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Weekend best bets: Caulfield, Royal Randwick, Sunshine Coast, Gawler, Ascot

In The Nooch we trust. And this week chart-topping News Racing tipster Chris Vernuccio is big on Hey Doc getting the job done as race favourite in the Australia Stakes at The Valley.

Pandemic salutes during barrier trials at Royal Randwick on January 9. Picture: Getty Images
Pandemic salutes during barrier trials at Royal Randwick on January 9. Picture: Getty Images

Our experts give you an early shot at finding a winner at the major races around the nation this weekend.

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Last week … Just two winners. Gun News Racing form analyst Chris Vernuccio continued his exceptional run with another of his best bets saluting, Red Heeler ($2.60). That’s now five of his last seven first past the post. Gilbert Gardiner (Herald Sun) also chimed in with value bet Alabama Express ($3.50) finding the line. But as a group, we need to quickly get back on the horse from a disappointing performance.

**Nathan Exelby (Brisbane), Darren Prendergast (Sydney), Nick Quinn (TAB) and Glenn McFarlane (Melbourne) are all on leave at the moment.

CAULFIELD (9 races, 12.55pm), ROYAL RANDWICK (9 races, 1.15pm), SUNSHINE COAST (9 races start, 1.23pm), GAWLER (9 races, 1.06pm), ASCOT (9 races, 3.47pm).

Hey Doc beats In Her Time to take out the Manikato Stakes. Picture: Getty Images
Hey Doc beats In Her Time to take out the Manikato Stakes. Picture: Getty Images

THE VALLEY (Friday night)

CHRIS VERNUCCIO (NewsRacing). Form: 81511

HEY DOC (Race 7 No. 1 — $2.40)

The best sprinter in the race based on his dominant win the Group 1 Winterbottom Stakes last November.

Value bet: SIR PIPPIN (Caul Race 9, No. 9 — $4)

CAULFIELD

MICHAEL MANLEY (Herald Sun). Form: 23x85

YULONG JANUARY (Race 8, No. 5 — $2.50)

He’s been the form horse of the summer winning four on end. Looks well placed to make it five.

Value bet: LADY LUPINO (Race 7, No. 9 — $7.50)

GILBERT GARDINER (Herald Sun). Form: 41s61s

OCEAN DEEP (Race 2, No. 1 — $6)

Caught the eye making good ground first up at Caulfield last start and extra distance suits today.

Value bet: YOGI (Race 9, No. 1 — $8.50)

SIMON MOY (NewsRacing). Form: 23574

YULONG JANUARY (Race 8, No. 5 — $2.50)

Has made this distance his own with five of his seven victories at this range, including past four. Can do it again.

Value bet: SIR PIPPIN (Race 9, No. 9 — $4)

Yulong January salutes on Spring Champion Stakes Day. Picture: AAP
Yulong January salutes on Spring Champion Stakes Day. Picture: AAP

MORE RACING

PAGAN’S PADDOCK: PREMIERSHIP COACH GLAD TO BE BACK

HAMO’S TIPS: HOW TO WIN IN STYLE

ROYAL RANDWICK

RAY THOMAS (Daily Telegraph). Form: 56x33

SUPERIUM (Race 9, No. 5 — $1.95)

Superium was a controversial race morning scratching from the Magic Millions 3yo Guineas two weeks. Trainer Joe Pride was very disappointed as he felt Superium was set to run a very competitive race. Promising three-year-old coming off a luckless second to Embracer who has since won again. He looks hard to beat tomorrow.

Value bet: ALL TOO SOON (Race 5, No. 6 — $7.50)

MATT JONES (Daily Telegraph). Form: 3312s

PANDEMIC (Race 8, No. 10 — $2.80)

This Godolphin runner looks primed for a big first-up run after a slashing trial. He just needs a little luck from an inside draw and he can explode past them.

Value bet: LAURE ME IN (Race 9, No. 2 — $9)

SHAYNE O’CASS (Sportsman). Form: 2x183

PANDEMIC (Race 8 No. 10 — $2.80 )

An exciting Godolphin colt back at the beginning of what is entitled to be an ambitious autumn campaign given this horse’s obvious talent and promise. Shown himself to possess an X-Factor and he trialled like a bomb the other morning.

Value bet: TICKET TO RIDE (Race 1, No. 5 — $4.60)

Tommy Berry and Pandemic combine for an impressive trial performance at Royal Randwick.
Tommy Berry and Pandemic combine for an impressive trial performance at Royal Randwick.

GAWLER

LINCOLN MOORE (The Advertiser). Form: 8x280

SEEMINGLY DISCREET (Race 3, No. 10 — $2.35)

Smartly bred local filly who has been consistent without winning in four runs in Victoria runs, the latest at Sale when she was sent out favourite. In leading yard and gets the perfect race to break her maiden status.

Value bet: COFFEE ARMOUR (Race 5, No. 6 — $5)

s – denotes runner scratched.

x – denotes spell or vacation.

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Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/superracing/weekend-best-bets-caulfield-royal-randwick-sunshine-coast-gawler-ascot/news-story/4652117d932d9aad37b90ddfc54afc59