Weekend Best Bets

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

Blake Shinn wins race 8 the Coolmore, on First Seal during Epsom Day at Royal Randwick. pic Mark Evans

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

WARWICK FARM

RAY THOMAS (Daily Telegraph)

CONTRIBUTER

Race 6, No.8

Was simply outstanding when romping away from Ninth Legion in the Apollo Stakes two weeks ago. He should be even better suited going to 1600m and is drawn to get the perfect run from barrier four.

TAB Fixed Odds: $2.80

NIC ASHMAN (Daily Telegraph)

FIRST SEAL

Race 4, No.2

Should’ve won first-up and will atone here. Raid the beer money jar and get on this one.

TAB Fixed Odds: $2

STEPHEN ZAMMIT (Daily Telegraph)

RED EXCITEMENT

Race 5, No.4

Made the pace and fought off all challengers to score over 1400m at Rosehill late last year, then led and raced away for 13-1/4 len win 1030m barrier trial there on February 3, beating a good line-up. Has been kept fresh for this, is a winner at Warwick Farm and has won in the wet. Ticks plenty of boxes.

TAB Fixed Odds: $3.60

JOHN DAVIS (Daily Telegraph)

CONTRIBUTER

Race 6, No.8

A new star is born. His rivals are going to get sick of the sight of his backside by the time the Sydney autumn carnival concludes.

TAB Fixed Odds: $2.80

DARREN PRENDERGAST (Super Racing)

FIRST SEAL

Race 4, No.2

Class filly who ran on strongly for second when resumed in the Light Fingers Stakes. Can atone for narrow defeat with victory here. Worth noting she won second-up over 1400m in the spring.

TAB Fixed Odds: $2

CAULFIELD

MATT STEWART (Herald Sun)

SABATINI

Race 3, No.2

Brilliant first-up. Why can’t she repeat from same barrier against similar opposition.

TAB Fixed Odds: $4.60

ROD NICHOLSON (Herald Sun)

DISSIDENT

Race 5, No.1

Star at this trip. Looking for fifth Group 1 after dominant Orr Stakes win. Only genuine wfa galloper in race and has it at his mercy.

TAB Fixed Odds: $1.75

MICHAEL MANLEY (Herald Sun)

DISSIDENT

Race 5, No.1

Had little trouble winning the Orr Stakes last start. Should again get a great run on the speed and then be produced at the right time.

TAB Fixed Odds: $1.75

DARYL TIMMS (Herald Sun)

FONTITON

Race 8, No.8

Will have no problems getting the 1200m and is brilliant enough to overcome any problems she might face in the run.

DOOMBEN

NATHAN EXELBY (The Courier-Mail)

MISS COVER GIRL

Race 7, No.16

Very promising filly resuming against the older horses. Last seen when towelling up the talented Furbish over 1400m at the Gold Coast. Nice starting point for her here against a few that have racked up plenty of convictions.

TAB Fixed Odds: $3.40

BRAD DAVIDSON (Gold Coast Bulletin)

BOARD DIRECTOR

Race 5, No.5

Hard to miss his last run when he came from the tail to finish second and he should be able to settle much closer from the good draw on Saturday. He has really improved this prep and should go very close here.

TAB Fixed Odds: $4.80

Originally published as Weekend Best Bets