There are two meetings to look at on Saturday night, headlined by a massive Group 1 meeting at Albion Park.
Below are the best bets for the respective programs.
Albion Park
Best bet: Race 3, Number 2, Dynamic Dan
It is a bit of a shame he didn’t make the final given he ran second in the two-year-old final last year, but he just looks so well placed here to take out the consolation. Forgive the last-start effort. He was first up and did a power of work to eventually get on speed. That early burn just told late. He should lead here from the good draw and it’ll take a career-best from the others to beat him.
Next best: Race 5, Number 6, Manila Playboy
This horse is two from two this time in and he can make it three from three in the Group 1. This horse is a very talented animal for Shane Fraser that has taken on older horses in both runs back from a break and he has spanked them each time he has stepped out. He’ll press forward from the wide gate, likely bully his way to the front, and be too strong.
Value: Race 4, Number 8, Bets On Millie
Cat King Cole will go around at Winx odds and should win like her. So how to bet in the race? The place bet for Bets On Millie is the way to go. This horse is yet to win in five career outings but she comes up with the coveted draw that gets her right behind the hot pot, who should lead, and I am hoping this girl can hold her back. Should that eventuate, she’s a great place bet in what will be a peg-dominated affair.
(Photo by Kai Schwoerer/Getty Images)
Melton
Best bet: Race 1, Number 2, La Puddie
Iconic Major will go around as the favourite given he was a clear black-booker last start, but La Puddie is a great bet on the card. Iconic Major doesn’t possess brilliant gate speed whereas La Puddie does and he is very effective when he finds the front, which is what should eventuate here. And with little to no pressure from what I can see on the map, I’m really keen on him.
Next best: Race 2, Number 3, Van Mara
He needs things to fall into place to be effective and those things look like they will occur here. He is a fast beginner who should find the pegs first early. Ideally, he hands up to Arden Voyager, who pulls hard. I am hoping Van Mara opts for cover behind him and can blouse via the sprint lane.
Value: Race 5, Number 8, Maestro Bellini
This is a tricky race so I am searching for value and have come up with a stablemate of Van Mara. He will need luck given he draws inside the second row, but if the horse in front – Explicit Castle – can hold the lead, this guy should be able to land leaders back and from there, he comes right into the mix as a key winning chance.