Two meetings to look at on Wednesday night, with my attention at Bendigo and Bathurst.
Bendigo
Best bet: Race 3, Number 1: Le Belle Bijoux
Talented filly that resumes and resumes a winner. Hasn’t raced since late last year, when outclassed but far from disgraced at Group l level behind star filly Tough Tilly. Looks to have trialled up well leading in and has the runs on the board to beat this lot.
Next best: Race 7, Number 1: Smiles Tells All
This isn’t a strong race to conclude the meeting, but this gelding can get his maiden win. Resumed at Swan Hill where he had the box-seat sit and battled on well to run third. Drawn the pole, he should hold a forward spot and in a thin race, he’s the pony to bet on.
Value: Race 6, Number 8: Realy Under Fire
Eleven years of age, so his best years are behind him, but he has a good draw to find positive form at a big price. Too bad to be true at Shepparton last time when tailing out and running a bad last. Should get a lovely run behind the speed and 1×3 at odds, happy to speck him.
Bathurst
Best bet: Race 3, Number 3: Better Keppel
Two-year-old taking on the older horses is never an easy task, but he does have a bit of class and he’ll be too good for them. Did a good job last time out from off the speed when second. Has the gate speed to find the front here and should that eventuate, he’ll be winning.
Next best: Race 2, Number 3: Hold My Halo
Did a mountain of work at Dubbo last time out but battled on really well in defeat. Not sure she finds the lead, so likely has to do work in the run again, but with the driver upgrade, she is clearly the one to beat.
Value: Race 4, Number 9: Ideal Denny
Has really turned the corner this time in and happy to have something small on him each way. He’ll need luck in the run being drawn inside the second row, but if the horse drawn in front of him can hold a forward spot, Ideal Denny comes right into play and on recent form is a knockout winning hope.