Geelong plays host to Sunday racing as The Wizard of Odds goes through his best bets.
A four-year-old mare stands out as the best of the day.
Geelong Race 1
#9 Champagne Witness
Champagne Witness was smashed in betting at Warrnambool last start and was stiff not to win.
The four-year-old mare was caught out wide and had to make a sustained run from a long way out.
She ran up to win the race but just knocked up late in the race after the tough run.
The fact she draws wide again will unlikely be an issue given the Geelong track usually plays up the middle and right down the outside when the wet weather hits.
Expecting her to break the maiden status today.
Suggested Bet: Champagne Witness win at $4.6
Geelong Race 2
#7 Man of Heart
The market really gravitated to Man Of Heart when he resumed from a 13-week spell, but the punters left the money in the bag.
The three-year-old colt from the Danny O’Brien stables was beaten by 4.8 lengths when missing the start by a length as a $2.8 elect in a Geelong maiden 1400 metres.
Damian Lane has decided to stick on the horse which is evidence this galloper still has something to offer.
Going to be forgiving of him here and paying particular attention to the first-up market support.
Suggested Bet: Man Of Heart win at $3.3
Suggested Exotic: Quinella 6 & 7
Geelong Race 3
#14 Xtra Gear
Xtra Gear comes into this race off a very nice debut behind Black Caviar’s daughter Invincible Caviar.
The three-year-old filly had to make a surging run around the outside of the field in a Sale maiden over 1113 metres, but just failed to nab the odds-on favourite to go down by half-a-length.
She trialled really impressively leading into that run and, now, with race fitness under her belt, it is time for her to peak.
She draws a nice barrier which will allow her to settle one horse off the fence and Jye Mcneil can peel out into the best part of the track when need be.
Suggested Bet: Xtra Gear at $3.8
Suggested Exotic: Boxed Trifecta – 11, 12, 14
Geelong Race 7
#7 Melodeon
Melodeon should be able to run a much improved race with the blinkers going on for the first time.
She was desperately unlucky two starts ago at Moonee Valley and then was caught very wide at Flemington over 1400 metres.
The drop back to 1200 metres as well as the drop back in grade to BM-78 level from BM-84 level with the shades being applied is a great recipe for success.
With a whole lot of speed on in this race, Jason Maskiell can settle her just off the speed and produce a late winning burst.
Suggested Bet: Melodeon each-way at $9 the win and $3 the place.
