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, AUSTRALIA - MAY 30: Regan Bayliss riding Orion wins Race 7 during Melbourne Racing at Moonee Valley Racecourse on May 30, 2015 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Vince Caligiuri/Getty Images)

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: 60141

SHARDS

Race 1, No. 1

Ran well on debut at Canterbury then improved further when he made boom colt Press Statement work hard to beat him a half length over the Rosehill 1350m course two weeks ago. Shards has good tactical speed, can take full advantage of his good draw, and only has to run up to his last start effort win here.

TAB Fixed Odds: $1.90

NIC ASHMAN (Daily Telegraph). Form: 40483

REIGNING

Race 6, No. 8

Had no chance last start and reckon he might run a big race from the back here at double figure odds.

TAB Fixed Odds: $11

STEPHEN ZAMMIT (Daily Telegraph). Form: 20142

MIRAGE

Race 4, No. 7

This gelding — from Peter Moody’s stable — threw away victory when kicking clear and then running off the track near home for second over 1400m at Randwick on May 23. Went to Warwick Farm and bolted in with a 7-length victory in a barrier trial on May 29. The one to beat down on the limit weight.

TAB Fixed Odds: $3.20

JOHN DAVIS (Daily Telegraph). Form: x1164

MISSVONN

Race 6, No. 9

Is in great form and despite rising in class, can take the next step and deliver. Nicely placed on the minimum weight here.

TAB Fixed Odds: $9.50

DARREN PRENDERGAST (Super Racing). Form: 01323

SKRIPCHENKO

Race 2, No. 6

Flying this preparation and looks great chance to claim her fourth straight win.

TAB Fixed Odds: $4.60

FLEMINGTON

ROD NICHOLSON (Herald Sun). Tipster’s recent form: 02153

NORTHROZA

Race 3, No. 3

Super run first-up when beaten less than a length. Heaps of talent and should improve over extra 200m.

TAB Fixed Odds: $2.20

MICHAEL MANLEY (Herald Sun). Form: 02217

ORION

Race 9, No. 6

Exciting prospect who has swooped home to win his past two starts at Caulfield and Moonee Valley impressively. Step up to 1800m should suit.

TAB Fixed Odds: $5

NICK QUINN (TAB). Form: 25212

NORTHROZA

Race 3, No. 3

Classy filly who impressed first-up behind More Radiant when resuming and has won her only previous start over 1400 metres.

TAB Fixed Odds: $2.20

IPSWICH

NATHAN EXELBY (The Courier-Mail). Tipster’s form: 60110

WICKED INTENT

Race 3, No. 1

Failed to see out 1350m in the Sires, but his Champagne Stakes effort first-up is a clear benchmark in this field. Back to 1100m off the good draw, he has everything going for him to bounce right back in this.

TAB Fixed Odds: $2.50

SIMON MOY (Super Racing). Form: 10110

HIDDEN PEARL

Race 4, No. 14

Smashed rivals at Toowoomba (1000m) on May 2, then showed plenty of fight after leading to hold off all comers when out to 1200m at Doomben on May 30. Well placed here and she’ll give them something to chase. Should win.

TAB Fixed Odds: $2

MORPHETTVILLE

LINCOLN MOORE (The Advertiser). Tipster’s form: 53332

ROWDY RICHARD

Race 1, No. 5

Impressive win here last week when he settled nicely midfield before putting away rivals comfortably to justify solid support in betting. Up again in class but nicely weighted and should take some beating.

TAB Fixed Odds: $2.90

BEN SCADDEN (The Advertiser). Form: 20172

CLASSY JACK

Race 3, No. 1

This talented four-year-old is back racing near his peak and is ready to break through after 15 months without a win. Expect him to push forward from his outside draw for Jordan Frew and control the race.

TAB Fixed Odds: $3.80

Originally published as Weekend Best Bets