A big day of racing greets us from Ballarat.
The Wizard of Odds have found his energy to provide the best bets for the nine-race card after a massive day of Group 1 action.
Ballarat race 1
#9 Patriotic King
Had been nominated and scratched from most of his races this week having drawn poorly in all bar this maiden.
The three-year-old gelding will have to contend with a middle barrier, but the map looks to be favourable for him here with the lead up for grabs.
He showed fantastic speed in his jump out win at Pakenham on September 28 where he clocked a very sharp time.
The gelding operation looks to have done the trick to unlocking this galloper’s ability and expect a winning start to his preparation over the Ballarat short course.
Suggested Bet: Patriotic King win at $4.6
Suggested Exotic: Quinella 9 & 11
Ballarat race 2
#8 Free Market
Free Market is ready to find his way to the winner’s stall after a nice resuming run at Geelong last start.
The three-year-old gelding was just outdone in a sit and sprint home when being held out in a very tight photo finish.
The Mick Price and Michael Kent (Jnr) three-year-old gelding will now sport the blinkers for the first time and that is what will give him that extra two-length improvement he needs to be a winner in this grade.
Not too fussed about the wide barrier as he will be in clear air and have momentum to make his run without being impeded.
Best of the day from Ballarat.
Suggested Bet: Free Market win at $3
Ballarat race 3
#9 Red Random
Forgiving of Red Random who was stuck wide and copped a wet track on debut.
He raced keenly out in front and his jockey was looking for a horse to come across and give him cover, but it never eventuated.
Getting stuck in the speed battle and over-racing is what eventually brought him undone.
HIs last 200 to 300 metres were actually okay, as he picked up and kept whacking away to the line.
Daniel Moor, who continues to ride winner after winner, takes the ride and should be able to find the perfect trailing run in behind the leaders.
The drier Ballarat surface should also help this galloper’s chances and we get a nice each-way price to find out what he is capable of.
Suggested Bet: Red Random each-way at $14 the win and $3.9 the place.
Suggested Exotic: Boxed Trifecta – 9, 11, 12
Ballarat Race 7
#13 Villaden
Villaden could be a potential Victoria Derby prospect after what he showed on his debut.
He possesses a very sharp turn of foot for a horse of his staying pedigree as we saw in his maiden victory at Benalla when bolting in.
He settled well back off a slow tempo and whipped around the field to crush the line and run away from his opposition.
It is that type of sustained speed that will hold him in good stead for this step up to the mile and he draws a beautiful barrier to contend with the rise in grade.
The Chris Waller stable has also booked in the services of champion senior hoop Damian Lane to guide him around the Ballarat course, which only adds to our confidence.
Suggested Bet:I’m Thunderstruck win at $2.5
