Raceday focus: Best bets, analysis for Ballarat on Wednesday

Flemington trainer Simon Zahra has Vadaboy primed for a breakthrough win while Linda Meech will be the jockey to follow at Wednesday’s Ballarat meeting.

Trainer Simon Zahra has Vadaboy primed to break through in Wednesday's 2600m maiden at Ballarat. Picture: Racing Photos via Getty Images

Herald Sun form analyst Brad Waters runs the rule over Wednesday’s Ballarat meeting.

BEST BET

VADABOY (Race 2 No.6 – $2.10)

Vadaboy looks ready for this trip after two solid efforts over 2000m. He’s bred to see out the 2600m and the Simon Zahra-trained stayer can break through at Ballarat.

NEXT BEST

SURETHING TO WIN (Race 3 No.6 – $3.60)

Closed steadily when on to better footing at Horsham last time and will be better again for that experience. Jockey Daniel Moor will give her every chance from the inside gate.

PUCKAPUNYAL (Race 7 No.10 – $3.80)

Led and pulled out plenty to score at Warrnambool and this is no harder. She’ll roll forward and be hard to run down again over her favourite trip.

HOPKINS (Race 8 No.6 – $4.40)

Hopkins hit the line hard when back to 1700m at Warrnambool last time out but will be much better suited at 2000m over which he has won twice. Expecting him to charge late.

Jockey Jarrod Fry and the Lindsey Smith-trained Puckapunyal. Picture: Racing Photos via Getty Images

VALUE BET

IRASCIBLE MISS (Race 6 No.9 – $7)

Irascible Miss just missed when narrowly beaten at Bendigo last time but she will be fitter for three runs back. She’ll be harder to hold out this time.

THE JOCKEY

LINDA MEECH

Linda Meech has five rides at Ballarat on Wednesday, including a couple of top chances early in the day. DASHING (Race 1 No.3 – $2.50), STAR STOCK (Race 2 No.5 – $4.60), FIABLE (Race 4 No.8 – $13), MIA CAPO (Race 6 No.4 – $3.70), HE’S EXCLUSIVE (Race 7 No.7 – $5.50).

THE WEEK AHEAD

Stawell will host the day meeting on Thursday before a night card at Pakenham. Geelong races again during the day on Friday before the regular night meeting at Cranbourne. Racing returns to Flemington on Saturday while Warracknabeal will be the scene of the day’s support meeting. Sandown and Wangaratta will hold Sunday’s fixtures.