ELLERSLIE

Race 4: MASCARINTO murdered ‘em on debut in October and has run two close-up races since, the last just over a length from the fancied WOLVERINE, who will be hard to beat on the back of three straight wins.

BET: Wolverine 5 unit win, but if you’re looking for value on a day of fancied short price favs, the Mascarinto 3 units ew at $21 looks tasty. Included both in exotics…

Race 6: KARMAN LINE is a similar proposition to the above, winning well on debut then a good third, before unaccountably failing here on Boxing Day, running dead last. Obviously better than that, and offers some value over the short-priced fav at $15.

BET: 3 units ew

TRENTHAM

Race 5: BELCLARE caught the eye with a dominant win at Awapuni in November. Faded out of it at Wanganui next time up, but back at Awapuni last time, she got up for us at $7.50 on Boxing Day. Up in grade today but right in it at around $5.

BET: 5 unit win

Race 6: BEADMAN finally got up for us 9 days ago at Otaki at $9 to clear maiden ranks. Mudhoo sticks, and while obviously up in grade, he’s a chance in this now he knows how to win. $17 is attractive…

BET: 3 units ew

Race 7: INMYSHADOW was another one re-discovering the winning touch two back with a win for us at Awapuni at $13. Wasn’t far off last time here, and can feature here in a very close betting race, $5.50/$2 on offer at the mo…

BET: 3 units ew

GORE

Race 5: CHOKITO returned late last month needing the run after 10 months away, and I have her marked as “next time” after a nice run. I’d jump on the $4.20 on offer as fav right now (not usually a big fan of high-priced favs) but I think she’s get the choccies here today.

BET: 8 unit win

Race 8: The softer going should assist I’M A TIGER, but he’s proving a bit unreliable lately. Recently returned from 3 months in the paddock to run near last, and his one win from 21 strike rate means he’s an ew bet at best today.

BET: 2 units ew

Race 9: In a similar vein, ASATHOUGHT has been firmly stuck in midfield finishes this campaign, and while the softer going could also suit her, she’s also firmly in the ew category…

BET: 2 units ew

MOONEE VALLEY

Race 1: UNFLINCHING and DUCHY OF SAVOY look inseparable here, the two class horses in the race. Surely both heading for better things…

BET: 10 unit quinella

Race 4: LOST IMPACT produced a fine performance last time she ran here, eighth in the run and still won by 6 lengths, impressive to say the least on the short finish of the Valley. Jumped in grade to finish fifth last start in a race where the tempo didn’t suit, should be back in the winner’s stall today at $3.60.

BET: 8 unit win

Race 8: PIONEER RIVER cruised in last time, and beat Joltin’ Joe previously, so I like his formlines… Settles back in the run a touch, but I’m sure they’ll have him on hand to sweep home round that final bend today. Up against a hot fav in this, but presents with better value at $7.50.

BET: 5 units ew

Race 9: MARIAMIA was noted giving ‘em a lesson here over this track and distance, winning by 7 lengths. The jumped in grade and distance for two good runs for a third and a fourth, but drops back today and has great stats for this very open betting race.

BET: 6 unit win

RANDWICK

Race 3: OUR BAEZ has been running well at Wagga, winning there in November and producing a huge finish for second two weeks later, then a creditable seventh two weeks after that. Might prefer it a little firmer underfoot but worth ew at $18.

BET: 2 units ew

Race 4: AND WE DANCED tried to outrun the field last time out and just got gunned down at the line. McEvoy jumps on today, and although up against the winner of that race in Arctic Thunder, should turn the tables today at $3.40.

BET: 5 unit win

DOOMBEN

Race 2: TAMILAIDE was only average last time out two weeks back at the Gold Coast, missing the frame for the first time in his career. Drops in grade and will run clear fav today, so we’ll give him another shot…

BET: 5 unit win

Race 5: ALF’S MAGIC has been too good in his last two, the lightly-raced colt winning by 4 lengths and 2.5 lengths. Back after a 9 weeks lay-off, but can return a winner around $4.20.

BET: 6 unit win

GATTON

Race 5: LONADO ran a close fourth for us two weeks back at Ipswich at SP $21 on return from a 5 month spell. Been a long time between drinks for her, but a place chance today based on that last run, $7.50 on offer.

BET: 2 units ew

PARKES

Race 6: FOX SPIRIT has been uninspiring to say the least since she won back in July last year, and a place seems best here at $23

BET: 2 units ew

MOONEE VALLEY LATE QADI

OK, some tough races, but we think we’ve covered the horse that need to be in… Gone skinny in leg 3, where I can’t see the winner coming from outside our two selections:

1-3-4-6-9-10-11

1-2-4-8-10-12

8-11

2-5-7-8-10-11

504 units