On The Punt: Apprentice Josh Richards has a strong book of rides at Benalla on Monday

ON THE PUNT: Apprentice Josh Richards could be worth following at Benalla on Monday.

Josh Richards has a good book of rides at Benalla. Picture: Racing Photos

Big fields are the order of the day for a tricky nine race card at Benalla on Monday which will be run on a good surface.

BEST BET

SPANISH KING

R4 No. 10 ($3.60)

Just missed at big odds on debut at Benalla behind Winston Smurfhill. Straight to 2000m and gets the benefit of Josh Richards‘ claim. Strong chance.

NEXT BEST

BATTAGLIA

R2 No. 1 ($5)

Seven-start maiden but placed in three of past four appearances. Found step up to 1400m at Cranbourne too much last time out but form prior stacks up.

MYSTERY FLYER

R3 No. 10 ($6)

Rise to 1200m ideal after making up good ground last start to run second at Tatura.

VALUE BETS

ENTITLED PRINCESS

R6 No. 7 ($11)

Bad draw but was tested in city grade as a three-year-old and not disgraced. Gun jockey booked.

LOCKO

R9 No. 5 ($6)

Doesn‘t win out of turn (three wins in 30 starts) but has placed 13 times and usually around the mark.

THE JOCKEY

JOSH RICHARDS

Gun apprentice has a nice book of rides.

GORGEOUS PROPHET (R1 No. 16 $7.50), SPANISH KING (R4 No. 10 $3.60), STATE SQUAD (R5 No. 4 $34), CAPODANNO (R6 No. 2 $5.50), BELLINGER (R8 No. 5 $2.60) and PAINT ME RED (R9 No. 3 $8.50).

Originally published as On The Punt: Apprentice Josh Richards has a strong book of rides at Benalla on Monday