Today’s Betsy’s Bests – Ballarat Synthetic
| Race | No. | Horse | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 4 | Packers Journey | Trialled super. Handled Ballarat Synthetic. Will run well on debut. |
| 2 | 4 | Garfield | Good last start. Maps well. Ridiculously big odds. |
| 2 | 6 | Sonder | Gelded. Trialled well. Seems fit enough off a long break. |
| 4 | 10 | Milady | Can press forward. Torrid run last start. Ready to win. |
| 7 | 5 | Whitson | Best late splits of the meeting last start. Will be strong late. |
Track Pattern Outlook
- Strong northerly winds which blows into their faces around the home bend.
- The kickback has been significant this winter, staying out of the backwash has been vital.
Key Ballarat Stats
- Local trainer Matt Cumani goes well on the plastic. Striking at 19.1% at a PoT of 22.1%.
- Shane Jackson is airborne, posting 23 winners from his last 100 runners.
- Damian Lane has had 17 rides on the Ballarat Synthetic for 7 winners, at a 55.4% PoT. He comes out to ride short-priced favourite Olatunde in race five.
Overview
Race 1 No.4 Packers Journey
Connections have been patient with this 4YO mare who makes her debut today. She has shown terrific ability in several jump-outs, both on the turf and the synthetic here at Ballarat. She has been strong through the line in all her work, suggesting the 1200m will be ideal on debut.
Suggested bet – Backing (4) Packers Journey, saving on the quinella 4 and 6.
Race 2 No.4 Garfield
(4) Garfield trialled very well on the Ballarat Synthetic before running an improved race here last time out, belying his 200/1 price tag. He again goes around ridiculous odds for a horse that clearly likes the surface and maps for a soft run.
(6) Sonder has had a long spell leading into this but he has moved well in his jump-outs and three solid hit-outs should have him primed. He has been gelded since last taking to the track; expect a big run fresh.
Suggested bet – Something E/W (4) Garfield and (6) Sonder.
Race 4 No.10 Milady
If (10) Milady had drawn a gate here I’d just about declare her a moral. She worked like a trojan horse at this track and trip last time out, but had the audacity to stick on and run second. She again draws a touch sticky, but there isn’t a lot of speed and Melissa Julius should be able to come across and sit in the first pair. She looks the horse to beat and I’m surprised she’s not favourite.
Suggested bet – Backing (10) Milady.
Race 7 No.5 Whitson
There looks good speed here and that should set the race up for (5) Whitson, who will get back and charge late. He was terrific late at this track and trip last start and the strong northerly wind blowing into the leaders’ faces here will only aid his chances. Think he can knock off (1) Innocent Enough, who is flying on this track.
Suggested bet – Backing (5) Whitson.
