The Country Collect rolls into Gippsland on Sunday for one of the highlights of the country racing calendar, Sale Cup Day.
A strong program awaits punters, but the weather threatens to throw a spanner in the works, with rain forecast and track conditions expected to deteriorate as the afternoon progresses. Assessing how the surface is playing could prove just as important as the form itself.
With a competitive $200,000 Sale Cup headlining the card and plenty of depth across the supporting races, there’s no shortage of betting opportunities. Mitch Lewis has taken a closer look at the feature, searching for the best way to tackle a race that could be heavily influenced by the conditions.
With conditions expected to deteriorate as the meeting progresses, that could ideally suit (8) El Rocko who goes well in wet conditions and maps for run of the race in this jumping from barrier 2 so he gets a soft run and has won on a track/distance set up he has won over previously when winning this race last year.
(5) Ten Commandments was a good winner two starts back at the 1600m and gets back to that distance here today after a midfield finish last start. Conditions will likely suit him and he can get a good sit off the leaders and settle in a strong spot
(9) Makdane disappointed in his last start down in grade but perhaps didn't see out the trip. He is back to the 1600m where he has a good record and drops sharply in weight which will help late
(2) Freedom Rally was midfield in his last start in what looks a strong form race. He has been freshened up for today and has won twice at the 1600m so this set up could bring on improvement
(8) El Rocko
(5) Ten Commandments
(5) Makdane
(2) Freedom Rally
Suggested bet: El Rocko (WIN)
