The Wizard of Odds is fresh to hit another huge season of racing head on as we prepare for action from Echuca.
The best bets ahead of a big start to the week.
Echuca Race 1
#18 Rue Lepic
Given the testing conditions of the track at Echuca we are going to give the push to Rue Lepic who was unlucky on debut.
The now three-year-old filly got too far back from a wide barrier at leader-advantaged Cranbourne track and never really looked a winning hope but still did well to hit the line.
She raced on a heavy 10 surface that day and she seemed the handle the going okay and may have done ever better if she was given clear galloping room when the sprint really went on.
Beau Mertens only has to negotiate barrier two and expect him to get the filly either leading or with a sit on the leader’s back.
Suggested Bet: Rue Lepic win at $4.6
Suggested Exotic: Boxed Trifecta – 3, 8, 18
Echuca Race 3
#12 Big Apple
Big Apple looks like he might have a fair bit of rev under his bonnet on debut after a solid Pakenham jumpout over 800 metres.
He races here under the guidance of Matt Laurie as a three-year-old gelding after winning his jumpout.
He was slung wide during that hit out and hit the line well under light riding to win, proving he can handle with being put under pressure to respond.
A lot of his opposition here have convictions, whereas he is the fresh horse with the fresh legs who can sprint sharply.
He is going to get the perfect trailing run in behind the leaders.
Suggested Bet: Big Apple win at $3.3
Echuca Race 6
#2 Cabinho
If there is a horse that has been butchered more in its preparation than Cabinho then please feel free to contact the BetDeluxe office and let us know.
He either races against horses that are way classier than him or in races that do not set up well for him.
This race looks fair easier than the BM-70 he competed in at Sandown last start against the very smart Hosier.
The weight impost should be too much of an issue given he is now fully fit, whereas when he carried those weights earlier this preparation he was yet to hit full fitness.
Jack Hill usually rides well when partnering up with the Kent & Price team.
Hoping he can find lead here and prove too strong for his challengers.
Suggested Bet: Cabinho win at $2.65
Echuca Race 9
#10 Across The way
Across The Way has been racing in higher grade in her last handful of starts compared to the BM-58 level race she competes in today.
The five-year-old mare from the Charlotte Littlefield stable settled well back on a heavy Geelong track last start in BM-64 grade and stuck on okay to finish five lengths off the winner.
Her start prior to that was a third-place effort at Moe behind Kamien and Zoupino which is good enough form to win this.
The last time she raced in BM-58 grade she had a starting price of $1.70 which suggests she is going to be very competitive in this race.
We get each-way odds about her as well.
Suggested Bet: Across The Way each-way at $7 the win and $2.5 the place
Suggested Exotic: Boxed Trifecta – 1, 8, 10, 11