Turf Talk:
- Despite all the rain down south, Wodonga has escaped the downpour and has come up a Good 4
- Wodonga has a short home straight and it’s generally advantageous to be on speed.
Race 3
This is a very moderate maiden, to say the least.
The $1.85 favourite Estival is going to get the right run. She was just OK first-up at this track over 1100m, producing the 7th best last 600m of the meeting in a handy enough maiden. The 1400m should suit, but the price looks short. She was well beaten in her only run last prep and her trials before resuming were nothing special. She can win, but I couldn’t take odds on.
Tap Dance might not be much good, but she’s worth another chance after a poor debut at Ballarat. Her trial work before that run was solid and she may be able to find the front and control things here. Winkers go on, she draws well and the step to 1400m isn’t a negative.
Suggested bet: Something small E/W Tap Dance at around 20/1.
Race 4
Shyamalan debuts for the Hayes boys having jumped out and trialled quite well. He wore winkers in his latest Caulfield jump-out and now sports the blinkers for his debut. Draws well for Liam Riordan – who has a good book of rides today – and suspect he will be in this a long way.
Pariah Flyer appeals at odds. He had excuses on debut at Kilmore, but his recent Wodonga jump-out in blinkers (which he wears today) was excellent. Think he’s a big improver at odds.
I might be wrong, but I think Vickie’s Dream has some ability despite only beating one runner home in her two jump-outs. She’s been under a strong hold in both, which is often how Craig Widdison likes to educate them, but it looked like she had plenty more to offer. At $20 in a thin maiden, she’s worth something small to find out
Suggested bet: If you’re spending $20 on the race, can have $10 on Shyamalan and $5 each on Pariah Flyer and Vickie’s Dream. The latter two going for better results. Double your money is Shyamalan wins.
Race 6
Adki will ensure a genuine tempo.
Quite like True Prophet here. He was heavily backed before having no luck at Yarra Valley first-up. The step to 1300m looks ideal. His Good track record doesn’t read well (11:0-0-2) but he has twice won on firm tracks at Berrigan and Griffith. With even luck from the draw, he should be right in the finish. Also having something small on Char, who gains a start after a few scratchings. He resumes for a new stable and trialled nicely at Seymour. Draws for a soft run, handles firm ground, and his better ratings with Ben Brisbourne are good enough to win this. The $27 looks tempting.
Suggest bet: Backing True Prophet – the $6.50 really appeals. Something smaller on Char at big odds.
