We head to Bendigo on Saturday for a sensational stand-alone meeting! With the Bendigo Guineas and Golden Mile on the program, will the local runners stand up and be counted on the big stage?
Bendigo Race 6
#1 Queen Air
Queen Air looks like the best bet on a very competitive program of racing. The Toronado filly absolutely bolted in at Moonee Valley last start, and she can continue on her winning ways on Saturday. The 2200m looks ideal at this stage of her preparation, and she should be rock-hard fit after three impressive outings this campaign. The awkward barrier is the primary concern, however, she is versatile, and she knows her craft well.
Midnight Glow was brave in the Tasmanian Derby two starts back before producing a rare shocker in an easier grade at his latest outing. From barrier four, the Sebring gelding will get his chance to bounce back, and the step out to 2200m puts him into winning conversations. He still has plenty of natural improvement to come, and peak performance is just around the corner.
Roaring Engine can run a big race at cricket-score odds. The Reliable Man gelding has been performing well in easier events, and he deserves his shot at this level. From barrier one, he should get the run of the race, and if he can stay in touch with the leaders through the middle stages, he is a winning chance.
Suggested Bet: Queen Air @ $1.95
Bendigo RACE 7
#12 Is It Me
Is It Me looked a good thing licked at Flemington first-up from a spell. The barrier beat him, and it was a horror watch for favourite punters. When the Iffraaj gelding found clear air, he sprouted wings and showed a blistering turn of foot. The lightly-raced three-year-old is undefeated second up, and I am confident staying at 1400m will pay dividends. Despite drawing the carpark, I expect him to be too strong late for his rivals.
Marble Arch will start favourite after three wins on the trot. The form around the Per Incanto filly has stood up during the autumn, and she was breathtaking at Pakenham at her latest outing. If she can find a spot in the running-late from the middle gate, she can present at the right time and make her presence felt at the pointy end of the race. Watch for any significant market support.
My Bella Mae ran well without threatening in the Typhoon Tracy at Moonee Valley. The Western Australian visitor looks talented, and the step out to 1400m will play in her favour. The Deep Field filly has been specked in early betting, and I expect the money to continue until barriers open.
Suggested Bet: Is It Me @ $5.50
Bendigo Race 8
#9 Here To Shock
Here To Shock has bounced back to form! His last two starts have resulted in dominant wins, including a picnic in the Echuca Cup. The Shocking gelding can roll forward and make his own luck from an inside barrier, and if he can pinch some cheap sectionals in transit, the race could be over before they reach the final furlong.
Munhamek is racing in great spirit. He has won his latest races effortlessly and looks well-placed to make it a hat trick of wins. The Dark Angel gelding loves the mile, and the Nick Ryan polish must be respected. The length of his preparation is the primary concern.
Quality Time will have supporters after an outstanding first-up performance at Moonee Valley. The Amaron gelding usually runs well second up, and he has performed admirably over the mile throughout his career. The five-year-old gelding is building an impressive career record, and the Chris Waller factor can’t be dismissed.
Suggested Bet: Here To Shock @ $6.00
