – $5.5
Was thrown into some deep water earlier in the year and held his own. Two solid trials before resuming and he was good late first-up. Drawn to get a sweet trail here and has a touch of class on some of these. Currie sticks, which is a positive signal. Expect sharp improvement – a big watch.
11 ODESSA – $1.95
Looks a progressive type from the McEvoy yard. Thumped them twice on the synthetic before being thrown into a hot race at Sandown, where she wasn’t disgraced. Back to a more suitable level now and blinkers go on. Linda Meech takes the ride and she’ll be looking to control from up on speed. One to beat.
12 SCREAM – $17
Veteran sprinter who rarely wins but is more than capable of bobbing up in races like this. Resumes off a long break but has jumped out solidly. Has form around some smart types and goes well at Ballarat. Could surprise at odds with the right tempo.
Race 8 – 5:00PM – Hygain Winners Choice BM56 Handicap (1200 METRES)
1 WELCOMETOTHESHOW – $4.4
Progressive galloper with a tidy record. Was dominant last start and looks to have come back a better horse. Carries a big weight but gets a massive 3kg claim from Sarah Field, which brings him right into this. Wide gate, but he has the early toe to cross. Handles all conditions and loves a fight. Top chance.
2 THE GRUMPY BEAR – $2.9
Has been around the mark in stronger grade and looks well-placed here. Proven fresh and trialled well in the lead-up to this. Kennewell camp flying and Lachie Neindorf is riding confidently. If he brings his best, they’ll struggle to hold him out.
8 JENNI LA ROCK – $10
Still learning the craft but has talent. Strong maiden win at Tatura and followed it with a game placing at Geelong. The booking of Billy Egan is ideal and she maps to get a nice midfield sit with cover. Knockout hope if the breaks come.
Rusty’s Plays
Best Bet: 11 ODESSA – Hard fit, blinkers on, and back in grade. This looks her race to lose.
Value: 11 MAID IN DUBAI – Third-up and ready to peak. Can storm over the top late.
Each Way: 3 INTEREST POINT – Maps well and has the class edge. Overs in early markets.
