Racing returns to Doomben this Saturday with nine races, the rail back into +1.5m and fine weather set to produce a good surface. It’s a tricky meeting with the highlight of the day being Miami Fleiss returning after her scintillating debut win. She’s at prohibitive odds but there will be plenty of interest around whether she can continue on her winning ways. We won’t be backing her but there is some value to be found on the card.

BEST BETS

Race 1 – #4 Acumen

Former Godolphin runner who was heavily supported last start at his new home on the Gold Coast. He was first-up off two trials and the market expected him to win – but was disappointing on face value. The stewards’ report outlined perhaps slight issue so happy to forgive. This horse has ability and the shrewd Michael Costa yard should be able to iron out any issues from his last start defeat. Two trials were solid enough to suggest he’s worth following and we get a much more attractive price around the double figure mark. On paper the wide gate looks a negative, but he has the speed to nip across and lob outside the lead.

Race 7 – #3 Grey Missile

Keen on the chances of Grey Missile for the Edmonds camp – but the one caution is the wide gate. There’s a chance he could be stuck deep – just as he was last start – but I’m banking on Ronnie Stewart having a plan to find some cover or zip over into the first couple (if he does, fingers crossed he finds the one-one). He gets into this relatively weak open handicap with only 54kg and this does look easier. Slight query is that he’s nearly six weeks between runs here, but he has ran well previously with his runs spaced. Looks a great each way play at a price.

Race 8 – #11 Oakfield Missile

Trainer Damien Lane has crossed the NSW border and snuck into an extremely open and winnable race. The market has also missed her at around the $20+ quote. Form in Sydney lines up well for this including a narrow defeat behind the talented Threeood only two starts back at Group 3 level. Admittedly that was on a heavy track, but her stats don’t suggest she needs it wet. Whilst she does lack early speed and will likely be back near enough to last despite the low draw, there is speed to burn in this race to set up for her to swoop late. Nice each-way play.

Race 9 – #11 Hold The Line

Hard to go past the favourite Garibaldi who has been impressive this time in, but the David Vandyke-trained Hold The Line grabbed a confidence-boosting win last start. A slightly tricky draw here for this mare, but she could be well-positioned in the second half by Steph Thornton with some pace on up front. She’s third-up off that soft Ipswich win at Ipswich and has always shown potential. Outside of Garibaldi this looks a pretty weak affair and I wouldn’t be surprised to see Hold The Line fighting out the finish at an each-way quote.