Race 6 – 4:00PM Winsec Savings & Loans BM56 Handicap (2000m)
2. Great Prosperity – $4.60 win / $1.90 place
Luke Oliver’s gelding is building a strong campaign and strikes a winnable BM56. Comes off a tough win at Kyneton over 1856m where he closed powerfully from midfield to score with something in hand. He’s always hinted at staying potential and now gets conditions to suit again – good track, similar grade, and the experienced Luke Nolen aboard. If he holds form, he’s the one to beat.
3. Too Big – $3.70 win / $1.70 place
Peter Smith’s five-year-old is ultra-consistent and has strung together a strong run of top-four finishes this prep. Recent efforts at Albury and Wangaratta show he’s in the zone, and he’s proven at the trip. With Kissick sticking and barrier 2 ensuring a soft run, he’s a major player once more.
6. Dreamstone (NZ) – $6.50 win / $2.20 place
Front-running mare who can give a sight. Debbie Delphin’s stayer has been mixing it in stronger company and drops in grade here. Her recent third at Wagga over 2400m reads well, and the 2000m trip looks perfect at this stage of the prep. If Spain can control the tempo from the inside draw, she’ll take catching.
7. Overloaded – $11.00 win / $3.50 place
The Mansfield veteran rarely runs a poor race at home or nearby circuits. His recent form behind Shultzy and Sacrify suggests he’s going well enough to pinch one soon. Barrier 8 isn’t ideal, but if he finds cover midfield, expect him to be running on late.
Race 7 – 4:30PM Extons BM56 Handicap (1170m)
5. The Grumpy Bear – $2.15 win / $1.30 place
Lloyd Kennewell’s runner drops from city-class BM58 company to this weaker provincial field and looks ideally placed to bounce back. Forget his last run at Benalla when nothing went right. His earlier form around Faithinher and Here The Crowd is solid, and from barrier 2 with Zac Spain, he’ll park just off the speed and be too classy.
6. Mission Gold – $9.50 win / $2.80 place
Lightly raced Capitalist gelding from the Payne camp who has more upside than most here. Broke maiden impressively at Mildura and looks well placed to take the next step. Handles both good and soft tracks and will be charging home late if the tempo’s genuine.
10. Controversial Miss – $10.00 win / $3.20 place
The local mare from the Weeding stable has been rejuvenated this prep. Comes off a brave placing at Deniliquin and now gets Cassidy Hill’s 4kg claim to help her cause. Drawn the fence, she’ll be punching through to hold a forward spot and could prove hard to get past if left alone up front.
12. Legacy Bel – $7.50 win / $2.40 place
Rick Harrison’s mare finally broke through at Healesville last start and looks ready to go on with it. Carleen Hefel retains the ride, and the soft draw allows her to stalk the leaders. If she replicates her Healesville sectionals, she’s right in the mix again.
Race 8 – 5:00PM Your Everyday Gourmet BM56 Handicap (1170m)
1. With Strength – $4.00 win / $1.75 place
Dan McCarthy’s progressive galloper has come back in terrific order, winning two of his first three starts. His recent Albury win was dominant, and the gelding’s tactical speed is a big asset. With Kissick steering from the wide alley, he should press on and take luck out of the equation. Can go back-to-back.
3. Gundaroo – $11.00 win / $3.40 place
Honest campaigner who rarely misses the frame at this level. A few runs in stronger company have him fit and battle-hardened. Drawn wide again but has a good record on good tracks. Don’t dismiss him for a podium finish at odds.
7. Mr Assertive – $6.50 win / $2.30 place
Team Kavanagh’s gelding has been ultra-consistent this prep and deserves another win. He’s been narrowly denied in his last two and maps perfectly to sit just off the leaders. The stable has him spot on for this, and Rawiller knows him well.
10. Aminatu – $11.00 win / $3.50 place
Reece Goodwin’s seasoned mare brings a wealth of experience and loves a fight. Blinkers go on for the first time – a key gear change that might spark her back to form. If she finds the front early, she could take plenty of catching.
Race 9 – 5:35PM Ovens Ford Wangaratta BM56 Handicap (1400m)
1. Black Adam – $15.00 win / $4.20 place
Dan McCarthy’s local hopes rest with this strong on-pace galloper who’s been super consistent all campaign. He’ll roll forward with the claim and take plenty of catching if he gets a soft lead. Loves the track and trip, and conditions suit.
4. Tatsu – $4.40 win / $1.85 place
Cranbourne visitor from the Kennewell yard who’s been runner-up in his last three. Zac Spain sticks, which is a big positive, and he brings superior form lines to this BM56. From barrier 4, he’ll get every chance to finally break through.
10. Strummer – $21.00 win / $4.80 place
Lightly raced gelding who’s won three of nine and has the talent to measure up here. He’s fitter for two trials and a recent picnic win at Yungera. John Kissick rides, and he’s a genuine knockout hope at double figures.
12. Chilli Reaper – $4.20 win / $1.85 place
The Payne stable rarely miss when they target country BM56 races. Chilli Reaper was stiff at Mildura last start when narrowly beaten, and she’ll strip fitter. Expect Neil Farley to have her stalking the speed and pouncing late. Very hard to beat.
Rusty’s Plays
Best Bet: 5. The Grumpy Bear (Race 7)
Next Best: 1. With Strength (Race 8)
Value Bet: 7. Overloaded (Race 6)
Quaddie – Races 6–9
Leg 1 (R6): 2, 3, 6, 7
Leg 2 (R7): 5, 6, 10, 12
Leg 3 (R8): 1, 3, 7, 10
Leg 4 (R9): 1, 4, 10, 12
Rusty says: Monday punting doesn’t get much better than Wangaratta – a good track, honest fields, and a few slick types ready to cash in. Stick fat with the proven stables and play wide in the quaddie – there’s value about!
