Goodform Gameplan: Bendigo Sat 9th January

There are so many uncertainties in this opening event that our only reasonable course is to play for value and from the moment fields were released I sensed that value – on an Each Way basis – would come via ZUBERI (1). Despite a moderate figure formline he’s actually been going super all prep and gets the perfect draw for his pattern if a few things fall into place. 

SUGGESTED BET: 

$20 Each Way on ZUBERI (1) at $8 or better

I expect STARSBYTHEBEACH (5) to reemploy her excellent gate speed here and lead throughout over the short course trip but when a horse hasn’t done something for a while you need value to back them and that value just isn’t there so I’ll let this lot go around without me. 

SUGGESTED BET:  

Nothing significant (Confidence rating that STARSBYTHEBEACH (5) will win)

This is a weird old Claimer with three clear class runners who are all either quirky or below their absolute best form. STRUVE (4) has more mood swings than Tom Cruise during COVID but he has trialled well since his catastrophic first-up effort and if he’s in the mood he should lead and win. The big value here will come if GLENAVRIL KING (3) leads and trails then somehow lands the podium. 

SUGGESTED BETS: 

Flexi Trifecta: 4/ 5,7/ 2,5,7: $24 gets 600% 

Flexi Trifecta: 4/ 2/ 5,7: $6 gets 300%

There’s a very good reason I avoid talking tactics with trainers and drivers outside of my media commitments because all it does it complicate the equation! Before chatting with Kima Frenning I was prepared to declare YORKSHIRE (1) her and the $2.25 currently on offer would have been more than good enough. Knowing they plan to lead now I’m less bullish given I’m seeing significant pressure in transit and – potentially – a late-closing winner. I am now tempted by the $13 for JOE NIEN (5) but ultimately I’ll stick with my top tip for a smaller investment than originally intended. 

SUGGESTED BET: 

$30 Win on YORKSHIRE (1) at $2 or better

They are falling like nine-pins in the Maori Mile and whether or not we have a bet will solely depend on what price we can get about RED HOT TOOTH (2) when markets are re-opened. If $3.50 is available we will have a little play as she will lead, trail the leader or get perfect one-one cover in a race of probable pressure. She’s as good as anything here on her day and has more tactical options available then the other major hopes. 

SUGGESTED BET:  

$20 Win on RED HOT TOOTH (2) at $3.50 or better

In my dreams I was probably hoping for better than the $2.80 currently on offer about SCORCHA (3) but in reality I was never going to get it and I’m more than comfortable with backing him at that price. It’s possible that CARLAS MACH (2) has some electric gate speed up her sleeve that we have yet to witness but if Puppet goes full bore at the start her he should find the top and if SCORCHA (3) leads I won’t hear of him getting beaten. 

SUGGESTED BET: 

$40 Win on SCORCHA (3) at $2.50 or better

My early investment on tonight’s Bendigo Cup was directed toward IM ANOTHERMASTERPIECE (12) at $12 and I still consider that was value but the more I look at the feature event the more convinced I am that OUR UNCLE SAM (10) should almost just win. He is a proper, proper, proper Grand Circuit horse when right and eats up long-trip racing. The engagement of Zac Phillips is also a major plus so $4.20, while far from top fluc, is still significant overs. 

SUGGESTED BET: 

$50 Win on OUR UNCLE SAM (10) at $3.50 or better

Part of me wants to back RADIUS (1) here on the proviso he lobs the leader’s back but more of me doesn’t so I’m staying out of the penultimate affair. 

SUGGESTED BET: 

Nothing significant (Confidence rating that RADIUS (1) will win) 

After the race it may well seem that the $2 offered about PRESIDENT ROYDON (1) was amazingly generous but he’s first up off a more-than-two-year break and as a result I can’t back him at yours-for-theirs right now. 

SUGGESTED BET:  

Nothing significant (Confidence rating that PRESIDENT ROYDON (1) will win)