Weekend Best Bets

PODCAST: 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

RAY THOMAS (Daily Telegraph). Tipster’s form: 14421

MARENOSTRO

Race 8, No. 5

Has been racing in career-best form this winter, winning his first three starts at Kembla Grange and Canterbury (twice) before a luckless effort when third to Hollywood Bound at Rosehill three weeks ago. Marenostro got badly checked at the 250m and had to switch off heels before working home strongly to the line. Should have nearly won last start and can bounce back at Rosehill on Saturday.

TAB Fixed Odds: $2.70

NIC ASHMAN (Daily Telegraph). Form: 83186

SCRATCH ME LUCKY

Race 6, No. 4

Hasn’t looked anywhere near fit at his two runs this time in and the $67 with some bookies doesn’t reflect his true chances. Possibly deserves to be a value bet but as an each-way gamble, he’s my best.

TAB Fixed Odds: $35

STEPHEN ZAMMIT (Daily Telegraph). Form: 11235

BERRY DELICIOUS

Race 4, No. 3

This Jason Coyle-trained filly hit the line with a flashing finish to score at Randwick on June 20, then repeated the dose over 1500m at Rosehill on June 27. Has the 1.5kg claim for the in-form Winona Costin and will give these a start from the home turn but will be mowing them down in the straight.

TAB Fixed Odds: $2.40

JOHN DAVIS (Daily Telegraph). Form: 45456

YOU’LL NEVER

Race 7, No. 3

Has been most consistent this term and is drawn to receive all the favours. Boasts fantastic figures at this track and course. Looks hard to beat.

TAB Fixed Odds: $5.50

DARREN PRENDERGAST (Super Racing). Form: 74771

SHIRAZ

Race 5, No. 2

Has scored three wins and one second in four starts at Rosehill, which included an impressive first-up success on a heavy track here on July 4. Stick with him.

TAB Fixed Odds: $2.30

SHAYNE O’CASS (The Sportsman). Form: 17

DANJEU

Race 8, No. 7

Danjeu is first-up but he has all the residual fitness in the world given his extended summer prep over longer trips and this is 1500m so he shouldn’t necessarily be run off his feet. He went around in a deep trial at Rosehill the other day and went as well as stablemate/winner Dances of Heroes. It’s worth noting that the horse who crossed the line virtually in unison with Danjeu that day was none other than last Saturday’s barnstorming winner Darciwood.

TAB Fixed Odds: $6

Racing returns to headquarters again just one week on from Finals Day. Picture: Getty Images

FLEMINGTON

MATT STEWART (Herald Sun). Form: 13779

AMARELA

Race 5, No. 6

Huge last start. Always shown promise, playing at home. Looks over the odds.

TAB Fixed Odds: $8

MICHAEL MANLEY (Herald Sun). Form: 70215

CHARMED HARMONY

Race 7, No. 4

1400m specialist who demoralised his opposition with sustained speed to win easily at Caulfield last start. Look for him to do the same on Saturday.

TAB Fixed Odds: $2.70

DANNY RUSSELL (Herald Sun): Form: 449

CHARMED HARMONY

Race 7, No. 4

Gets in well with the Katelyn Mallyon claim (1.5kg), and coming off a dominant all-the-way win at Caulfield.

TAB Fixed Odds: $2.70

NICK QUINN (TAB). Form: 09286

SUPIDO

Race 6, No. 5

Showed plenty of ability last campaign racing in much tougher grade before breaking through at Sandown. Won a barrier trial stylishly and should make a winning return.

TAB Fixed Odds: $3.40

SIMON MOY (Super Racing). Form: 26211

LORD ESPRIT

Race 6, No. 6

Really strong late last start at HQ and draw should not be a problem. Claim helps again. Expect him to be right in it.

TAB Fixed Odds: $6

DOOMBEN

BRAD DAVIDSON (Gold Coast Bulletin). Form: 10114

DENARIUS

Race 8, No. 5

Loved the run first-up when he flashed home from the tail to run third and the step up to 1200m should really suit him here. Perhaps the biggest advantage though is the good barrier and from gate six he should be able to lob in a great spot midfield and then get the last crack at them. These three-year-old races are always tough but this is a horse on the up and happy to be on him at about the $4 mark.

TAB Fixed Odds: $4.40

MORPHETTVILLE

LINCOLN MOORE (The Advertiser). Form: 26107

MARYORE

Race 3, No. 1

Won like a smart horse last time to make it three on end when she came from back in the field and rounded up rivals in style. Tricky inside draw, but she has plenty of upside and should take a power of beating.

TAB Fixed Odds: $2.80

BEN SCADDEN (The Advertiser). Form: 72387

MAIL IT IN

Race 2, No. 4

This is gelding is ready to breakthrough after a string of solid efforts over the past six weeks. He worked to the line strongly when second to stablemate Royal Rumble on this track a fortnight ago and gives the impression he will relish the step up in distance to 1400m here.

TAB Fixed Odds: $3.20

Originally published as Weekend Best Bets