Race 5 – 3:45PM Sale Water Specialists BM62 Handicap (1206 METRES)
#1 BOLD BORDEAUX has had a short, nine week spell leading into this. He has had one back straight jump-out at Pakenham in preparation and he was an eye-catcher in that, a head behind Bridal Waltz, who was ridden right out to score. He was never let off the bridle, but held his spot to the line, seeming to move well.
His debut win at Kyneton was excellent. He then went to Sandown where Jackson Radley handed up the lead when, in hindsight, he shouldn’t have – the horse going to the line largely untested after having no luck. Damian Lane has the tactical ace on his rivals: BOLD BORDEAUX naturally leads this race but if something wants to go mad he can take a sit just off them.
BOLD BORDEAUX’S stablemate, #4 FLOWERDALE has also jumped-out well (as he has throughout his career). Query with him is the 1200m, as it certainly looks to be the bottom of his ideal distance rage.
#2 KEEP IT REAL was beaten by a smart one in track record time here at Sale first-up before knocking over the maiden in workmanlike fashion at Geelong last start. #6 BOHEMIAN ANGEL was beaten by a very much in-form Insain Harry at Pakenham last start and has a fitness edge on key rivals.
Suggested bet:
Like #1 BOLD BORDEAUX – can see him tightening up from the $4.20/$4.40 on offer.
Race 6 – 4:20PM Maffco Brewery & Distillery BM62 Handicap (1006 METRES)
#4 YAMASHITA’S GOLD has had a couple of golden gear changes leading into this first-up run: gelded and blinkers first time. His two jump-outs have been excellent, the latest where he finished alongside today’s favourite, #3 TOWER BRIDGE. I thought he went better than TOWER BRIDGE there and would have derived more benefit from the outing, YAMASHITA’S GOLD being first up while TOWER BRIDGE carried residual fitness having run five weeks ago.
YAMASHITA’S GOLD went around in some handy races last campaign and didn’t race with a huge amount of luck. He’s got a lovely turn of foot and this looks a winnable first-up assignment.
TOWER BRIDGE has switched from the Mark Walker stable to the powerful Maher operation. He was visually impressive two runs back when bolting in to win his maiden at Geelong, but that day heavily favoured on-speed runners on the fence, which flattered the win, and the form out of the race has been only moderate. He went too hard at Sandown last start, which didn’t help when stretching out to 1200m. Dropping back in trip is likely a plus and Ethan Brown is flying, but he’s deep into the campaign with a few holes in the form. At $1.80, he looks far too skinny.
#5 HOTSPUR REALE simply should’ve won at Cranbourne last time out. His win at Wangaratta first-up was solid. Has a lovely turn of foot and maps for a soft run. Can win.
Suggested bet:
Main bet on #4 YAMASHITA’S GOLD, something small on #5 HOTSPUR REALE.
