All the best bets from Wednesday’s Bendigo Cup meeting. Who will stand up at the nursery of champions?
Bendigo Race 2
#1 Zamborghini
Despite the 62kg, Zamborghini looks well weighted and placed here. Dropping back from Group 3 level to Benchmark 64 is a massive advantage. I love that he has been freshened up and believe 1300m is his ideal distance. The conditions are a concern, but he will give a good sight in front for a long way.
Outside of the top weight, I like the form and progression of Latvian, who can peak third up from a spell around the $15 mark. He hasn’t set the track alight yet, but I do like the company he has been keeping. Oscar Bravo looks to have upside.
Suggested Bet: Zamborghini @ $3.20
Bendigo RACE 7
A small but competitive field greets us here for the 2022 Bendigo Cup. Not sure we will see the full field go around with the current Heavy 9 conditions and average weather predicted.
Slight favourite High Emocean looks well placed after racing well in The Bart Cummings at Group 3 level. Despite running 6th in this event, the 6-year-old mare finished less than two lengths off the winner. This form looks excellent after the runner-up in The Bart Cummings Francesco Guardi dominated The Moonee Valley Gold Cup on Saturday. High Emocean has an excellent record at the 2400m, and she runs well in the wet. The one to beat.
Port Phillip looks the obvious danger chasing five wins on the trot. Big leap of faith jumping to Group 3 from Benchmark 84, but he does excel in the soft and heavy conditions. The big Bendigo straight will help his chances, and he will be attacking the line late. Dadoozdart looks over the odds ($18), he is well-weighted (53kg), and he is proven at the distance. Noble Heights looks well-placed after a nice return.
Suggested Bet: High Emocean @ $3.40
BENDIGO RACE 8
#4 Shultzy
Tricky Benchmark 70 with no last-start winners. There is plenty of value in this event, which is reflected in the market, with the favourite opening up at $4, with the majority of the field being double-figure odds.
Till It’s Over resumes here. I like that she is opening her campaign over 1600m and is a previous winner first up. The daughter of Puissance De Lune handles the conditions, and I think she has found a winnable race. She has performed ok in similar grades in town and may be fresh enough to pinch this against a group of out-of-form commodities. Over the odds and in the mix.
Shultzy looks the one to beat after a little freshen-up. He looked great at Moonee Valley last start and drops back in class here. The wet form is ok, and he should get a great run from barrier 1. If the inside isn’t off late in the day, he looks great each-way value at $7. Looks to have the rest covered.
Suggested Bet: Shultzy @ $7
BENDIGO RACE 9
#11 TOREGENE
Favourite punters will be looking to get out of jail or make a good day great with Toregene ($2.40). Ultra impressive first up in horrible conditions at Cranbourne, the lightly raced 4-year-old mare looks talented and can continue to build an impressive career record here. Barrier 4 is ideal, and the Dean Yendall and Matthew Williams combination can’t be underestimated. 100% record on heavy tracks adds weight to her case.
Sharp Response and Real Sensation look the obvious dangers with decent city form, decent barrier draws, and versatility. Do You Reckon at $23 is a must for exotics on the quick backup.
Suggested Bet: Toregene @ $2.40
