Raceday focus: Best bets, analysis for Wangaratta on Thursday

The newly-married Mathew Ellerton can continue a good December when a lightly-raced three-year-old resumes at Wangaratta on Thursday.

Flemington trainer Mathew Ellerton can cap a big personal week with a win with promising three-year-old Hesket at Thursday's Wangaratta meeting. Picture: Racing Photos via Getty Images

Herald Sun form analyst Brad Waters runs the rule over Thursday’s Wangaratta meeting.

BEST BET

HESKET (Race 3 No.2 – $3.10)

Hesket made a solid start to his career when third to the handy Rock Artist first-up last time in. He’s had more time to develop and his jumpouts show a win is near.

NEXT BEST

DYNAMIC SENSATION (Race 5 No.1 – $9.50)

Dynamic Sensation led and showed plenty of fight to score at Wangaratta last time out and should cope with the step up in class to BM64 level on Thursday.

LUNAR HERO (Race 7 No.1 – $2.90)

Lunar Hero has raced near the speed and fought on well at The Valley at his last two runs. He has plenty of weight, even after the claim, but he can break through for a win on his home track.

ELLMAKINFICO (Race 9 No.2 – $3.60)

Ellmaknifico impressed with wins at his first two starts last time in and has had more time to mature. He might just be too classy for his rivals in the last on Thursday.

Locally-trained mare Secret Sheema is capable of producing a minor upset when she steps up to 2000m at Wangaratta. Picture: Racing Photos via Getty Images

VALUE BET

SECRET SHEEMA (Race 8 No.14 – $17)

Secret Sheema has produced her best work late at both runs this time in and the step to 2000m is perfect for her. She’s drawn well and could produce a minor upset on her home track.

THE JOCKEY

DANIEL STACKHOUSE

Daniel Stackhouse has a book of eight rides at Wangaratta on Thursday, including strong chances for some of Melbourne’s biggest stables. CARRY ON CAMPING (Race 2 No.3 – $5.50), IMA SHELBY (Race 3 No.3 – $7.50), DENIRRA (Race 4 No. 9 – $6), MEGAMEA (Race 5 No.9 – $9.50), FIXATED (Race 6 No.2 – $11), SURE AM INVINCIBLE (Race 7 No.8 – $11), ONE HELLOFA FAMILY (Race 8 No.9 – $34), SHADOW HAWK (Race 9 No.14 – $21).

THE WEEK AHEAD

Racing takes a break on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day before a big Boxing Day program that includes the traditional Caulfield card as well as meetings at Geelong, Kerang, Nhill, and the Drouin picnic fixture. Stony Creek races on Monday.

Originally published as Raceday focus: Best bets, analysis for Wangaratta on Thursday