Coffs Harbour can be a tough track to find a winner but we have found three worth an investment on Friday.
Just 23 percent of favourites have won at Coffs Harbour since January 2013 compared to the national average of 33 per cent so it's a track where punters need to tread warily.
BEARLY THINKING (Race 5 No 7)
At $5.50 in early betting the Greg Kilner-trained Bearly Thinking rates a value chance in the Firequip Class 1 Handicap (1400m).
Bearly Thinking wasn't disgraced finishing just over three-lengths from the promising Camillo when third at Grafton last start with the figures returned from the race suggesting Bearly Thinking rated superior as a placegetter to one of his main rivals on – the Ethan Ensby-trained Adorato, who won her maiden on the same day over the same journey.
Whilst at first glance the outside barrier looks a leveller it should be noted that horses tend to race wide at Coffs Harbour when the track is wet and the wide gate may actually be an advantage.
Happy to take the punt at the odds available.
ROYAL ROULETTE (Race 6 No 3)
Royal Roulette from the David Kelly yard will appreciate a drop in grade when he tackles the Lysaught Benchmark 55 Handicap (1600m) third-up from a break.
Royal Roulette was well beaten at Lismore resuming over 1400m but improved considerably second-up with his effort to finish less than four-lengths from the winner in a class five at Doomben looking a strong enough form reference for a benchmark 55 at Coffs Harbour.
By my reading Royal Roulette's effort last start was good enough to rate on top at Coffs Harbour and there is still scope for improvement.
If that's the case Royal Roulette will take plenty of beating.
BONNE CHEVAL (Race 7 No 2)
Consistent mare Bonne Cheval has won four races on her home track at Coffs Harbour and looks well placed to add another win to her tally in the Reece Plumbing Centre Spring Flyer (1000m).
A winner of three of her five runs this preparation including a victory over the Coffs Harbour 1000m when resuming, Bonne Cheval was well beaten in a stronger race at Port Macquarie last start over 1200m.
Back to 1000m in an easier race punters can expect Bonne Cheval to return to the winner's stall.
