The Trial Files: Key bets at Newcastle today

Race 2 - 1:50PM THE ADVISER COLLECTIVE SUPER MAIDEN PLATE (1600 METRES)

Smart 1600m Maiden with a couple of progressive types engaged. Keen to side with the Marc Chevalier-trained Stand My Ground. The 3yo filly was smart on debut behind the city types Columbus and Lady Pankhurst. Three smart trials this time in and she looks very well placed over 1600m fresh. Scoop The Pool gets the blinkers on second-up and looks suited up to 1600m, the query is the sticky wide gate. Valentiago and Indigo Star both map well enough from their draws, both have race fitness on their side and go in the mix.

Suggested Bet:

Stand My Ground WIN

Race 4 - 3:00PM NEW ZEALAND BLOODSTOCK BENCHMARK 64 HANDICAP (900 METRES)

Intriguing 900m contest - it is a very specialist distance and with that in mind Whil To Win goes on top at a good each-way price. He is an out-and-out 900m specialist. Back-to-back smart trials this time in and looks well placed here first-up. Fierce is the obvious horse to beat here back in class and back to 900m - yes, he has to lug 60.5kg but he has a strong class edge. Zing To Me has found form this prep, heavily backed in both runs this time in and maps well here. She’s Assort has a strong last start SP, pulled up with an issue there and can be assessed on her first-up win.

Suggested bet:

Whil To Win EW