Race 6 – Leading Teams BM62 Handicap (1447m)
6 STEEL MOVE – $2.50 Only lightly raced but already proven to have a motor. Third-up and peaking, this Godolphin gelding finds the right race to break through again. Chased hard at Seymour last start when just missed, and now strips fitter with a key map advantage. Drawn to park closer from gate 2 and gets Currie up, who rides Geelong well. Expect him to stalk the speed and let down – looks the one.
8 ACELUM – $5.00 Finally broke the maiden tag last start in dominant style. Was heavily backed and delivered like a horse going places. Wide draw no luxury but Dee is flying and the Hayes camp knows how to keep them improving through the grades. Third-up now and hard-fit. Expect him to balance up midfield and be strong through the line again.
9 THATS ARCHIES GIRL – $15.00 Blew out the cobwebs at Geelong and is much better suited here second-up. Two-time winner including over this trip. Maps to get cover midfield and be saved for one last crack. Not as seasoned as others but definitely has a motor when right. Overs if she gets luck late.
Race 7 – Rex Gorell Volkswagen BM62 Handicap (1247m)
3 APPARATUS (NZ) – $9.00 Capable type with a few tricks. Blinkers come off for the first time and has the right form to measure up. The fresh jumpout win suggests he’s ticking over sweetly. Drawn wide so needs a touch of luck early but if he finds cover he can finish off. Can win without surprising.
8 BLUE BANDIT – $7.50 Bolted in last start on a wet track and looked a horse going places. Lightly raced and keeps improving. Jye McNeil sticks, which is always a push. Tricky draw but has early speed to offset. If he gets across cleanly, he’ll be hard to run down again.
11 EXCENIA – $3.80 Talented filly who nearly pinched it here fresh. That run screams ‘back me next start’ and she gets her chance here. Can sit off a genuine tempo and flash late. Michael Dee knows her well and barrier 8 gives him options. Classy type still on the up.
Race 8 – BetaVet BM62 Handicap (1765m)
2 HOT TOO GO – $2.30 Progressive galloper who’s ready to win again. Gave them windburn here two back and then was brave behind a smart one at Sale. Maps to do no work from barrier 3 and gets Stackhouse. The rise to 1765m is ideal and he looks perfectly placed to win again.
3 STORM AHEAD – $4.60 Been mixing in deeper waters and has the right setup to be very competitive here. Cranbourne jumpouts were solid and gets Jamie Mott who rides these races perfectly. Should be in the first few and give a good kick. Massive drop in grade is key.
6 CAPITAL GRACE – $13.00 Won well at Mornington last start and has always shown some promise. Can go on with it now, especially if the race is run to suit. John Allen is a positive booking and she’s drawn to do no work. Knockout hope at odds.
Rusty’s Plays:
Best Bet:
STEEL MOVE (Race 6) – Third-up, gets the perfect run, and profiles to win. McEvoy and Currie combine in the right race.
Value:
BLUE BANDIT (Race 7) – Wide draw tricky but has upside and a strong SP profile. Hard fit and can make a statement.
Each-Way:
CAPITAL GRACE (Race 8) – Comes off a confidence-boosting win. Maps well and Allen sticks. Can surprise late at a price.
