Best Bet | Race 6 #11 So Clever
Listed as first emergency but I’d be surprised if he doesn’t get a run. This John Moore-trained 4yo has won his only two starts and looks to have a bright future. He handled the step up from maiden to Class 1 with ease when winning at Ipswich a fortnight ago and the form around him looks solid with the second place-getter (Super Gorgeous) coming out and winning again. This looks a very winnable BM72 for a horse on the rise such as So Clever, with a number of more seasoned gallopers past their best. From barrier three he’s also drawn to control the race in front and be mighty hard to run down.
Next best | Race 8 #4 Hard Labour
I’m hoping the last start Grafton win is the turning point for Hard Labour this preparation. This 4yo mare won with authority in what was a decent race after starting the $2.60 favourite. She’s raced at Doomben twice, returning a win and a fifth behind Really Discreet when cast three wide from the 700m. She looks set to get the right run in this race from a good barrier and Andrew Mallyon aboard. She should lob just off the pace with cover and be too good for them at the finish.
Best each way | Race 5 #4 Dashing Special
We blackbooked this 7yo last week and he is on the quick back-up after the unlucky run when fifth, beaten just under five lengths despite being checked at the 200m. As mentioned in the blackbook segment, he is an underrated middle distance / staying type who always goes around at huge odds. While he’s not the $41 he was last Saturday, we still get around the $20 mark which is a great each-way play in what is an easier race. He drops from a BM78 to a BM72 but does have to carry 59kg. From barrier seven he will still be in the second half of the field but I like the engagement of jockey Brad Stewart. The step up to 2000m is no issue.