There are two meetings to look at on Tuesday, with my focus on Kilmore and Menangle.
Down below are my best bets for the respective programs.
Kilmore
Best bet – Race 3, No. 5: Caught Out
This is a tricky meeting, but I feel like she’s the most likely winner across the entire program. She lit up the Gunbower track early to find the front last time and got a mid-race breather before the button was pressed between 800 metres and 400 metres, running a lightning 27.1, and that just told late when nabbed, finishing second. She should lead here, and if she can harness her energy better, I think she’ll win.
Next-best bet – Race 4, No. 7: Chicago H
He’s a talented four-year-old that I think can make his second Australian start a winning one. His Australian debut came at Cranbourne off the back of no public trial, and I thought he was more than a pass mark in defeat when second. You’d like to think there is some improvement to come, and if that is indeed the case, he’s clearly the one to beat.
Value bet – Race 5, No. 13: Merry Dancer
Hopefully with a cold steer she can bounce back. She raced here last start and looked to have a sweet sit behind the speed. Unfortunately she failed to finish it off and was quite plain. But drawn outside the second row, she’ll be ridden cold. Hopefully she’ll get a drag into the race and be strong late.
Menangle
Best bet – Race 1, No. 4: Son Of Patrick
His second Australian run should be a winning one. His Australian debut came just over a week ago, and I thought he was set a big task, spotting one of the best in the business, Tough Monarch, way too much head start, but I loved the way he found the line. He should find the top and, I think, just win on class.
Next-best bet – Race 2, No. 2: Regency
His manners let him down last time, but if he does everything right, I think he’ll be the one to beat. He looked like he was going to win at Goulburn last time out, but as soon as you had that thought, he galloped and threw away his winning claims. He has the gate speed to lead. I just hope he puts it all together.
Value bet – Race 6, No. 2; Ryans Gangster
I reckon he’s in with a shout here at odds. He hasn’t shown much in a while, but last start at Ballarat, despite being double figures, he should have just about won. He got badly held up at a vital stage when seemingly having plenty up the sleeve. This isn’t a strong race, so I think he’s worth an each-way ticket.