Best bets and value play for Ballarat races Thursday

A lightly-raced performer from the Robbie Griffiths and Mathew de Kock stable can break through for a win while Declan Bates is the jockey to follow at Thursday’s Ballarat meeting.

BEST BET

AUTUMN STORM 
(R4, No.1 $4.50)

Did his best work late when not far away at Sandown first-up. He’ll be fitter and will relish the step up 1600m.

NEXT BEST

LADY SADLER 
(R2 No.12 – $5)

Wasn’t far away in a tough race on debut in April and has had more time to mature.
Her jumpouts have been encouraging.

LOOSE ON GIN 
(R6, No.2 $7)

Went down narrowly
at Hamilton last time out but he can improve on firmer footing at Ballarat.

VALUE BET

HOKKAIDO 
(R9, No.8 – $11)

Hokkaido hit the line hard when beaten a length in a good form race at Bendigo first-up. He’s a second-up winner and will be thereabouts.

THE JOCKEY

DECLAN BATES

Has Seven rides.
STAR CANTO (Race 1 No.5 – $15), LADY SADLER (Race 2 No.12 – $5), SHADELAA (Race 3 No.8 – $7.50), ENCHANTED JENNI (Race 4 No.16 – $8.50), VINO GRANDE (Race 5 No.9 – $5.50), IT’SBRUCE (Race 6 No.5 – $12), FIELDS OF COURAGE (Race 9 No.5 – $3.30)

Originally published as Best bets and value play for Ballarat races Thursday