Cranbourne Preview: Mitch Lewis’ best bets for Friday night racing

Summary of Best Bets

Race 1 – (3) Headbanger
Race 4 – (1) Trial By Press (Value)
Race 8 – (6) Blue Hawaiian (Best)

Track

• Clear conditions are forecast for the meeting, so expect the track to be rated a Good 4.
• The rail remains in the True position as it was at the previous meeting here.
• An advantage usually sits with runners who settle in the front half of the field here, and expect that bias to again favour horses who race on speed.

Key stats

• Julius Sandhu brings two runners to the meeting, including a runner expected to feature in the 955m final. His stable has produced 17 winners from the last 100 runners with a POT return of +28.2%.
• Ryan Houston has a strong record riding at Cranbourne with a winning strike rate of 19.6% and a huge POT of +71.2%.

Race 1

(3) Headbanger has always promised talent and finally broke through with a win at this track and distance two starts ago. He then contested a stronger race at Flemington but returning to Cranbourne and dropping in grade sets him up to return to his best form. There looks to be plenty of speed in the race and he maps to get a good run just behind it.

Selections:
(3) Headbanger
(5) Shinjina
(1) Odessa
(2) Frostnip

Suggested Bet: (3) Headbanger WIN

Race 4

(1) Trial By Press is third-up today and slightly down in grade from the race she contested last start when finishing third. She returns to Cranbourne where she has a strong record (5:2-0-3) and maps well from barrier 1, which should see her land in an ideal position in running and be right in the finish.

Selections:
(1) Trial By Press
(3) A Diva
(4) Hot Chips
(7) Thunder Hawk

Suggested Bet: (1) Trial By Press EACH-WAY

Race 8

(6) Blue Hawaiian looks set to peak here third-up into the preparation, having been a third-up winner previously. She draws barrier 1 and should be able to race on speed. With a light weight after an apprentice claim she should get every chance and prove hard to run down.

Selections:
(6) Blue Hawaiian
(1) Brandjam
(2) Kyle
(9) Ferocious Frankie

Suggested Bet: (6) Blue Hawaiian WIN