Bendigo is the place to be this Wednesday for the running of the time-honoured Bendigo Cup. What galloper can take out the feature race and book a date with the first Tuesday in November.
Bendigo Race 6
#11 Yes Yoshi
Yes Yoshi looks ultra-progressive. The Yes Yes Yes gelding resumes after a successful debut campaign, and the form around him reads extremely well for this event. His fresh record must be respected, and the middle draw provides his pilot multiple options in the run. His recent jump-outs looked ominous, and his opening price has been met with great support. Hard to toss.
Ka Ying Cheer kicks off his second preparation in Australia. The Reward For Effort gelding was more than competitive at this grade during the autumn, and he finds a winnable assignment fresh. He races well first-up, and the apprentice claim puts him into all winning conversations. The awkward gate is the primary concern.
Dirty Grin can bounce back after producing a disappointing performance for his new stable. The Zacinto gelding motors second-up, and his best effort here would be more than capable of claiming this event. His exposed form is outstanding, and he has been well supported in most all-in markets. The grandstand weight and his recent winning record are among the primary concerns.
Suggested Bet: Yes Yoshi @ $2.60
Bendigo RACE 7
#8 Dirty Look
Dirty Look is winning for fun at present. The Super Seth mare is chasing a hat-trick of victories on Wednesday, and she looks extremely hard to beat in this company. I suspect she has further improvement to come for the campaign, and the current track conditions play into her favour and then some! I am unsure whether her racing pattern and style will suit the tight-turning Bendigo circuit.
Imperial Award is building a picket fence next to his name. The Shamus Award gelding has upside and progression for days, and the 3kg apprentice claim brings him into all winning calculations. The step out in trip suits, and his versatility alone puts him into the finish. Barrier fifteen is his biggest obstacle.
Small Town Hero was good without winning first-up. The Shamexpress gelding strips fitter as a result, and the perfect inside draw should give him every chance to figure in the finish. His record second-up must be respected, and he handles all conditions. This is his hardest test to date; however, he can give some cheek at a decent price with even luck.
Suggested Bet: Dirty Look @ $2.05
Bendigo Race 8
#4 So You Are
So You Are arrives in Bendigo in career-best form. Despite winning three consecutive stakes races, the So You Think gelding needs a victory here to qualify for the race that stops the nation. The big boy is rock-hard fit after a lengthy and successful campaign, and I suspect the camp will have him cherry ripe for Wednesday. The perfect inside draw is advantageous, and he has been well found in the market. Yes please!
Kings Valley is a model of consistency. The Territories gelding is edging closer to his next victory, and the Ciaron Maher factor must be respected. Ethan Brown has a winning association with the talented six-year-old, and he grows a leg in soft-to-heavy conditions. Jumping from a different postcode is the biggest deterrent.
Litzdeel is racing well without winning. The Dundeel mare doesn’t know how to run a bad race, and she is always thereabouts. Her record at the trip must be respected, and victory here would be great reward for effort. The key appointment of Damian Lane should raise eyebrows, and the Bendigo circuit will suit her to a tee. Acid test!
Suggested Bet: So You Are @ $4.50
Bendigo Race 9
#11 Bel Mezyaan
Bel Mezyaan resumes after a solid campaign that included a competitive performance at stakes level. His fresh form must be respected, and the inside draw should give his key rivals nightmares leading into his first-up assignment. Any further rain will help his case, and I suspect his price will continue to shorten before the barriers open. Major player.
Spirited Defence was ok without threatening at his latest outing. The National Defence gelding was running well prior, and I suspect it may pay dividends to forgive and forget his latest performance. The 1400m is in his wheelhouse, and his opening quote has been more than nibbled at. He can play a role inside the final furlong with even luck.
Coco Jen can resume a winner. Her fresh form reads well for this event, and she rubbed shoulders with serious gallopers last campaign. The seven-furlong scamper is her pet trip, and the lightly raced six-year-old is building an enviable career record. I would prefer to support her case more deeply into her preparation, on top of the ground.
Suggested Bet: Bel Mezyaan @ $3.00
