Betsy's Set - Ballarat Monday

Overview:

• Key to the Ballarat Synthetic all winter has been to stay out of the significant kickback
• Looks a solid betting program - races 2,7 and 8 standout.

Betting Strategy:

Race 2 - Quite The Lass

A number of these clashed in a similar race won by Southby recently, but I think Quite The Lass can turn the tables. She had no luck in that race and has since had another solid performance in a fast-run staying contest, also on the Ballarat Synthetic. Surprised she isn't a clear favourite.

Race 6 - Taung

Quite simply, Taung looks a moral. He has always shown good promise and it was only a matter of time before he broke his maiden status, which he did in emphatic fashion at this track last start. This is a fairly moderate BM58 and he should get a lovely run from gate four - I'd be surprised if he isn't winning again.

Race 7 - Backing both Cosmic Rhapsody & Monsoon Reins

After leading a four-horse field last start, expecting Mr Tickles to revert to his normal 'backmarker' role - he looks a risky favourite at $2.60.

Cosmic Rhapsody is the class runner of the race. He has a terrific record whenever he drops back to BM58 grade and coming off a luckless run against stronger opposition last time out I can see him bouncing back to winning ways.

Monsoon Reins simply didn't get the 1200m last time out. He was super here two back over 1000m and getting back to the short-course he can rapidly improve. Over the odds at $10.

Race 8 - Backing Bons to Riches & Maximum Power

Maximum Power looked terrific in a recent jump-out when a closing second to Arkansaw Kid. He was super strong past the line in that piece of work and I'd expect him to give a great sight here fresh.

Bons To Riches comes out of a couple of handy BM64's on the Pakenham Synthetic. He was trapped deep throughout at his latest, but stuck on gamely. From a soft draw, he maps to get every hope in running and that should see him right in the finish.