Best Bet | Race 5 #6 April Rain
James McDonald has stuck with April Rain and I feel he’ll have a much better handle for a horse which seems a bit quirky to ride. She ran enormous last start at the Gold Coast when second in the Silk Stocking. This race is no harder and she did travel plenty of territory first-up on that occasion and she may have peaked on her run, despite seemingly finishing quite well. She goes well second-up and handles the heavy.
Next Best | Race 3 #4 Zougotcha
Well-bred youngster trained by Chris Waller who has been sent north to target key races such as the JJ Atkins during the Brisbane winter. She looked brilliant winning on debut before getting in the wrong part of the track last start at Randwick. Both career runs have been on Heavy 10 surfaces and James McDonald has also been on for both runs. He sticks here and it would be no surprise to see her announce herself as a serious filly.
Best Each Way | Race 1 #3 Montez
We’re getting a good price about this galloper – mostly because he’s trained by Maryann Brosnan, who has a rather low profile. However, she does place her horses well and this is a prime example. Montez is fourth-up and has been warming to his best since resuming and the step up to the mile looks ideal. He’s also won on heavy ground and clearly gets through the wet. From the good barrier, Brad Stewart should afford him a good run and will just need to find room at the right time. He also has a great record at this track and distance, never missing a place from three tries (which includes two wins).