Race 5 – 3:40PM – QRacing Membership Super Maiden Plate (1000 METRES)
1 BRUTAL ADVANCE – $3.1
Brings Sydney metro form to a much weaker Queanbeyan maiden. Gets the blinkers back on and has shown speed in previous runs. The drop to 1000m should suit and barrier 2 means Layt can dictate terms. Has burned punters before but this looks his to lose if he jumps clean and handles the tighter turn.
4 MELODIA PERFECTA – $6.5
A well-travelled mare who has raced in stronger company down south. Resumes in her home region and has shown enough in her jump outs to warrant respect. Will get back from the gate but has a booming finish and should be storming home. Big watch fresh.
9 IMPENETRABLE – $17
Debutant for a small yard with limited exposed form. Trialled quietly at Wagga and draws poorly. Will need a stack of luck but does get in light with the apprentice claim. Market watch advised but leaning to others with runs on the board.
Race 6 – 4:15PM – Venue Mode Exclusive F&M Benchmark 58 Handicap (1460 METRES)
1 ANGEL IN THE WIND – $2.25
Has been competing in strong Highway grade races and finds a very winnable assignment here back home. Class runner of the field and maps well from gate 3. Can settle midfield and be produced late. If she brings her Sydney form, she simply wins.
6 TERESPRIT – $4.6
Was good last start when chasing home Astunner and looks suited here up in trip. Draws to do no work and gets the in-form apprentice aboard. Will be thereabouts in the run and can sneak a place or better if the top pick falters.
Race 7 – 4:50PM – It’s TAB Time CG&E Benchmark 58 Handicap (1460 METRES)
2 UNDER THE HOOD – $3.1
Honest type who has returned well this prep. Won two back in the heavy and wasn’t disgraced when fourth at Goulburn last start. Maps to lead or box seat from the inside alley and will give a big kick into the straight. Hard to run down.
6 SEBASTIAN’S FLYER – $9.5
Veteran galloper who rarely runs a bad race. Has been hitting the line well and drops back slightly in trip. Needs luck from the wide draw but will be running on. Knockout chance if tempo is genuine.
8 TILLMAN – $5.5
Pulled out a surprise win last start at Cootamundra and could go on with it here. Back in trip is a small query, but he’s tough and drawn to get cover. Don’t dismiss in this company.
Rusty’s Picks:
Best Bet:
1 ANGEL IN THE WIND (R6) – Brings Highway form and looks ideally placed.
Value:
8 TILLMAN (R7) – Up in grade but gets the right set-up to repeat.
Roughie:
9 IMPENETRABLE (R5) – Unseen filly who could surprise if the breaks go her way.
