Best bet – Race 2 #3 Palazzo Spirit
I know he’s short and I know it’s a two-year-old race with a lot of first starters, but I think he will be way too good for rivals. Something would have to jump out of the ground and improve big-time from the trials to beat this guy as he looks to have serious talent. At his most recent trial he comfortably beat Heroic Son (who recently won a race at Doomben impressively). The stable saved him from running last week because of an awkward draw, but this time gate four looks perfect and he should be making a nice impression on debut..
Next best – Race 4 #7 Win Burn
High quality three-year-old race but I can’t believe the price about Win Burn. He will get back, but it’s only a small field, so he shouldn’t be too far off the leaders. The other positive is there’s plenty of speed here so he should get his chance to steam home and (hopefully) run over the top of them. He was also engaged for an easier race at the Sunshine Coast on Sunday, but it’s a sign of confidence they’ve elected to run here in this harder affair. At his second start, Win Burn was just beaten by the smart Queen of Wizardry and beat home recent Flemington winner Ranch Hand. His recent trial at the Sunshine Coast was very good and he only has 52kg after capable apprentice Leah Kilner’s claim.
Best Each-Way – Race 5 #3 Genuine Al
A favourite of mine and big odds here. He was scratched from a recent race last week where I thought he had a good chance. This is a very similar race so there’s no reason to drop off. As I’ve previously mentioned, he’s a progressive galloper and still largely untapped with four wins from nine starts. From barrier five he’ll get a good run and if he can be up on the pace he will be in the finish. He will have to bounce back from failing when favourite last start at Ipswich, but he lost it at the start when he was near last. Hope he can roll on the speed here.