Wyong Turf Talk for Saturday: Mitch Cohen makes Bonita Queen his best bet for the day

Mitch Cohen and Shayne O’Cass debate all the key chances at Saturday’s The Lakes meeting at Wyong, where Mitch will be loading up on a Bjorn Baker-trained mare.

Mitch Cohen and Shayne O’Cass debate all the key chances at Saturday’s The Lakes meeting at Wyong.

Mitch Cohen (left) and Shayne O'Cass.

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Shayno: Hello Mitchy. The Lakes is the big one this side of the Tweed River anyhow on the weekend. Half a million smackers heading the way of someone. Me? I hope it is Kris Lees, Australian Bloodstock and Benjamin Osmond via Almania. I know he is a 2000m-plus horse but this is a mile first-up.

Mitch: Hello Shayno. In one sentence you’ve blown me away. Almania? Can’t find him. I am expecting Bjorn Baker to have another massive day; tipping Highlights and Robusto will fight out the finish. Highlights is ready to peak now, goes on soft going and gets in with 52kg! What did you think of the two-year-old opener?

It's Robusto with a robust win in the G2 Ingham for @BBakerRacing and @clarkyhk! 🙌@Darby_Racing | @aus_turf_clubpic.twitter.com/jdFPGS302N

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) December 14, 2024

• Joseph has a Super Helpful tip for punters in The Lakes

Shayno: It’s an absolute cracker. I like both of the Godolphin entries but not only did I ‘settle’ on Barbarossa, I actually made him my best bet. He’s the blue blood of epic proportions too; a son of Guelph, a grandson of Camarilla and a great grandson of Camarena.

Mitch: We might need a family tree graphic for that. I’m with him too. He looked to have plenty to offer in his most recent trial and I am tipping Zac Lloyd got his pick of the Godolphin pair here. Reading the tea leaves.

Shayno: If this was Newcastle not Wyong, I would be declaring General Soho in the Midway. I have to happily put my trust in Aaron Bullock who has ridden the horse four times for three wins.

The dynamic duo!

General Soho gives @Aaronbullock90 & @perry_racing1 a winning double at Newcastle! pic.twitter.com/zNgAdZ82XC

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) April 24, 2024

• ‘He should be at his best for it’: Sarg eyes unique Coast double

Mitch: Another week, another wide open Midway. I like the $8 around for Irish Bliss. He looked the winner last start at the same venue before narrowly going down late. The draws a bit stick but in Jay Ford we trust. The Highway looks a bit easier.

Shayno: How interesting that we get to see Kreon in action for the first time since his excusable Kosciuszko failure. We were side-by-side in the office that day he won his maiden at Gundagai on the Snake Gully Cup day card. Wow.

Mitch: Soft conditions are my main concern with my old pal Kreon. That’s why I’ve gone with Duke Of Bronte. He’s struggled in the heat his past two starts but should be suited by the gloomy weather and some sting out of the ground.

The TAB Highway at Randwick goes to Duke Of Bronte first up!@clarkyhk | @aus_turf_clubpic.twitter.com/BGGUD8EIKa

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) November 5, 2024

Shayno: My ‘tip’ for people who like big collects is to take the Kris Lees Daily Double, 8 and 3. It will break the TAB.

Mitch: A $1734 all up for those playing at home. Sheesh. Just back Bonita Queen (Race 5) for a nice double up.

Originally published as Wyong Turf Talk for Saturday: Mitch Cohen makes Bonita Queen his best bet for the day