Wodonga Best Bets Sunday: Matt Welsh has again gone value hunting in the bush

Race 2

Moderate maiden. Give (16) Meritaten a hope at huge odds. She trialled quite well at Geelong leading into this campaign. She got a long way back at Moe first up and the jockey was never really able to get aggressive on her as they were always in restricted room. Run was much better than it looked. Like Jake Duffy taking over today and with a more positive ride I can see her figuring in the finish at big odds.

(2) Masakari is the obvious. Run four solid races to end his last campaign. Recent jump-out was speedy. Probably better once he gets to 1400m but this is as weak a contest as he’s contested.

Suspect Liana Wood will let (1) Galagacisco roll here. This bloke has a degree of talent and reckon his best chance of winning a race going to the top and giving them something to catch. Bandages that have been on this campaign come off today – which is a good sign.

(8) Frosted Miss was poor first up but she didn’t seem happy on the synthetic. She can use gate one to advantage.

Suggested bet: Backing Meritaten E/W

Race 3

For some strange reason I’ve long-loved the Jack Maher Classic! Backing a couple of debutants.

Adrian Corboy famously sold Closer To Free to Danny O’Brien after a Caulfield Heath barrier trial and he debuts (1) Art Tou It. Somewhat ironically, or maybe not ironically at all, this bloke also debuts off a Caulfield Heath barrier trial and whilst it wasn’t quite as impressive, it was still a handy piece of work. All three jump-outs have been strong and he now debuts in blinkers, which he hasn’t worn in any of his trials. Provided he jumps cleanly off gate two think he can lead and take a stack of catching.

Think (3) Frosted On can run a race. His jump-out here at Wodonga was a nice piece of work. He was then given a very quiet trial at Wagga in an open age heat on what looked very heavy ground. Not mad on the draw as think he will settle midfield, or beyond, but has moved well enough to be winning a race like this.

(6) Glide went out to hard at Sale. Co-leader, who was favourite, was beaten out of sight. This bloke trialled quite well prior to the debut and gets a soft run from gate one.

(7) Tauto Bar took on the older horses in a fast maiden at Pakenham last start.

Suggested bet: Backing Art Tou It/Frosted On. Quinella 1,3, 6.

Race 4

Pretty moderate race.

Give (6) Opus a hope provided they can make ground. He was seven-weeks between runs when getting a fair way back/working home quite well at this track last start. He has trialled nicely between runs and should be strong late.

Not sure (5) Master Polanski on the wet ground but if he gets through the heavy he will be in the finish.

Suggested bet: Something E/W Opus

Race 7(10) Shyleah struggles to win, but sheesh this is a nice race for her. Formguide says bandages first time but I’m quite sure she wore them at the end of last campaign when running well at Pakenham a couple of times. Her ratings in those last two runs prior to a spell would win this every day of the week. She has jumped out nicely, as well. Knock is she gets back in her races, but would love Sam Noble to try and get her a bit handier here. Not going overboard, but think she’s a good E/W bet.

(8) Shadow Black is racing well and while her heavy track record says 2:0-0-0 both runs had some merit.

(11) First Division has done a good job since joining Kelvin Bourke’s stable and she’s going to get a good run in transit. Loves the slop.

Suggested bet: Something E/W Shyleah.