Betsy's Best: Pakenham Monday
Today’s Betsy’s Bests – SaleBest Bet: Race 5 No.6 AlmagoQuaddie: 4,6,11 / 2,3,5,7 / 2,6,9 / 1,3,6,7,9
Summary of Tips
| Race | No. | Horse | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 2 | Auto Max | Suited up to 1400m |
| 3 | 7 | Mr Crafty | Over the odds |
| 5 | 6 | Almago | Best Bet |
| 6 | 9 | Zeshadow | Value play |
| 7 | 11 | Diamanda | Over the odds |
| 8 | 4 | Our Couver | Class dropper |
| 8 | 7 | Long Brew | Luckless last start |
Track Pattern Outlook
- Track has been racing perfectly all season — horses can come from anywhere.
- Light-ish winds shouldn’t impact racing.
Key Pakenham Stats
- Trainer Clint McDonald is striking at 25% from his last 100 runners.
- Jockey Ben Melham is riding at 19.9% from 181 rides on the Pakenham Synthetic. He comes out for one ride today on Express Barbie (Race 2 No.3).
Overview
Race 3 – No.2 Auto Max & No.7 Mr Crafty(2) Auto Max has been crying out for 1400m and finally gets it today. Would have loved him to draw a softer gate, but you can’t have it all! He has been super in two runs at Bairnsdale this prep — a track that doesn’t suit his racing pattern. The bigger Pakenham track and step up in trip look ideal.
(7) Mr Crafty had no luck here on debut but ran home with some of the day’s best late splits. He had trialled well prior and can take a more forward spot today. Over the odds at $20.
Race 5 – No.6 AlmagoForgive this mare’s last start where she pulled up with an issue. She was terrific without much luck at Cranbourne on debut, and if she can repeat that effort, she’ll prove very hard to beat here. Drawn well, she maps to get a lovely run in what looks a limited affair.
Race 6 – No.9 ZeshadowCompetitive race, but think (9) Zeshadow is over the odds. She got too far back in an on-speed dominated race at Geelong, which has since proven a strong form reference with several subsequent winners. From a good gate she should settle much handier here and looks value.
Race 7 – No.11 DiamandaThis mare was a revelation last prep, going from picnic races to running second under lights at The Valley. She had no luck at Cranbourne last start and could have gone close to winning if the run came when needed. The step up in trip suits and she looks over the odds.
Race 8 – No.4 Our Couver & No.7 Long Brew(4) Our Couver drops sharply in class and importantly gets away from the Flemington straight, where he’s raced both starts this prep. The rise to 1400m suits, and from a good draw he can build momentum and stay out of trouble.
(7) Long Brew was luckless here last start and looks set to peak now third up. Drawn to get a gun run, she can bounce back into the winner’s circle.
