The Wizard of Odds is up and about after a big day of tipping on Monday.
He is all over the mail from the Ballarat synthetic meeting at Ballarat ahead of Tuesday racing.
Ballarat Race 2
#4 Halcyon East
This could be a potential Derby prospect for Dan O’Sullivan when he unveils Halcyon East at Ballarat.
Love the way this horse travelled strongly on the bridle and in the lead during an 1100-metre jumpout at this track only three weeks ago.
Barely raised a sweat through the heat on August 3 and was keeping up a strong stride well after the finish.
Suspect had the jockey had have let rip, this three-year-old gelding would have won the jumpout by a space.
Will Price takes the ride, he should be able to utilise the insider barrier to full effect and position this horse either in the lead or one pair back.
Suggested Bet: Halcyon East win at $3.9
Ballarat Race 3
#11 Strike Eagle
Strike Eagle is definitely ready to swoop and strike on his maiden victory here.
Tony & Calvin McEvoy sent him to town at Flemington in BM-70 grade over 1400 metres last start.
The three-year-old gelding did a really good job to run sixth and only be beaten 2.6 lengths behind Sunfall.
Steps back to much easier maiden race here and, while his main danger Teleporter represents a strong challenge, he has the fitness advantage over that horse.
Expect Luke Currie to ping him to the lead and force the unfit Teleporter to work hard to sit outside the lead.
Suggested Bet: Strike Eagle win at $1.85
Suggested Exotic: Exacta – 11 & 4
Ballarat Race 4
#12 Defining
Defining has put together two very nice jumpouts and a quiet trial in preparation for her debut as a three-year-old filly.
Her most recent jumpout was on July 7 where she camped in behind the leaders and went to the line under her own steam.
She is beautifully bred being by Not A Single Doubt and out of Seduced.
The wide barrier might be the concern for her here, but this looks like a high-pressure 1000-meter race that favours horses who pick off the tiring early leaders.
The stable is absolutely flying at the moment as well giving us more confidence.
Can safely back this horse each-way and get a big run for our money.
Suggested Bet: Defining each-way at $6.5 the win and $2.40 the place.
Suggested Exotic: Quinella 6 & 12
Ballarat Race 5
#1 Kosowski
Kosowski races on the quick back-up here after finishing 3.4 lengths behind Dimaggio at Pakenham on the synthetic surface last week.
He sat outside the lead in BM-64 grade over 1200 metres and plugged away with 61.5kgs on his back.
The drop back to 1000 metres actually looks ideal for him and Heidi Gillie will take 4kgs off his back, so he only rises half-a-kilo from his last run.
Barrier one will see him settle nice and handy to the speed or even in the lead should the apprentice opt to use her claim to full advantage.
Suggested Bet: Kosowski win at $4.2
Suggested Exotic: Boxed Trifecta – 1, 3, 8
