Race 2
Think Vin Malady has a strong hold on this race.
(1) Bohemian Star was badly held up on debut and only really got clear late. He again got a long way back last start but this time had more clean air, and he let down very well to run second. Wide draw is ideal for this bloke as he needs that space on this surface. Johnny Allen sticks, too, and he’s airborne on this track. Think the danger may come in the form of his stablemate,
(9) Star Of Naantali. This filly trialled very nicely here on the synthetic before heading to Donald and running the fastest 1050m heat of the morning when leading all the way. Think she presses forward on debut and will take catching Does worry me that Will Gordon rode Star Of Naantali in that trial but now rides (10) Tennessee Lights on race day – that said, Ryan Hurdle does ride for Vin Malady. This filly is looking for 1200m and maps for a nice run.
(3) Spiderman was gallant on speed last time out and he can again run a bold race.
Suggested bet: Backing Bohemian Star/Star Of Nanantali – keen on the race.
Race 5
Don’t often like betting into these staying races but think there’s two winning hopes and at the prices we can back them both.
(1) Ahab looks clearly the horse to beat. He has relished getting onto the synthetic his past couple, winning a BM62 two back (albeit a touch flattered by bias) before a really strong effort when deep the entire in stronger BM66 last start. Drops right back in grade here and while he does climb in weight, he gets a claim for Sarah Field, who won on him two back. Maps for a lovely run. He will run out the trip, whereas a few rivals are questionable at 2200m.
Think She’s A Con is the main danger. To date, she has been aptly named, winning two of her 32 starts. But, her form since joining the Reece Goodwin yard has been excellent and she gets out to a trip like this for the first time since the Country Oaks back in 2025. Early doors she ran second in a 2400m BM78 on Hillside and 2100m BM78 on Lakeside – she can definitely stay. She was no match for (2) Eau De Cologne when they clashed here two back (the latter winning by 5.5L) but think that horse is less suited out in trip. She’s A Con went to the line hard held at Pakenham last start, never getting a crack at them, and has jumped-out nicely between runs.
Suggested bet: Backing Ahab at $3.60/She’s A Con at $6.50 – if spending $50, having $32 on Ahab, $18 on She’s A Con, and collect about $117 if either of them win.
Race 7
Another two-bet play I’m keen on.
AJ Tindale has been lethal this synthetic season at Ballarat and she has taken control of (3) Battle Of The Ice, formerly trained by Lloyd Kenwell. Now, not suggesting she will improve this bloke out of sight off Lloyd, but his recent form is frankly good enough to beat these and I doubt he goes backwards. Didn’t have a lot of luck when narrowly beaten at Pakenham, having his momentum halted with 62kg. get in with 61kg here in a race where the majority of chances are right up in the weights. Like a wider draw as he needs clean air. Beat home Bazaball Rewarded at Mornington back in November (albeit at 1200m).
The other key winning hope for mine is (7) Just Magic, Has some upside on her rivals and draws for a gun run. Has to lump 61kg as a 3yo filly but she seems to have plenty of size and don’t think it will worry her.
Suggested bet: Backing Battle Of The Ice/Just Magic.
Race 8
Good speed here which will suit (8) Qubella. She got onto a synthetic track for the first time fresh at Pakneham and relished it, charging home in strong late splits to win. Don’t think that will prove an overly strong form race but she had panels on them and this isn’t much tougher. Like that she again draws wide as she will need clean air from the top of the straight. Great E/W bet.
(1) Fireated continues to have his races spaced but is going well. Blinkers on for the first time could bring about further improvement. Bailey Kinninmont is an apprentice I can certainly back. (3) Aka Daka would like to draw better as he is a horse that can take a spot, but he’s going to need a good ride from the wide alley. That said, Brad Rawiller is riding well.
Suggested bet: Qubella looks a great 1×3 EW bet at $11
