ELLERSLIE

Race 4: BENTAYGA wasn’t that far off them in his last run at Te Rapa, stepping up in grade. Steps up distance for this one, but does possess a good finish, so watch for him dropping in late. Also here is FIVE SCHILLINGS, spruiked up in October when finishing second then winning for us next time out. Went off the boil for a couple then ran a creditable fourth last time out when stepping up to this distance. $31 shot today, chance for the minors…

BET: Bentayga, 3 units ew, Five Schillings 2 units ew, both in exotics

Race 5: KARMAN LINE was most impressive winning on debut, then followed up with a close third for us at Te Rapa two weeks back. Craig Grylls sticks, and she can go close again today in what looks like a two-way go with Belle En Rouge.

BET: 6 unit win, 10 units quinella these two…

Race 7: BANKERS CHOICE steamed in at $17 for us a week back, despite the concern at the dead track. That’s three out of the last four for him, and that’s enough for me to put him in for the win again today…

BET: 10 unit win

Race 8: OSELETA was huge from the back at Awapuni to win under Weatherley. She then ran in Listed company for a very creditable fifth and he sticks today for another go at Listed level, value at $6.

BET: 4 units ew, exotics

Race 9: TWO ILLICIT and AEGON both from the book, but I won’t be straying far from the former after her last win. She’s in wonderful form and her stats are outstanding for this, an easy pick this one. AEGON’s form has dropped off, and his return from Aus ended 5 lengths behind our pick in 10th.

BET: 10 unit win Two Illicit. Aegon in the exotics.

Race 10: SAMIAM SEUSSIE was noted blocked for a run when resuming in Nov, then ran a close fourth two weeks back. She’s ready to win, and McNab sticks. HE’S THE MAN, chance for place and exotics.

BET: 4 units ew, exotics

AWAPUNI

Race 3: BALALAIKA produced a huge finish a month back here from near last to finish fifth and must go close again today. SEA MONARCH led all the way here 2 weeks back, and had to lift on the run in which he did in gritty fashion for the win under Hazel. She sticks, and must also be in the reckoning today.

BET: Back both, 3 units ew, include both in exotics

Race 4: BELCLARE dominated here two runs back with an all the way win. The step up to 1600m didn’t work out last time at Wanganui, but Lisa can boot this consistent mare home today, value at $5.50

BET: 6 unit win, exotics

Race 6: An improved effort from INMYSHADOW here last week could see him run a place. Consistent midfield placings have had him not too far off in the finishes, can run a place here at $21.

BET: 2 units ew, exotics

Race 7: SAPPORO blew ‘em away at Hawera late October to clear maidens at his second go. Got back here earlier this month but powered home from last to finish within 5 lengths in a big field. Based on that, the extra distance shouldn’t be a problem… Value at $9.

BET: 3 units ew, exotics

WINGATUI

Race 4: ASATHOUGHT has run fifth or sixth by similar margins in 7 or her last 8 races, and as such hasn’t given us much of a return recently… Back on her fave track might help, so maybe ew today at around $8.

BET: 3 units ew, exotics

CAULFIELD

Race 1: DECENT RAINE looks to be the beat-the-bank horse today, spanked ‘em two back at Ballarat and got back early here a month ago, finishing on well to just miss…Will run hot fave around $2.30, good start to the day! If you’re looking for a bit of value, ROYAL FOX ran a bit green at the Bool late last month, but got up for a nice win. Not far off them at Flem two weeks back, vale at $9.

BET: 10 unit win DR. Include RF in the exotics…

Race 4: REAL FEELING went in the book in June with a win from the front, then went on  a 5 month break, re-appearing at Cranbourne late last month and winning for us at $6.50. Resumed with a close up third at the Valley over the 995m dash, back to her fave distance today and can figure at $10.

BET: 3 units ew, exotics

Race 6: THE AWESOME SON is Stepping through the grades nicely, and has won the last two for us at $6.50 and $9, dropping in late at the Valley and Pakenham for two thrilling wins… Biggest test today in a wide open betting race between the top four, Lyrical Lad looking the one to beat.

BET: TAS 5 units ew, box the top four in betting for first four…

RANDWICK

Race 6: HASTY DUCHESS produced a stout finish at Wyong last outing to win over this distance on the heavy going. Has won on good before and also second up, sp she’s a good ew bet in an open race today at $9.

BET: 3 units ew, exotics

Race 10: REMUS has been very consistent, only missing the frame once in six runs. Ran third in this grade here last time out, and the $18 on offer looks generous.

BET: 3 units ew, exotics

NEWCASTLE

Race 6: TYCOON HALLIE was noted for a fast-finishing third at Hawkesbury in September, then produced a similar run as fave next time out. Return from a 3 month break today and has won previously first up. Win came at this distance. Trialled recently.

BET: 3 units ew

ALBANY

Race 5: WESTERN KING return from 7 months in the paddock, though this 1100m dash smacks of a warm-up on his resumption, he’s usually out over much longer than this. Has won  and placed for us at long odds previously, but can only recommend an interest bet today as the rank outsider…

BET: 2 units ew, exotics

GEELONG

Race 4: JET JITSU tends to get back in the run, and hasn’t finished on at all in his past two runs. Back up to 1400m today, and the blinkers go on, if they ride him a bit further forward he can make the finish, $7.50 at the mo.

BET: 3 units ew, exotics

DOOMBEN

Race 1: AHOOSHU has been a model of consistency, only missing placings once in 11 runs. Fave jock sticks today, and while up in grade, the front-running gelding has tremendous stats for this, and looks super value at $7.

BET: 5 units ew, exotics

Race 2: DEMURRAL almost falls into the same category, though his race pattern sees him descending late, so back up to the 2000m should suit him today, and he should be there or thereabouts at $8.50

BET: 3 units ew, exotics

GOLD COAST

Race 7: GEM OF THE LOCHS got up for as at $21 last time she was here under these conditions. Maybe didn’t handle the heavy ground last time out at Ipswich. She’s capable of a wicked finish, and should be too good for these today.

BET: 8 unit win

CAULFIELD LATE QADI

Couple of legs appear pretty straight, can’t see anything other than our four selection winning, but of course hoping for The Awesome Son. Third leg looks a cert with Marabi, so we’ve gone wide on the other, for 256 units. If you’re feeling lucky, anchor The Awesome Son in the first as an alternative, for 64 units…

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