Bendigo Golden Mile Day headlines the main Victorian Saturday meeting as the Punters Prince finds all the best bets on the program.
The best play lands in the Bendigo Guineas, but there is a bet in the first that he is supremely confident with.
bendigo race 1
#9 point nepean
The eyes lit up when Point Nepean was nominated and accepted for this race.
Robert Hickmott and the Williams camp have taken their time getting this horse right after his first run in Australia was a bit below par.
His resuming run at Sandown over 2400 metres in BM-64 grade after a five-month spell was brilliant.
He tried to lead the field up the whole way and almost did so, only to be nosed out in a tight photo finish by Eco Warrior.
He is going to take plenty of benefit from the run with regards to his fitness and it should have him peaking for this effort in BM-84 grade.
Drops right down in the weights with Alana Kelly claiming 2kgs to get him down to 52kgs.
Maps to lead this race very easily and there is every chance he can come on at least another four to six lengths from his first-up effort.
These connections have made a knack of winning this particular race on Bendigo Gold Mile Day and this looks no exception.
Suggested Bet: Point Nepean win at $3.5
bendigo race 2
#15 linas legend
This three-year-old colt by Teofilo has promised a lot this preparation, but failed to deliver a win for the punters.
His three runs so far have been in much higher grade than what he competes against in this BM-70 event over 1300 metres.
He lands himself in a race which looks to have a handful of horses pushing for the early lead and that should allow jockey Damien Thornton to slot into a trailing run from the middle pin.
Taking a liking to this horse on an each-way basis.
Suggested Bet: Linas Legend each-way at $6.5 the win and $2.40 the place.
Suggested Exotic: Quinella 15 & 16
bendigo race 7
#10 cardigan queen
Has run some super mid to late sectionals in her last two starts at Flemington only to be beaten by narrow margins.
The three-year-old filly from the Ciaron Maher & Dave Eustace was a victim of circumstance at her last start defeat when being held up a critical stage and flashing home to miss the win by a pimple.
Drawing a wide gate here is going to help her cause because she should, in all likelihood, be in clear air without being cluttered up inside runners or waiting for a run on the rail.
Today should be the day for her.
She is fully fit and getting deeper into her preparation which is usually where the Maher & Eustace runners begin to thrive.
Making her the best of the day.
Suggested Bet: Cardigan Queen win at $2.70
bendigo race 8
#8 riodini
Riodini has just been outclassed at his last few runs having competed in some hot Group 1 races in Sydney.
He has had to deal with those bog-heavy tracks as well, which is not exactly his go.
On a dry track at Bendigo, we should be able to see what he is truly capable of.
The booking of Craig Newitt is important because he is almost always aggressive when the barriers open and he will be pressing to the front with horse.
A Gai Waterhouse leader going back in grade from Weight-for-Age Group 1 to a Listed Race at Bendigo with only 56.5kgs has to be worth a bet.
Suggested Bet: Riodini each-way at $7 the win and $2.5 the place.
Suggested Exotic: Boxed Trifecta – 1, 3, 8, 14