Midweek Best Bets

OUR experts give you an early shot at finding that elusive midweek winner as they look at the major cards around the nation.

Jockey Craig Williams riding Strong Hand wins Race 3 the City of Ballarat 3YO BM78 Handicap during the Ballarat race meeting transferred to the Geelong Racecourse on Sunday 26th July, 2015. Picture: Mark Dadswell

OUR experts give you an early shot at finding that elusive midweek winner as they look at the major cards around the nation.

CANTERBURY

RAY THOMAS (The Daily Telegraph)

Race 1, No. 6

MONTAUK

Promising debut when run down near the line by Sebring Sun over the Canterbury 1200m two weeks ago. Sebring Sun has franked the form by winning the Listed The Rosebud last Saturday. Montaux can only be improved by race experience and should win.

STEPHEN ZAMMIT (The Daily Telegraph)

SHAFTESBURY

Race 4, No. 4

Came with a huge run to just miss when runner-up over the mile at Newcastle on July 11. Given time to find his feet and gathered them in quickly when scoring over 1850m there on July 25. Will find the 1900m ideal at this stage and Chris Waller will have him ready to strike again. An added advantage is the in-form Blake Shinn will do the steering.

JOHN DAVIS (The Daily Telegraph)

UPSCALE

Race 5, No. 7

Was simply breathtaking on debut at Newcastle and can make the transition to the city ranks, despite her awkward gate. Go well.

SHAYNE O’CASS (The Sportsman)

MIDAS

Race 6, No. 8

He is first-up over the 1550m which is the Goldilocks distance for him; not too short, not too far. He has been first-up only once before and that was his debut at Canberra where he came from last to finish fourth in the 1400m maiden. His lead-in schedule of trial, 10 days break, trial, 12 days break — race, is perfection personified. Just going to need a clever ride now.

SANDOWN (HILLSIDE)

MICHAEL MANLEY (Herald Sun)

STRONG HAND

Race 5, No. 6

Talented Darren Weir-trained galloper who is aiming for four in a row. Seems to be getting better with each start. Stick with him.

DOOMBEN

BRAD DAVIDSON (Gold Coast Bulletin)

LOCK’S LEGEND

Race 6, No. 5

Everyone was talking about how stiff L’entrecote was a few weeks back (including me) but Lock’s Legend was just as unlucky in the same race. Lost two lengths on the turn and had to be eased down the last 50m. You could make a case to say he should have won and he gets his chance on the minimum on Wednesday.

MORPHETTVILLE

BEN SCADDEN (The Advertiser)

DAZZLING LILLY

Race 5, No. 3

This honest mare is yet to win this campaign but has shown noted improvement in recent weeks, including a solid last-start third at Balaklava. Should be handy each-way odds and sure to give you a good run for your money.

Originally published as Midweek Best Bets