2026 Bendigo Cup Day Tips & Preview | Wednesday 28 October

SCOVILLE (6) lines up second-up for Ciaron Maher after finishing runner-up to Aroused on debut at Ballarat last month.

The Too Darn Hot filly settled midfield along the rail and was briefly held up before working into second, finishing 1.75 lengths behind the winner. Aroused has since franked the form with a narrow second in last Saturday’s Crockett Stakes at Flemington.

With a favourable draw and nearly a month between runs, Ethan Brown can look to settle her similarly and give her every chance to build on that debut effort.

SUNBLISS (5) is worth another chance after a run to forget in the Group 3 Champagne Stakes at Caulfield.

Mick Price and Michael Kent Jr’s filly was slow away and settled well back, then failed to make an impact in the straight, finishing nearly five lengths from the winner.

Her first-up run at Sandown was much more encouraging. She settled near the rear before producing a sharp turn of foot down the outside to finish second. A genuinely wet track could be a test, though she handled heavy conditions in a recent Cranbourne jump-out. The drop back in class also appeals.

SEMANTICS (15) is worth serious consideration if she gains a start as first emergency.

The Godolphin filly was still learning when she broke her maiden here three weeks ago, winning over 100m shorter as the odds-on favourite. She produced a well-timed run down the middle of the straight and pulled away to score by 1.25 lengths.

She handled the wet conditions well and appeared to have plenty in reserve at the finish. This is a tougher test, but she has scope to improve, with Ethan Brown retaining the ride.

MELEK (7) is in solid form and looks capable of making his presence felt for Ciaron Maher and connections.

The lightly raced five-year-old has produced two honest runs recently at Ballarat and Seymour. Despite an awkward start at Seymour, he worked home from midfield to finish third.

John Allen suggested after that run that Melek would appreciate a longer trip. With the pair stepping up to 2400m for the first time, he should have the chance to settle back and build into the race before finishing strongly.

CUSHIONED (11) deserves another chance after narrowly missing a place at Cranbourne second-up.

It was a frustrating run for his supporters at $4.60, as he was held up badly along the rail before being forced to shift out. He finished 1.2 lengths behind Savannah Chill, whom he now meets better at the weights.

With a couple of runs under his belt, he can get closer with even luck. If he finds cover and handles the heavy track, he’ll be a major chance.

WINGSANDPROPELLERS (6) is better than his last two runs suggest.

The Rich Enuff gelding finished down the field from a wide draw over the same course and distance to close out his winter campaign, then faced a tough assignment first-up at Caulfield, where he raced wide in the straight.

His overall record of eight starts for four wins, a second and a third is impressive, and he has won good races over this distance at Geelong. Back in grade and drawn more favourably, he looks a key chance.

DIRTY LOOK (3) has had a month between runs as she bids for a third straight win.

Graham Begg’s mare has been in excellent form this preparation. She resumed with a two-length victory over 1200m at Sandown, producing a powerful turn of foot despite racing three wide.

She took another step forward second-up at Cranbourne, making ground from midfield over 1400m after again covering extra ground. With a jump-out between runs and proven wet-track form, she looks tough to beat.

KINGS VALLEY (6) has another wide draw to contend with, but his strong recent form makes him the one to beat.

He finished well for second in last week’s Moonee Valley Gold Cup and had little luck in the Caulfield Cup the week before, where he was badly held up and could have finished closer.

His form behind quality runners such as Cosmic Crusader and Juju Kibo reads well, and the wet conditions should suit. Ethan Brown takes the ride for the first time, with Kings Valley likely to settle near the rear from barrier eight.

BEL MEZYAAN (11) resumes for Jerome Hunter, looking to build on his runner-up finish in the Bendigo Guineas over this course and distance in May.

The lightly raced four-year-old has been consistent throughout his eight-start career. After the Guineas, he finished fourth over a mile at Caulfield on a very wet track before closing his campaign with another placing at Headquarters.

A recent jump-out suggests he’s forward enough for 1400m first-up. He’ll likely settle near the back from his draw and look to finish strongly.