Think there is plenty of value to be found across Saturday’s programs at Flemington and Randwick including one at $41.
HULME (Flemington Race 2 No 10)
Not ideally placed under the conditions however he wasn’t last time either and turned in a real eye-caching run behind Royal Symphony in the Listed Exford Plate (1400m) at Flemington – hitting the line with plenty of gusto. Bolted in at Wodonga on debut prior to that run and looks a horse going places. Prepared to take the punt at double-figure odds.
BET: WIN
ODDS $10 @Sportsbet ($12 Powerplay)
ESHTIRAAK (Flemington Race 3 No 3)
Resumed in a hot race at Randwick three starts back when finishing around the likes of Trapeze Artist, Gold Standard, Ace High and Sanctioned. Things haven’t exactly gone to script since, tasting defeat in two starts back in Melbourne but he should get the right run on Saturday in the open spaces at Flemington. Meets Cliff’s Edge 2.5kg better at the weights for 2-1/4 length defeat last time out and the winner had all the favours on that occasion. Anticipating a much better run here and certainly at the weight can turn the tables.
BET: WIN
ODDS $6.50 @Sportsbet ($7.50 Powerplay)
I’LL HAVE A BIT (Flemington Race 6 No 2)
All three runs back from a spell have been solid, including a sound fourth behind the smart Leather’n’lace over 1400m at Caulfield. Carried 58.5kg on that occasion and meets the winner 3.5kg better for a 2-1/2 length defeat. Get the feeling he’s going to lap up the 1600m on Saturday and with Jamie Mott in the saddle, represents outstanding value.
BET: EACH-WAY
ODDS $14 @Sportsbet ($17 Powerplay)
KENEDNA (Flemington Race 8 No 3)
If you’re willing to overlook this mare’s first-up failure then you simply must back her at the price bookmakers are offering. This was one of the leading fillies during the winter carnivals in South Australia and Brisbane with close up form around Egg Tart. She was beaten almost 11 lengths first-up around Caulfield but note in the stewards report she pulled up lame in both forelegs and ran well considering she was some 10 lengths off the second last horse soon after the jump. She’s a Group III winner over this track and distance and is undefeated second-up so I have to be on.
BET: EACH-WAY
ODDS $41 @Sportsbet ($67 Powerplay)
SOUCHEZ (Randwick Race 5 No 10)
Forget he went around the other day in a race that was dominated by Sir Plush from in front. Nothing else got a look in as Souchez whacked away into fourth, beaten six lengths. But more importantly this horse plummets in weight for his rematch with Sir Plush and will be the beneficiary of a 5kg turnaround. Should be at his peak now fourth-up and looks a strong each-way gamble.
BET: EACH-WAY
ODDS $9.50 @Ladbrokes ($11 Odds Boost)
CALABASAS (Randwick Race 9 No11)
Has only the one win to his name from 12 starts but is always thereabouts, evidenced by six other placings in decent company. Has finished runner-up in his last two first-up runs and comfortably won a trial over 1000m at Beaumount last month in preparation for this. Drawn well in two and has the services of an in-form Andrew Adkins aboard. Another strong value play.
BET: EACH-WAY
ODDS $10 @Sportsbet ($12 Powerplay)
