Racenet form analyst Brad Waters gives his best bets for Thursday night’s Pakenham races

A Ciaron Maher-trained galloper can improve sharply rising in trip second-up while an $18 chance could produce a big finish for punters at Pakenham on Thursday night.

Trainer Ciaron Maher could be smiling again after three-year-old filly Futatsu goes around at Pakenham on Thursday night. Picture: Getty Images.

Herald Sun and Racenet form analyst Brad Waters looks at Thursday’s Pakenham meeting.

BEST BET

FUTATSU (Race 4 No. 9 – $13)

Futatsu is on the improve as shown by her sound third at Cranbourne. A longer trip and extra fitness will make her harder to beat.

NEXT BEST

SHOCK (Race 3 No. 6 – $6.50)

The Mick Kent-trained gelding showed ability last time in and has had more time to develop. He could show up fresh at Pakenham.

JUSTADEEL (Race 6 No. 5 - $3.80)

Justadeel has had three runs in two previous preparations but will be more mature this time around. He can win first-up.

VALUE BET

JOHN JOSEPH (Race 8 No. 8 - $18)

John Joseph is racing consistently and wasn’t far away when up to BM70 level last time. The bigger Pakenham track could suit him.

THE JOCKEY

BEN ALLEN

Jockey Ben Allen has a book of six rides at Pakenham. INDEFINITE (Race 1 No. 4 – $4.20), INDAZA (Race 2 No. 9 – $5.50), LOS ALAMOSS (Race 3 No. 11 – $2.10), BARAQIEL (Race 5 No. 1 – $1.55), TOP HONOURS (Race 7 No. 8 – $11), IMPENDING LINK (Race 8 No. 5 – $4.80)

Originally published as Racenet form analyst Brad Waters gives his best bets for Thursday night’s Pakenham races