Best bet: Race 8 #2 Wandabaa
Class should rise to the top here, despite this being a pretty open race. I keep coming to her super record on wet tracks, having only missed the top three on two occasions. She’s been mixing it with some of Australia’s top-class horses, evidenced by her huge run in The Hunter last start when runner-up to Lost and Running. The wide draw should be no concern, with the soft track and recent rain meaning that the inside should chop up quickly.
Next best: Race 1 #11 Russian Warrior
I know it’s a risk betting into these 2yo races, but this filly has the makings of a nice horse. There doesn’t appear to be any stars in this race, so happy to side with her off a blistering trial. The wide gate could be a touch tricky, but with the soft track it’ll be no disadvantage to be swinging wide in the straight. The trial put the writing on the wall of a smart horse and Russian Warrior’s side (Russian Revolution) didn’t mind the sting out of the ground.
Best each-way: Race 9 #4 Baller
I’m convinced we won’t miss each-way on Baller. He’s got a great second-up record and has never missed the top three at Doomben. He draws a nice barrier here after a huge first-up effort over this same track/distance in the Listed Keith Noud. He was in an awful position but once he found clear air and balanced up, he flew home to miss by just over half a length.