Race 6 – 8:45PM – Bridgestone Select Pakenham BM66 Handicap (1600 METRES)
1 CHEST OF GOLD – $2.1
Progressive type who’s been ultra-consistent in stronger grade. Solid last start at Flemington when leading them up and only nailed late. Drops back to a BM66, finds Beau Mertens again, and maps to either lead or box seat. Has trialled well, handles soft going, and looks every bit the horse on the rise. Deserved favourite.
8 HOUSE OF LORDS (NZ) – $3.0
Really promising mare who brings strong Sale form and is still learning her craft. Blinkers go on for the first time which could unlock further improvement. She’s won second-up before and gets Ben Allen again. Despite the wide gate, she should be strong late if the tempo is genuine.
9 CAPTAIN BARBOSSA – $34.0
Lightly raced gelding resuming from a lengthy spell. Did win well on debut and has jumped out soundly, but his last prep tailed off badly. Has talent but likely looking for further. Watch market moves but might need the run.
Race 7 – 9:15PM – Gippsland Premium Quarries BM66 Handicap (2000 METRES)
3 MOVE ON IN (GB) – $15.0
Hit a flat spot this prep but is proven at the trip and does like firmer going. The Cranbourne team have him ticking over, and back to BM66 level gives him a sniff. The price is about right — one for wider exotics.
6 GATES – $9.0
Moody/Coleman runner who always shows just enough to keep punters interested. Last-start placing at Sandown was solid, and he gets a good gate with Nolen sticking. His strike rate isn’t flash, but he’s in the mix again.
11 GIGGENBACH (NZ) – $4.6
Absolutely flying this prep and looks ready to tackle 2000m again after a dominant last-start win. She’s tactically versatile and has the turn of foot to put these away. If she holds form, she’s right in the finish.
Race 8 – 9:45PM – Mitavite Athlete Plus BM66 Handicap (1000 METRES)
2 HARALDUS – $13.0
Smart type when right and resumes with two solid jumpouts under the belt. Has won fresh, but 1000m may be a bit sharp. Keep safe — strong finish expected late if they overdo it early.
5 NO FOOLING – $2.6
Ultra-impressive early in the prep before finding them too sharp in strong grade at Caulfield. Back to BM66 suits, drawn okay and has upside. Maps to stalk the speed and looks the one they’ll all be chasing.
7 DOCUMENTARY – $8.5
Veteran sprinter who’s now found some rhythm again. Narrowly beaten last start and gets in well at the weights. Tricky gate but if he can slot in, he’s more than capable of causing an upset.
The Professor’s Plays
Best Bet: CHEST OF GOLD – Brings metro form, maps perfectly, and looks the class animal in the field.
Value: GATES – Doesn’t win out of turn but profiles well in a winnable race.
Each-Way: DOCUMENTARY – Race-fit and back in class. Can surprise at odds.
