It’s another massive day of racing this Saturday, with the Coolmore Classic and Ranvet Stakes the headline acts. Online bookmaker Sportsbet below previews some of the major races of the day.
Race 3 – Todman Stakes
Sentiment will ride with Unencumbered as regular rider Nathan Berry lies ill in a Singapore hospital. Unencumbered ($3.90) is the best backed runner, ahead of favourite Jabali ($3.60), the pair have duelled for top spot since markets opened. Nibbles for the Gai Waterhouse trained Wandjina ($7.00).
Race 4 – Reisling Stakes
Groundswell of support for Blue Diamond winner Earthquake, who has been heavily backed firming from $1.90 into $1.75. The Darley filly holds 60 percent of turnover. Punters gambling on Alpha Miss appreciating getting out to 1200m, next best backed and her price firming from $21 into $16. Mossfun is the third best backed and steady at $4.60.
Race 7 – Coolmore Classic
Possibly some concern among punters about favourite Catkins ($4.50) handling her wide barrier and big weight. She is steady, but money has started to come for several others including second-up specialist Dear Demi ($13), Sharnee Rose ($12) and Time For Julia ($17), on the seven day back-up. Amazing value for punters here with second favourite Steps In Time ($9.00) unwanted.
Race 8 – Ranvet Stakes
The clash of the Titans, Fiorente and It’s A Dundeel, equal $2.75 favourites. Some punters may prefer a coin toss, but if wagering is any guide Fiorente is top pick with bets on the ‘Italian stallion’ at an eight to one ratio compared to the Kiwi. Interestingly wagering on Silent Achiever ($13) and Hawkspur ($10) is of a similar amount to It’s A Dundeel.
Race 9 – Phar Lap Stakes
Guelph is third-up and should be ready to fire. Punters obviously think she can recapture her spring form and have hammered the Darley filly from $3.60 into $3.00 favourite. The Waterhouse trained Liberty’s Choice ($13) has had support, but stablemate Woodbine has been easy ($4.00 out to $5.50). Traitor, from the in-form Hawkes yard is solid at $4.80.
Sandown
Race 6 – City Of Greater Dandenong Stakes
The Peter Moody yard is running hot and punters think the trend can continue with Ready To Rip. The six-year-old resumes, has a great first-up record and is best backed firming from $6.00 into $5.00. Stablemate Office Bearer ($4.80) is solid, while favourite Pago Rock ($4.20) lacks admirers.
Eagle Farm
Race 6 – Simons Bakery Handicap
Winter Carnival prospect Little Bit Ditsy ($3.80) heads betting here in a tough race for punters. The filly has been in the money in all five starts, but faces her toughest test taking on several talented three-year-olds including Queen Of The Lochs ($4.80) and Fairytale Belle ($6.50), who have been solid in betting.
