Weekend Best Bets

OUR experts give you an early shot at finding a winner as they look at the major races around the nation.

I Am Zelady ridden by Tim Clark wins race 6 during the races at Rosehill Gardens.Pic Mark Evans

OUR experts give you an early shot at finding a winner as they look at the major races around the nation.

SATURDAY MEETINGS (AEDT Times)

ROSEHILL GARDENS (9 races, start 12.40pm), FLEMINGTON (9 races, start 10.30am),

DOOMBEN (10 races, start 12.52pm), MORPHETTVILLE PARKS (8 races, start 1.44pm),

ASCOT (8 races, 3.53pm).

BEAT THE BOOKIE: VALUE BETS

MOONEE VALLEY (Friday night)

NICK QUINN (TAB). Form: 13113

HEATHERLY

Race 5, No. 4

Speedy filly who returned from a lengthy lay-off with a brave run at Sandown, will strip much fitter for that and returns to her pet track and distance with inform hoop Damian Lane taking the ride.

TAB Fixed Odds: $2.45

DANNY RUSSELL (Herald Sun). Form: 41963

HEATHERLY

Race 5, No. 4

Three-year-old filly ideally suited back to the 955m. If they let her jump and run, she might set the Valley alight.

TAB Fixed Odds: $2.45

DARYL TIMMS (Herald Sun). Form: 1592x

HEATHERLY

Race 5, No. 4

Perfectly suited to this track where she has already won. Will take catching.

TAB Fixed Odds: $2.45

FLEMINGTON

MICHAEL MANLEY (Herald Sun). Form: 1429x

ROUGH JUSTICE

Race 6, No. 6

Can continue the golden run for the Ellerton/Zahra stable. Just held on to win first-up at Moonee Valley. Loves the straight and has form around some good horses. Also looks well in with 56 kilos.

TAB Fixed Odds: $2.80

ROD NICHOLSON (Herald Sun). Form: 42906

LOVE DAYS

Race 4, No. 2

Toyed with rivals in her two wins and has class. Touted as future star so take the tip.

TAB Fixed Odds: $1.90

SIMON MOY (Superracing) Form: 46x40

HUSSON EAGLE

Race 7, No. 1

Made ground late on return at Ballarat after being held up. Winner at track but hasn’t won at distance. Should be improved on last effort. Good chance.

TAB Fixed Odds: $4.60

CHRIS VERNUCCIO (Superracing). Form: 06101

LOVE DAYS

Race 4, No. 2

Brilliant win at Moonee Valley last start, was eased down 100m out and could have won by a lot more.

TAB fixed odds: $1.90

MARKETS: TAB FIXED ODDS

I Am Zelady should be able to get the job done again. Picture: Jenny Evans

ROSEHILL GARDENS

STEPHEN ZAMMIT (Daily Telegraph). Form: 94675

I AM ZELADY

Race 6, No. 6

An impressive mare from the Joe Pride yard who was forced to cover ground but was still too good for an impressive 1200m win at Rosehill in late November. Even fitter now and the 1350m will suit her admirably. Can win again.

TAB Fixed Odds: $3.30

JOHN DAVIS (Daily Telegraph). Form: 31081

MARY LOU

Race 4, No. 7

Was well tried at her latest Randwick attempt, when going down in a photo to subsequent winner Caped Crusader. Although having her fourth jockey swap in as many attempts this term, she gets the inform Brenton Avdulla to partner her. Stick with this mare.

TAB Fixed Odds: $4

SHAYNE O’CASS (Sportsman). Form: 74060

CLEARLY INNOCENT

Race 3 No. 4

Was one of the best things beaten at Randwick since Shannon in the 1946 Epsom in that TAB Highway on Dec 5. You have to feel for Sam Clenton, she’s a damn good jockey, but she found herself encircled by several horses up the rise and try as she might, she couldn’t get out. Brenton Avdulla takes over again — sad for Clenton but I am sure she’ll get back on again before too long, she’s a very good jockey.

TAB Fixed Odds: $2.20

MARKETS: TAB FIXED ODDS

DOOMBEN

NATHAN EXELBY (The Courier Mail). Form: 7364x

VOLKHERE

Race 1 No. 1

Proved too classy for similar opposition here last time when stepping up from the mile. Always holds his form and will be fitter again to help offset the extra 1kg.

TAB Fixed Odds: $3.50

BRAD DAVIDSON (Gold Coast Bulletin). Form: 24814

MISHANI STEALTH

Race 7, No. 2

Loved the way this horse has been tracking this prep and this race looks ready made for him. Should get a lovely run midfield and make his presence felt late. The $16 looks good value and he is a definite winning chance.

TAB Fixed Odds: $13

MARKET: TAB FIXED ODDS

MORPHETTVILLE PARKS

LINCOLN MOORE (The Advertiser). Form: 28226

TENERE

Race 6, No. 6

Racing in great form for the Phillip Stokes stable and draws perfectly here with Matthew Neilson to ride. Also accepted in Melbourne but looks the winner here if he stays in Adelaide despite yet to win on the Morphettville Parks track.

TAB Fixed Odds: $3.20

MARKET: TAB FIXED ODDS

Note: Prices correct at time of publishing

Originally published as Weekend Best Bets