Bronte Nieuwenburg has done the form for tonight’s competitive card at Bendigo.
Race 1:
OVERVIEW: SALSBOY (3) has good gate speed and should map well. He hit the line strongly last start and is racing better than his form suggests. KIMCHI (7) is in good form after winning two starts back and finishing second last start. James Herbertson takes the drive and clicks well with this horse, though the barrier is a little tricky. TASTE IT (10) has had early manners issues recently but got it right last start and won well. If she can replicate that performance, she will go close. LORDE VERDE (9) is racing well and should map into a midfield position from the draw. This will be his first look at the Bendigo track.
SELECTIONS: SALSBOY (3), KIMCHI (7), TASTE IT (10), LORDE VERDE (9)
Race 2:
OVERVIEW: ELCHEAPO CLAIRE (3) is a maiden but hasn’t been far away recently, placing in five of her past six starts. Her performance last week saw her well beaten after having to race in the breeze in a stronger race. If she maps well, she can break through here. BILL (9) is first-up for Mark and Lisa Pitt and hasn’t raced for 209 days. His personal times last preparation were good and, with only four career starts, there should be improvement to come. OHANA BY THE SEA (6) has the best sectional times in this event but maps awkwardly from barrier six. AMADA VILLMA (1) looks a place chance from barrier one.
SELECTIONS: ELCHEAPO CLAIRE (3), BILL (9), OHANA BY THE SEA (6), AMADA VILLMA (1)
Race 3:
OVERVIEW: REIGN EM IN (5) is performing better than his recent numerical form suggests. He had to do it tough last start at this track and wasn’t beaten far after a hard run, while the start prior he was checked out of the race. He has gate speed and should be able to settle into a forward position. KARUMA KEV (7) won the race in which Reign Em In had to do it tough, finding the front and fighting off late challenges. He is unlikely to lead here, but he is a quality horse who can make his own luck. KYRGIOS (2) won last start and continues to improve with each run. He should map well from his draw. MADAM REACTOR (1) is first-up since November but will appreciate the inside draw.
BACK: REIGN EM IN (5) – 2 units (win)
SELECTIONS: REIGN EM IN (5), KARUMA KEV (7), KYRGIOS (2), MADAM REACTOR (1)
Race 4:
OVERVIEW: BENNIE AND THE JETS (7) was brilliant last start after missing away from the stand and still finishing third behind Jilliby Ballerini in a Group 3. Two starts back he won the Cobram Trotters Cup. He has plenty of ability and this looks a suitable race for him. CHARLESTON AVENUE (5) has won his past two starts impressively. He has always been a consistent performer but appears to be in career-best form now. EL CONQUEROR (10) is a former New Zealand runner who has missed a place only once since moving to Victoria. He has won the Echuca and Swan Hill Trotters Cups but faces an awkward barrier here. WATCH AND ACT (4) is a smart, well-performed trotter who is always thereabouts.
BACK: BENNIE AND THE JETS (7) – 3 units (win)
SELECTIONS: BENNIE AND THE JETS (7), CHARLESTON AVENUE (5), EL CONQUEROR (10), WATCH AND ACT (4)
Race 5:
OVERVIEW: TWISTING BY (11) is a talented runner but will need to overcome a wide back-row barrier. At his best, his personal times are outstanding and he should be flashing home late. FOLLOWTHEACE (7) is first-up since early last year but has plenty of ability. He has trialled well and will improve on whatever he does here. TRIPLE ROCK SAINT (8) is a very consistent and versatile performer who is a recent Saturday night winner at Melton. He may get stuck on the fence here and will need luck. TEN DA TOUCH (10) is first-up from New Zealand for Julie Douglas. The stable has a strong record with New Zealand imports and, as a six-time winner, it would be no surprise if he was able to score. Whatever he does in this run, he should improve and is a horse to follow.
SELECTIONS: TWISTING BY (11), FOLLOWTHEACE (7), TRIPLE ROCK SAINT (8), TEN DA TOUCH (10)
Race 6:
OVERVIEW: FREMARKS PEGGY (1) was impressive when winning last start with James Herbertson in the sulky, improving her time by several seconds. If she trots throughout, and with Herbertson back on, she can go back-to-back. HOLD THAT MAGIC (8) is the only runner on the second line, giving her the option to stay on the fence or move into the running line. She has only one win to her name but has placed in eight of her past ten starts and, with luck, will be in the finish. MANDA KYVALLEY (6) is a smart mare but can have issues with her manners. Her own times are strong, and she will need luck from barrier six. GOLDEN SKIES (2) is in great form and should map well here.
SELECTIONS: FREMARKS PEGGY (1), HOLD THAT MAGIC (8), MANDA KYVALLEY (6), GOLDEN SKIES (2)
Race 7:
OVERVIEW: ALDEBARAN BUDDY (4) has the best recent sectional times in this field and James Herbertson, Australia’s leading driver, takes the reins for the first time. He should perform well here. MIDNITE MUSCLE (2) has good gate speed and won last start after leading throughout. He should map forward again. VAN DOREN (3) hit the line strongly to win last start at Maryborough and is racing well, with the Donna Castles stable also in good form. BLACK AND GOLD (5) is the reliable old mare chasing her 25th career win. She will need luck but still has the ability to feature.
BACK: ALDEBARAN BUDDY (4) – 2.5 units (win)
SELECTIONS: ALDEBARAN BUDDY (4), MIDNITE MUSCLE (2), VAN DOREN (3), BLACK AND GOLD (5)
Race 8:
OVERVIEW: DONA AMALIA (7) galloped, made up ground and still hit the line strongly to finish fourth last start at Swan Hill in an outstanding effort. She will need to trot throughout but is racing very well. POPPY POPSTAR (4) has posted solid recent sectional times and is good enough to win this, though she may map awkwardly from barrier four with plenty of speed drawn inside her. CHRISTMAS BABE (2) has excellent gate speed and should map well. ALLWATFUNJINGLES (1) looks set to secure a good run along the fence and is well placed.
BACK: DONA AMALIA (7) – 2.5 units (win)
SELECTIONS: DONA AMALIA (7), POPPY POPSTAR (4), CHRISTMAS BABE (2), ALLWATFUNJINGLES (1)
10-UNIT GAME PLAN
R3 #5 REGIN EM IN – 2 units (win)
R4 #7 BENNIE AND THE JETS – 3 units (win)
R7 #4 ALDEBARAN BUDDY – 2.5 units (win)
R8 #7 DONA AMALIA – 2.5 units (win)
EARLY QUADDIE
3,8,7,9,10/1,3,6,9/1,2,5,6,7/4,5,7,10
QUADDIE
2,8,7,10,11/1,6,8/2,3,4/1,2,4,7
For all your harness form in one place go to goodform.thetrots.com.au
** A betting unit is typically a percentage of the total bankroll or the amount of money you are willing to risk on a particular bet – for example 1 unit is 10% of your bankroll, therefore a $100 bankroll 1 unit equals $10
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