We are back headquarters for Victorian harness racing on Saturday, while it’s off to Menangle as well for the best ahead of Saturday night pacing and racing.
Plenty of winning and each-way value to have a flutter on as we head into a big weekend.
Melton Race 1
#4 Chase The Hat Trick
Chase The Hat Tric was brave in defeat last start at Melton over 1720 metres.
He burned early towards the front, was challenged in the lead, took the sit in behind the eventual leader and then whipped around the outside to make another run.
The five-year-old gelding ended up being gassed by the time he flattened out in the straight, but he did a terrific job to hang on for third.
Doubt he will be taken on in the lead here and his driver Jack Laugher should be able to find the front with ease.
If that does not occur, last start proved he can take a sit and still surge to the front when he needs to.
A more energy conserving drive will be the likely option should the speed be hot early.
Suggested Bet: Chase The Hat Tric win at $3.7
Suggested Exotic: Quinella 1 & 9
Melton Race 3
#1 Im Shadow Boxer
Im Shadow Boxer was unlucky upon resuming from a 153-day spell last start at Melton over 2240 metres.
He drew the second line and was held up for a run just as he was about to build his momentum into the straight.
The winner of that race was Tango Tara, who he meets here again, but he is going to have a lovely trail in behind the odds-on pop and might just give him a scare at long odds.
Looks a big improver from that first-up run and expect him to at least run a place if he cannot win.
Suggested Bet: Im Shadow Boxer each-way at $15 the win and $1.7 the place.
Suggested Exotic: Boxed Trifecta – 1, 2, 8
Melton race 6
#10 Its EbonynIvory
Its EbonynIvory races first-up from a two-month break and looks well placed to win this event.
she will strip fitter after her latest trial second behind Major Delico. She was runner up in the Australian Gold Final at Melton in May and she should be finishing off strongly
She has had a nice warm-up trial in behind Major Delico to get her fitness right up the level required to win this race.
If we scroll back through her form, she finish second in the Australian Gold Final back in May.
That form is superior to most runners in this field and despite drawing the second row, expect a masterclass from champion driver Chris Alford who has driven her to wins at her two most recent starts.
Suggested Bet: Its EbonynIvory win at $3.8
Menangle Race 1
#9 Mighty Loose
Mighty Loose looks the one to be with here after a nice trial in preparation for this race.
He has been acquired by the Belinda McCarthy stable from New Zealand and brings very solid form into this race having run fifth in a Listed race across the Tasman last start.
Has to contend with a 50-day gap in between runs, but his trial and talent should be able to make up for a lack of rock hard race fitness.
Expecting to settle midfield early in the race and, as the speed comes out, driver Jack Callaghan will be able to make his mid-race move around the field.
Suggested Bet: Mighty Loose win at $2.15
Suggested Exotic: Exacta – 9 & 3
Menangle Race 6
#1 The Black Prince
This is a cracking Group 3 affair with a host form lines gracing the field.
Siding with The Black Prince who draws the marker pegs on the front row and will have the advantage of settling much closer in transit than last start.
He resumed from a spell 21 days ago, was snicked from gate six on the front row and chased well despite being beaten by eight metres.
Driver Robbie Morris can either push hard and lead or take the sit leader’s back.
Either way, he looks a great bet in this race.
Suggested Bet: The Black Price win at $4.2
