The nursery of champions is the place to be this Wednesday! With eight competitive races on the mid-week card, Bendigo will be the meeting of choice for the punters. Find out who experts are expecting to take home the cash!
Bendigo Race 5
#2 French Moon
French Moon looks poised to strike third-up from a spell. The Puissance De Lune gelding was game in defeat at his latest outing, and the drop back to 2200m looks a winning move. He can sit midfield with cover from a middle gate, and I expect him to prove too strong late. The money will continue to come until the barriers open.
Captain Envious will have supporters after a consistent campaign. The drop in grade is advantageous, and the apprentice claim could prove a masterstroke. Barrier three provides Ryan Houston options, and with even luck in transit, the Savabeel gelding can threaten. The grandstand weight is the primary concern.
Mystery Island is too consistent to leave out of winning conversations. From barrier two, the Victoire Pisa gelding can roll forward and make his own luck, and with Damien ‘The Goat” Oliver aboard, he will get his chance to upset his more fancied rivals. The length of his preparation may come against him.
Suggested Bet: French Moon @ $3.00
Bendigo RACE 6
#10 Celestial Harbour
Celestial Harbour can win despite jumping from the carpark. The I Am Invincible filly has been ultra-impressive this preparation, and she can continue her great form Wednesday over her pet distance. She has already tasted victory at Bendigo this campaign and looks well-placed against easier opposition. It may pay to watch for any further market support.
Tapo was a brilliant winner resuming at Echuca. The Frosted filly has made an impressive start to her career, and she deserves her shot at this level. The apprentice claim brings her into all winning conversations, and I expect her to push forward in search of the lead during the early stages. She has performed well previously second-up, and if she is left alone in front, she may prove hard to run down.
Niccolite is over the odds. The Nicconi mare is ideally drawn in barrier two, and the significant drop in class plays into her favour. Her best form reads incredibly well for this event, and the apprentice claim could prove a masterstroke. Her winning record is the primary concern.
Suggested Bet: Celestial Harbour @ $4.40
Bendigo Race 7
#13 Nijiko
Nijiko can run well here at big odds. The Maurice mare has been luckless this campaign, and she can bounce back on Wednesday in a more suitable race. The step out to 1500m is ideal at this stage of her preparation, and I am excepting a peak performance. From the wide gate, John Allen can sit midfield with cover, and she can figure if she is presented at the right time.
Oenology will start favourite after producing an eye-catching run first-up from a spell. The Hinchinbrook gelding strips fitter here, and he has performed well second-up previously. If he can slide over from barrier fourteen and find pole position, he may lead them a merry dance. He needs to turn teasing performances into victories.
Lafilio was an impressive last-start winner at the track and distance. He controlled the tempo throughout, putting his rivals to the sword a long way from home. If he can take the next step upgrade, he can continue on his winning ways. The awkward barrier is his biggest obstacle.
Suggested Bet: Nijiko @ $18.00
Bendigo Race 8
#5 Eagles Crag
Eagles Crag is knocking on the door! The Fastnet Rock gelding is always thereabouts, and he gets his chance to break through in a relatively thin Benchmark 70. He will appreciate the drier track conditions, and if he can recapture his best form, he will return to the winner’s enclosure. The allocated weight and his winning record are the primary concerns.
Turf Decision is a winning machine. The South Australian visitor has won his last four outings comfortably and looks well-placed in this company. He seems ready to step out in the distance, and Dom Tourneur is undefeated on the Turffontein gelding. It may pay to watch for any significant market support.
Gunna Gunna has been up longer than a Big Bash season! The Toronado mare is still racing in great spirit, and she produced a blistering turn of foot to get the cash at her latest outing. The wide barrier is her biggest obstacle to overcome.
Suggested Bet: Eagles Crag @ $5.50
