The Victorian and NSW harness racing Saturday night double from Melton and Menangle.
It is not a weekend without these two venues hosting pacing and racing as our team finds the best bets for both programs.
Melton Race 1
#6 arocknatthepark
Arocknatthepark was scratched last week and appears in this 2240-metre event at Melton.
He definitely has enough gate speed to charge across and find the front should no one wish to pour the pressure on early.
His main danger is Cool water Paddy who made his Victorian debut as odd-on favourite last week but had to settle for third.
Not sure much depth that trotting form from the Apple Isle has but we at least we will get a good run for our money with the Calabria-trained pacer.
Looks a fantastic each-way proposition to start proceedings.
Suggested Bet: Arocknatthepark each-way at $5 the win and $2 the place.
Suggested Exotic: Quinella 6 & 9
Melton Race 2
#2 Dels Destiny
Dels Destiny to beat the favourite!
This four-year-old gelding from the Chris Svanosio yard is starting to become a bit of an enigma but he gets his chance drawn in close tonight.
Hoping he can get across and take the trail in behind what looks to be a fairly solid lead speed.
He should have a clear map advantage over the favourite who has drawn the second row and has a terrible record from that starting position with zero wins from 10 attempts.
He broke stride when he was put under the pump last start but given the run he is going to get tonight we have to give him one more chance to prove his best.
Suggested Bet: Dels Destiny each-way at $7 the win and $2.2 the place
Suggested Exotic: Trifecta – 2, 13/ 2, 13/ Field
Melton Race 3
#2 Would You Mind
Backing another galloper to get past on odds-on favourite.
Would You Mind has a solid record at Melton with nine starts recording two wins and three minor placings.
He looks to get the perfect trail run in behind Jimmy The Irishman who, despite winning all his run this preparation, looks at his most vulnerable tonight.
There does look to be a bit of pressure from out deep in the front row and it might just undo the Zac Phillip-driven pacer.
If our selection can dig deep like he did last start when racing wide but still surging to the line to finish second, then he can whoosh past the favourite and get the cash.
Suggested Bet: Would You Mind each-way at $5.5 and $1.75 the place.
Menangle Race 6
#4 Three Bros
Three Bros looks beautifully set up to return a winner in this Trotters Foundation Final for the three-year-olds.
He started an odds-on elect over 2300 metres at this track last start and was forced to race wide without cover in the middle stages of that event.
That tough run took its toll on him late in the race as he faded away to finish third behind the smart pacer On Advice.
From gate four, he should be able to get a much more cushy run against On Advice who did start nearly triple his price.
Three Bros to turn the tables!
Suggested Bet: Three Bros win at $3.2
Menangle Race 7
#1 Laceys Lad
Laceys Lad was a shade disappointing at Menangle in a R8199 race but that was in a tougher race than what he faces tonight.
The race did not set up as well as he would have liked with the tempo against him after drawing gate four.
Drawing the market pegs should suit him and it will mean his driver has to push the button early so he does not get shuffled too far back on the pegs.
He is a winner from this gate position at Menangle earlier this preparation and with some initiative shown early, he might be able to find the lead and hold them off.
What may also work in favour is the two dangers in Makoa and Bettor Vision tussling each other for early supremacy.
If that occurs, Laceys Lad can tuck in behind them to pick up the pieces late in the race.
Suggested Bet: Laceys Lad win at $3.80
