Betsy's Best: Pakenham

Best Bets

Race 6 No.3 Matawai (Value) – Down in grade and has won at this track and 3rd up previously

Race 7 No.1 Jakivy (Best) – Down in grade and returning to his preferred track and distance set-up

Turf Talk:

• Clear weather forecast for race day, suggest the meeting will be raced on a Good 4 and remain at that rating
• The rail remains at the same position as it was last Friday at the +6m position. There may be some wear on parts of the track and runners will likely come away from the rail in the straight
• The track has been playing fairly with no leaders’ bias, but prefer to back runners that won’t settle further back than midfield

Key Stats:

• Ryan Houston continues his good form over the summer. In his last 100 rides he has a winning strike rate of 11% at a POT of +14.7%
• John McArdle’s stable has been flying. In his last 10 starters he has produced 4 winners at a POT of +49.2% and has the one runner at this meeting

Race 6

MATAWAI looks well placed to find her best 3rd up into this preparation where she has had good success previously (2:1-1-0). She is down in grade from her previous start and has won at this track and distance before, which sets her up to get back to winning form.

(3) Matawai
(12) Butternut Princess
(9) Bayou Music
(10) Curse It

Suggested bet: (3) Matawai (Win)

Race 7

JAKIVY doesn’t win often, but he normally saves his best form for this track at Pakenham. Over this track and distance set-up he has been very consistent (9:2-2-4). He hit the line strongly last start at Flemington and now drops slightly in grade, which sets him up to improve back at his preferred venue.

(1) Jakivy
(6) Lapland
(10) Olivia Rose
(5) Dani California

Suggested bet: (1) Jakivy (Win)