Wednesday’s Bendigo meeting looks a solid eight-race card, with good weather expected to provide ideal racing conditions across the program.
The track is currently rated a Good 4, and with the rail pushed out 5m, it should play fairly, placing importance on race shape and rider timing.
Skip ahead and check out the selections below.
CHERRY HILLS (1) makes her debut and profiles as a strong winning chance following a series of encouraging jump outs and a recent trial.
The Hayes-trained filly should have no concerns stepping out to 1300m first-up, having been given a solid hit out when winning a 1400m trial last time.
Earlier work saw her dominate a 1000m jump out where she led throughout with ease.
Luke Currie partnered her in that trial and retains the ride.
| 1. Cherry Hills (7) J: Luke Currie 57kg T: Ben, Will & Jd Hayes |
KANDINKSY (6) looks very hard to beat in this maiden after an excellent return at Seymour.
The Price & Kent Jnr-trained gelding raced awkwardly early and covered extra ground but still fought strongly, only being grabbed late.
There was a clear gap back to third, and the form has stood up well since, with subsequent strong performances from key runners.
He’ll improve second-up and maps to enjoy a much kinder run with Mark Zahra aboard.
| 6. Kandinsky (5) J: Mark Zahra 59.5kg 4×2 T: Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr |
This shapes as a tricky event with most of the field on debut, so siding with race experience in HOME INVASION (15).
The Waterhouse & Bott filly wasn’t far away in the Group 3 Gimcrack Stakes when resuming, finishing fifth after being badly held up in the straight.
She’s since been given time and has trialled well, showing sharp speed in her latest outing where she led throughout.
Jordan Childs takes the ride and should have her in the right spot from the outset.
| 15. Home Invasion (7) J: Jordan Childs 56kg 5x T: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott |
VARADERO (9) will take plenty of benefit from his strong debut performance at Geelong.
The Shepherdson-trained gelding finished second despite pulling up lame, chasing home a runner with strong form references.
That form ties in well with high-quality opposition, suggesting this is a very winnable race.
Fitter for the run, he should position up on speed and prove hard to run down.
| 9. Varadero (5) J: Luke Currie 59.5kg 2 T: Mick Shepherdson |
COULDTHISBETHEONE (1) comes here in great form, having won two of his last three starts.
The Laurie-trained galloper was heavily backed last start at Pakenham and delivered with a strong finish.
He clearly performs best on dry tracks and has already won at this venue.
From a good draw, he looks set to get every opportunity with Jake Noonan aboard.
| 1. Couldthisbetheone (2) J: Jake Noonan 61.5kg 67141 T: Matt Laurie |
CLEVOR TREVER (4) showed steady improvement last campaign, breaking through for a strong maiden win at his third start.
The Payne-trained gelding looked under pressure mid-race before producing a sharp turn of foot to score comfortably.
He resumes here after a spell and has impressed in a recent trial, winning by a space.
Billy Egan should settle him just off the speed and have him ready to strike late.
| 4. Clevor Trever (5) J: Billy Egan 59kg 221x T: Patrick Payne |
PRINCE TYCOON (2) returns for his first run since a bleeding incident in tougher company last preparation.
The Busuttin & Young gelding appears forward enough after two strong jump out wins leading in.
This represents a drop in class compared to recent assignments, and he’s already shown ability over this trip.
With a favourable draw and a claim for Ryan Houston, he gets his chance to bounce back.
| 2. Prince Tycoon (2) J: Ryan Houston 62kg x538x T: Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young |
DRAMATICUS (10) has had little luck in recent outings but continues to perform well.
He resumed with a solid effort when held up at Morphettville, then again struck trouble last start at Pakenham when unable to get clear until late.
His previous win at Donald was strong, highlighting his finishing ability.
Now fully fit and likely to enjoy a better run in transit, he looks well placed to break through.
| 10. Dramaticus (4) J: John Allen 59.5kg 3×312 T: Tony & Calvin Mcevoy |