Race 3 – 3:05PM – Tooheys 4YO & Up Maiden Handicap (1250 METRES)
4 COYOTE – $6.5 / 2.4
Had some handy runs in Victoria and has shown the right signs of progression. Comes here off a solid prep where he’s had excuses. Has tactical speed and can be prominent early. Looks the type to eat up the extra yardage, and with Buckley on from gate 7, he maps to get every chance. If he’s ready, he can knock this over.
8 AWEIGH – $9.6 / 3.1
Still a maiden but has done enough in several runs to suggest she’s up to this level. Back to provincial grade after some deeper forays, and blinkers off is a big move. She draws ideally, maps to sit handy and finish off. The stable’s had a knack for producing improvers second-up. Can surprise at odds.
Race 5 – 4:20PM – Horsepower Feeds & Supplements 4YO & Up Maiden Plate (1500 METRES)
1 BUCKENARA – $5.5 / 2.1
Well-exposed now but this is winnable. Brings solid city form and now finds himself against a weaker lot. Back to 1500m suits, and the inside draw allows him to either box seat or stalk the leaders. Gibbons on is a push. Hard fit and no excuses.
4 JONSON (NZ) – $4.8 / 1.9
NZ import who brings a bit of mystery. Recent trials suggest he’s ready to go fresh, and Baker doesn’t miss when sending them first-up off back-to-back wins. Looks to have ability and gets a nice soft draw to kick off the prep. Massive watch.
6 SWITZ – $27 / 6.5
Long odds but has shown early toe in previous runs. Blinkers off and a jockey upgrade. If he jumps well and lands in the first four, he could hang on for a minor placing. Use in wider exotics.
Race 7 – 5:30PM – The Prince of Merewether Hotel 5YO & Up BM64 Handicap (1500 METRES)
2 SUBARCTIC – $21 / 4.8
Veteran galloper who mixes his form but can pop up in the right race. This is his pet distance range and has previous wins around this trip. Wide gate is sticky, but if they go hard, he’ll be the one rattling late. Don’t leave out of the multiples.
3 BELLENTH – $5.6 / 2.0
Consistent, hard fit and drawn to find cover and peel late. He’s been competitive in deeper Midway company and now finds a provincial race he can absolutely win. Keep in mind he’s won here and at similar trips. Looks set to peak.
6 SURREAL I AM – $7.5 / 2.6
Honest gelding who comes here off a strong win at the track and trip. Retains fitness, finds a lovely draw, and looks to be holding form beautifully. Carries weight but has earned it. Hard to knock. Top three player.
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Rusty’s Picks
Best Bet: 4 JONSON (NZ) – Quiet trials and soft draw. Expecting a big run fresh.
Value: 8 AWEIGH – Has city form and drawn to do no work. Blinkers off a plus.
Roughie: 2 SUBARCTIC – Veteran profile, proven over the trip. Might blouse them late.
