The Country Collect: Deano takes aim at the Snake Gully Cup

The Dog on the Tuckerbox might be Gundagai’s most famous resident, but on Friday it’s the horses taking centre stage.

The iconic Snake Gully Cup headlines one of country NSW’s great racing carnivals, with $100,000 up for grabs in the feature and a coveted ticket into next year’s Big Dance.

Dean Watling has rolled up his sleeves and gone hunting for winners, with his best bets and value plays for a cracking day of country racing.

R1

Quality maiden to kick off proceedings with a big $50k Inglis Bonus up for grabs. I have loved what 10. Playful As has done at the trials since being transferred to the new Wagga stable. She comes through a hot trial behind Bianco Vilano when trucking to the line under a hold. Maps a treat and should be hard to beat.

The Matt Dale-trained 3. State Secret has been hammered in betting this morning. Drawn out but will land up on speed, which is always key at Gundagai.

1. Masked Vision maps ideally here first up. Nice enough figures on the board but another who’s on yard watch off no official trials.

4. Boy Brutus rounds out the numbers with key race fitness.

Selections:

10. Playful As
3. State Secret
Masked Vision
4. Boy Brutus

Suggested Bet: Playful As WIN

R8

The feature event of the program is the Big Dance Eligibility Snake Gully Cup. Solid enough speed up front, looking for horses landing in the first six in running. Keen to attack the race with a two-bet play.

8. Komodo Dragon looks exceptionally well placed here deep into the prep. Luckless last start at Warwick Farm where he should have won. 1400m is perfect and I suggest Chad Lever will push the button early and offset the draw.

2. Alabama State is the forgotten horse. Forget last start with the big weight, much better setup here with the weight and the map. Can only run well.

1. Ticklebelly and 10. Bon Holler are next best. Both have tactical speed but both draw out. In the mix but do need luck.

Selections: