Raceday focus: Best bets, analysis for Mornington on Thursday

Apprentice jockey Tianni Chapman has a select book of rides at Mornington to be fighting out the finish in several races.

Iknewshewasmine winning at Moe with apprentice jockey Tianni Chapman in the saddle. Picture: Racing Photos

Herald Sun form analyst Gilbert Gardiner runs the rule over Thursday’s Mornington meeting.

BEST BET

RASTELLI (R8 No.12 – $4.20)

Progressive filly. Nice win on debut in Adelaide and despite rising in weight is drawn to go forward and give cheek. Apprentice Josh Richards flies on frontrunners too.

NEXT BEST

COAXIAL (R1 No.2 $8)

Given time to develop and jockey Craig Newitt in great form on the provincial circuit. Finished third on debut in April behind Smyzter. Trialled well last month.

DAWN COUNTY (R4 No.1 – $3.80)

Lightly raced gelding making Australia debut after four placings from six starts in New Zealand. Trained at Mornington a major bonus.

VALUE BET

CRAZY LADIES (R3 No.13 – $6)

Five-start maiden but taken on stronger races than this in the past. Drawn nicely and proven on wet ground, having placed first-up on a heavy track last time in work.

BANSTEAD (R6 No.1 – $12)

Will roll forward and make own luck. No wins beyond 1600m but placed at 1800m and 2150m in Tasmania.

THE JOCKEY

Talented apprentice TIANNI CHAPMAN grew up on the Peninsula and has a nice book of rides at Mornington.

MARGARET‘S BANTER (R1 No.11 – $6.50), BANSTEAD (R6 No.1 – $12), IKNEWSHEWASMINE (R7 No.2 – $5) and RAMBEAU (R8 No.4 – $4.80).

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