Weekend Best Bets

OUR experts give you an early shot at finding a winner as they look at the major races around the nation.

Melbourne Racing

OUR experts give you an early shot at finding a winner as they look at the major races around the nation.

ROSEHILL

NIC ASHMAN (Daily Telegraph). Form: 83186

COUNTRYMAN

Race 5, No. 6

Was strong first-up, is four from five second-up and his work on Tuesday was outstanding.

TAB Fixed Odds: $4.60

STEPHEN ZAMMIT (Daily Telegraph). Form: 23514

CARELESS

Race 8 No. 1

This is a smart gelding from the John O’Shea stable and may get out to decent odds here. Won over this track and distance on June 8, then worked hard in front when taken on and wasn’t disgraced when runner-up at Canterbury on June 24. Far from knocked about in a recent trial and from gate two should get things his own way here. Top claims.

TAB Fixed Odds: $4.50

JOHN DAVIS (Daily Telegraph). Form: 54567

MARENOSTRO

Race 4, No. 2

Marenostro stayed at home in his box last weekend, which gives him three weeks between runs. It could prove to be a master stroke on trainer Chris Waller’s part and there is no fitter horse going to the races today. Tough nut to crack.

TAB Fixed Odds: $1.85

SHAYNE O’CASS (The Sportsman). Form: 172

FELL SWOOP

Race 7, No. 8

This horse was something licked first-up at Randwick. Hats off to the race winner Darciwood but Tye Angland just couldn’t get the clear air he needed in the big field until the last 50m and then the horse exploded into the race. He is one-for-one second-up and has won at Rosehill before.

TAB Fixed Odds: $2.80

DARREN PRENDERGAST (Superracing). Form: 4771x

KIMBERLEY STAR

Race 2, No. 2

Talented filly has hit her straps with two strong wins at Warwick Farm and Randwick. Looks well placed to continue her winning form.

TAB Fixed Odds: $2.35

MOONEE VALLEY

MATT STEWART (Herald Sun). Form: 77983

TAWTEEN

Race 6, No. 5

High class mare who should simply be too good, too fast for these.

TAB Fixed Odds: $2

MICHAEL MANLEY (Herald Sun). Form: 21514

IL CAVALLO

Race 3, No. 5

Exciting sprinter who took over a long way out when successful at Flemington last start. Should get perfect run on speed and looks weighted to win again.

TAB Fixed Odds: $2.65

SIMON MOY (Superracing) Form: 21170

BAGMAN

Race 5, No. 1

Tremendous fighting win at Flemington last start. Old-timer, but if Damien Oliver can place him forward enough, then there is no reason why he cannot go back-to-back.

TAB Fixed Odds: $3.40

NICK QUINN (TAB). Form: 28611

TAWTEEN

Race 6, No. 5

Classy sprinting mare resuming who has an outstanding record at the track and flies first-up.

Should simply lead and win.

TAB Fixed Odds: $2

DARYL TIMMS (Herald Sun). Form: 2146x

THE BIG DANCE

Race 1, No. 2

Something of a judgment day for the filly but is way above average and should win this.

TAB Fixed Odds: $3.40

MORPHETTVILLE

LINCOLN MOORE (The Advertiser). Form: 10730

SIR LASZLO

Race 3, No. 3

Strong in the conditions at Gawler two starts back before again getting a long way back before working home strongly behind You Think So at Bendigo. Well weighted here and sure to take some beating.

TAB Fixed Odds: $5.50

BEN SCADDEN (The Advertiser). Form: 38731

ALABAMA MISSILE

Race 7, No. 1

Should be close to her peak after three runs from a break. She ran a solid race when second to Pistolier on this track last time and should get every chance from this inside draw with the 2kg claim for talented apprentice Ryan Hurdle.

TAB Fixed Odds: $4.20

Originally published as Weekend Best Bets