The best bets from Pakenham, Wangaratta and Wyong as creep closer to another Group One weekend of racing.
A perennial punters pest is ready to finally breakthrough at Wyong and The Wizard of Odds has also found some good each-way value at both Victorian meetings.
Wyong Race 3
#9 La Sagra
La Sagra is a ten-start maiden and might be an absolute nightmare for punters who have buttered up on her time and time again, but she gets her chance today.
It was big ask for this three-year-old filly to rise from 1200 metres to the 1865 metres of Newcastle last start.
In only a small six-horse field, she was asked to sit outside the lead as a $1.95 favourite but faded in the last little bit to run second.
Interesting to note that the stable has opted to go for the blinkers as the plan of attack again.
She has previously worn the shades without success but that should all be about to change in this race with a base of residual fitness to run a strong 2100 metres.
Suggested Bet: La Sagra win at $2.25
Wangaratta Race 5
#6 Faramondo
A sprightly nine-year-old gelding who has found a zest for racing at his last two starts.
Little known trainer Laura McCullum has this horse absolutely airborne at the moment.
A win over 1300 metres at Wodonga after being very heavily backed was followed by a brave second over the mile at Benalla when carrying 61kgs.
Today, 1.5kgs-claimer Harry Grace hops aboard to give this old boy a bit of weight relief and draws an ideal barrier.
That run last start should bring him on beautifully from a fitness point of view.
Looks a nice each-way bet with a bit of value.
Suggested Bet: Faramondo each-way at $8 the win and $3.30 the place
Pakneham Synthetic Race 5
#4 Dimaggio
The return to synthetic-track racing is always met with intrigue and that is why we are sticking with a horse who have proven himself on the synthetic surface.
Dimaggio ticks that box having won his only attempt on the synthetic which proves he can handle the conditions under hoof.
The other main factor in his favour here is the map.
It is a race that looks devoid of speed and Dimaggio possesses the early toe to cross comfortably from the widest barrier.
Even though it is a no-third-dividend race, the place looks an appealing proposition.
Suggested Bet: Dimaggio each-way at $5.5 the win and $2.30 the place
Pakenham Synthetic Race 7
#2 It'sayesfromme
It’sayesfromme adores racing on the synthetic surface.
The Amy and Ash Yargi-trained four-year-old gelding is two starts for two wins at the Pakenham Synthetic with both those efforts coming over 1400 metres and 1600 metres.
He has since had a freshen-up after being soundly beaten at Yarra Valley 1600-metre circuit when finishing midfield and some four lengths off the leader.
Gets the blinkers on for the first time to really sharpen him up and if he has not had any niggles since the month-and-a-half and there is market support for him, he will be winning this race.
Multiple Group 1 winning jockey Michael Dee takes control of the reins and should be able to guide our selection into a nice spot from barrier eight.
Suggested bet: It’sayesfromme win at $3.7
