Betsy's Best: Friday
Matt Welsh takes a look at Victorian racing from both Coleraine and Benalla on their respective Cup Days.
| Venue | Race | Horse | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Benalla | 2 | Prandium Tempus / Titahi Bay | Both strong jump-out performers; suited on firm deck. |
| Benalla | 5 | Watoto (E/W) | Fresh, drawn to lead, excellent jump-out. |
| Benalla | 6 | Glenfinnan | Fresh run suits; strong tempo ideal for him. |
| Coleraine | 8 | He’s Godspeed / Mister Businessman | Both strong winning hopes; tempo suits off-speed. |
Turf Talk
- Neither Benalla nor Coleraine are tracks where it’s generally an edge to be on speed.
- Benalla is well laid out, with good runs down the back straight from the 1200, 1400, 1600m starts before they hit the home bend.
- Coleraine is a track that is almost continually turning. Played pretty well Cup Day last year.
Benalla Race 2
Like (4) Prandium Tempus and (14) Titahi Bay.Prandium Tempus is going to roll forward from the wide draw and can probably take it up. He has turned in two slick jump-outs this campaign and looks to have improved from his break. I imagine this is a set play for local trainer Wayne Nichols and Hannah Edgley rides this circuit well.
Titahi Bay has shown immense talent in jump-outs but hasn’t yet delivered on race day. The big plus is getting onto a firm deck – she clearly didn’t appreciate the heavy track at Benalla last start. Has jumped-out nicely between runs and gets a great trail from gate four.
Betting suggestion: Backing Prandium Tempus at $15 and Titahi Bay $5.50.
Benalla Race 5 – No.9 Watoto (E/W)
No doubt (1) Documentary is the class horse, but his recent form has been moderate and he’ll need luck from gate one with 62.5kg.The race falls away quickly thereafter.
(9) Watoto can lead them up fresh. He bolted in at Wodonga back in May – while that was a modest field, he’s always shown enough talent to win more races. He used to miss the kick early in his career, but that looks ironed out. His recent jump-out was excellent, he’s drawn to lead and should take plenty of catching.
Betting suggestion: Backing Watoto E/W at $10.
Benalla Race 6 – No.3 Glenfinnan
Good race this.(3) Glenfinnan is probably better at the mile, but 1400m is an ideal kick-off. He ran well fresh at Pakenham last campaign and loved his recent Mornington jump-out. Looks back in excellent order. With good speed in this race, he’ll get the tempo to suit and deserves favouritism.
(8) Boltsaver is consistent and down in grade suits him, but he struggles to win and prefers wet ground. Tongue tie going on may help with an issue.
Betting Suggestion: Backing Glenfinnan.
Coleraine Race 8
Handy race to round out the day.(13) He’s Godspeed won this race last year and now carries the same 59kg. First-up at Warrnambool was excellent – ran the best last 600m and 200m of the meeting. With a genuine tempo he looks a great chance to go back-to-back.
(15) Mister Businessman was tried as a stayer but his best form is at a mile. He has a sharp turn of foot and has previously run well fresh at 1400m. Trials this prep have been excellent, and if close enough turning for home, he can finish over the top.
Betting suggestion: Happy to back both He’s Godspeed at $6 and Mister Businessman at $7.50.
