A photo finish that did not go our way was the difference between a big day at Flemington last Saturday but The Wizard of Odds is primed for another big weekend.
He has found a mare at double figure odds to back at Caulfield and Randwick presents us with an opportunity in race eight.
Caulfield Race 4
#4 Pinyin
Her racing style style is not ideal but the return of Pinyin over an unsuitable race up the Flemington straight last start was encouraging.
After settling towards the rear half of the field, she showed a nice turn of acceleration to finish third.
The step-up to 1200 metres should hopefully see her settle much closer to the speed.
Looks as though the tempo of the race should suit her nicely given there are a few front-runners who will set a solid speed to allow her to run on.
Suggested Bet: Pinyin each-way at $12 the win and $3.8 the place
Suggested Exotic – Boxed F4 – 1, 3, 4, 6, 10 ,11
Caulfield race 6
#7 Last week
Last Week has put together two solid runs since resuming from a long spell.
He was involved in a solidly run 2000-metre race at Caulfield last start and acquitted himself quite well considering it was only his second run back from a 39-week layoff.
The booking of Matthew Cartwright means he tumbles right down in the weights having to only carry 51 kilos.
He will camp himself up on the speed with some cover and looks a good each-way bet at a nice price.
Suggested Bet: Last Week each-way at $11 the win and $3.3 the place.
Caulfield Race 7
#15 Prince of Helena
Prince of Helena produced a sustained run from the rear half of the field over the mile at Flemington last start to run third behind Vegas Knight and San Fabrizio.
That form looks to have him in this race up to his ears despite drawing a very wide barrier.
This looks to be a high pressure mile race with the likes of Vungers and Surreal Image to ensure a strong tempo.
That should hopefully allow Prince of Helena to slot into a nice spot with cover in what is likely to be a strung out field.
Jake Duffy just needs to find his way to the middle of course and he will be in the finish.
Suggested Bet: Prince of Helena each-way at $6 the win and $2.25 the place.
Suggested Exotic: Trifecta – 3, 7, 15/ 3, 7, 15/ 4, 3, 5, 7, 15
Randwick Race 8
#8 Brutality
Brutality produced a booming run to finish third at Gosford in ‘The Coast’ last start and he looks set to return to winning ways here.
He drew out deep on the tight-turning Gosford track and was restrained to last as the soon as the barriers opened.
It was a frantic tempo in the early parts of the race and he settled at last 12-14 lengths off the leaders.
Kathy O’Hara then asked him to circumnavigate the field and he launched home up the middle to only go down by half a length.
James Innes Jnr. takes the ride here and he will settle this horse much closer to the lead.
Best of the day from Randwick.
Suggested Bet: Brutality win at $4
Randwick Race 9
#7 Hulk
It was a strong run by Hulk upon resumption from a spell at Rosehill over 1100 metres.
Tommy Berry ambled him out of the barriers to settle third last and then got flushed out deep on the home corner to be the widest runner.
He loomed up ominously to win but the ability to sustain that long sprint he was asked for just petered out in the last 50 metres.
Expect him to be placed in a much handier position as the race unfolds and his race fitness edge over the favourite Malkovich should come to fruition late in the race.
Suggested Bet: Hulk win at $4.8
Suggested Exotic: Quinella 4 & 7
