Bendigo is the place to be this Wednesday! With the $500,000 Group 3 Bendigo Cup featuring on the monster program, a near-capacity crowd is expected. Who will stand up and make a name for themselves at the nursery of champions?
Bendigo Race 6
#1 Proved
Proved resumes with an air of expectation. The Time Test mare remains undefeated, and her debut campaign was simply stunning. The lightly raced five-year-old oozes class, and I suspect she has further natural improvement to come after lengthy spell. From the middle gate, she will roll forward and pilot the field, and if she is fully wound up for a first-up tilt, she may prove hard to run down. The grandstand weight is the primary concern.
Yaldi turned heads recently at a Flemington jump-out. The Ardrossan gelding traditionally performs well fresh, and the apprentice claim brings him into all winning conversations. The big boy looks well placed in this company, and I suspect he is in for a lengthy and fruitful spring campaign. His racing pattern and style always requires an element of good fortune.
Per Sempre is a model of consistency. The Per Incanto mare is always thereabouts, and her victory two starts back at Flemington was first-class. The talented six-year-old finds her pet trip, and I suspect she has the fitness edge on the majority of her rivals. She races well at Bendigo, and I expect the market to gravitate toward her. She tends to find one or two better at the pointy end of a contest.
Suggested Bet: Proved @ $7.50
Bendigo RACE 7
#11 God's Window
God’s Window is ready to win. All performances this campaign have been full of merit, and I suspect the Dubawi gelding is edging closer to his next victory. The longer trip will suit, and he handles all track conditions. There has been an avalanche of money for the Chris Waller-trained galloper early doors, and I expect him to jump as the race favourite. The key appointment of Jye McNeil is significant, and with even luck in transit, he can make his presence felt late.
Quietness will have plenty of supporters after a solid campaign to date. The Bated Breath mare finally gets out to a suitable trip, and I suspect she has been trained to the minute for this significant assignment. The form around her has repeatedly stood up, and her opening quote went quicker than last weeks’ pay. Her fate maybe decided during the early stages of the race.
Interpretation finds a winnable assignment. The reliable eight-year-old drops sharply in grade, and the Ciaron Maher factor must be respected. The Galileo gelding strips fitter due to recent racing, and the addition of blinkers could prove decisive. However, his recent winning record is the primary concern; he can run a drum at a decent price.
Suggested Bet: God’s Window @ $5.00
Bendigo Race 8
#2 Fear No Evil
Fear No Evil is over the odds. The Russian Revolution gelding resumes after a solid autumn preparation, and his recent barrier trials have been mouthwatering. The enigmatic four-year-old is undefeated first-up, and the current track conditions suit to a tee. From barrier nine, he will lead the field a merry dance with a clean break, and if he can control the clock throughout, he may upset his more fancied rivals.
Ahha Ahha will start race favourite after producing a string of impressive jump-outs. The Starspangledbanner mare races well fresh, and Jamie Melham and Clinton McDonald combination must be respected. The flighty four-year-old will sit midfield with some cover, and if she is presented with her run at the right time, she can loom to win. She tends to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.
Pentle Bay is an intriguing runner. The New Bay gelding makes his Australian debut for the Ciaron Maher camp, and his international form from England reads well for this event. The lightly raced four-year-old should be cherry ripe for a first-up tilt after several impressive trials, and he has been specked at a price since fields were finalised. Big watch!
Suggested Bet: Fear No Evil @ $9.00
Bendigo Race 9
#5 Helix
Helix caught the eyes late of punters first-up at Moonee Valley. The longer trip on Wednesday suits the Flying Artie gelding, and his second-up record must be respected. The inside draw should allow him to sit closer to the speed in transit, and if he sees daylight as heads turn for home, I expect him to prove too strong late. He has been heavily supported in most all-in markets, and on recent exposed form, he is the one to beat.
Active Duty was an impressive last-start winner at Ballarat. An inside draw is advantageous, and the drop in trip could prove decisive. The consistent five-year-old looks the likely leader on paper, and he should be rock-hard fit after a lengthy campaign. The allocated weight is a luxury, and his versatility alone puts him into all winning conversations. Over the odds.
Big Sexy will have plenty of supporters after an impressive first-up victory at Hamilton. The Swear gelding has upside and progression for days, and he deserves his opportunity at this level. The big boy strips fitter, and the current track condition plays into his favour. The significant step up in class and his record at the trip are among the primary concerns.
Suggested Bet: Helix @ $4.80
