Race day focus: Best bets, analysis for Pakenham on Thursday

A lightly-raced runner from the Mick Kent stable can post another second-up win while jockey Jamie Mott will be out for more Pakenham success on Thursday.

Royelle is a great chance to post another second-up win at Thursday’s Pakenham meeting. Picture : Racing Photos via Getty Images.

Herald Sun form analyst Brad Waters runs the rule over Thursday’s twilight meeting at Pakenham.

BEST BET

ROYELLE (Race 6 No. 3 – $3.30)

Royelle wasn’t disgraced behind the promising mare Rutherford when resuming at Cranbourne and has a strong second-up record. Expecting her to go close in the small field at Pakenham.

NEXT BEST

FOR ARI (Race 1 No. 6 – $2.80)

Led & fought on well when up in trip at Benalla last time and could control the first race at Pakenham from the front. The extra trip should be fine.

SINO WITNESS (Race 4 No. 9 – $4.80)

Sino Witness did a good job when grabbed on the lie at Cranbourne after good efforts at Benalla and Cranbourne. He’s drawn a touch awkwardly but will be hard to beat.

MELTDOWN (Race 5 No. 3 – $5)

Meltdown gave a start before working home fairly first-up at Echuca last time out but gets back to her home track second-up. Wednesday’s rain will suit her as well.

Meltdown can make a winning return to her home track at Pakenham on Thursday. Picture: Racing Photos via Getty Images.

VALUE BET

PHANTOMIX (Race 3 No. 11 – $8.50)

Phantomix was easy in betting when battling on OK at Kyneton and the winner Rutherford has won again. She should get every chance and rates a good each-way chance.

THE JOCKEY

JAMIE MOTT

Jamie Mott was a winner at the last Pakenham meeting and has five chances to post another success on Thursday. BULLAROOK BOY (Race 1 No. 2- $5), GEORGIE’S PRINCESS (Race 2 No. 1 – $11), KING LENNY (Race 3 No. 4 – $18), ASTERN VILLA (Race 4 No. 3 – $4.40), MISTER YU SHU (Race 8 No. 9 – $8.50).

THE WEEK AHEAD

Kyneton races during the day on Friday before night racing returns at The Valley. Saturday will herald the first Cranbourne Cup meeting that carries city status while the famous Dunkeld Cup meeting will also be held on one of Australia’s most picturesque tracks on Saturday. The Donald Cup is on Sunday along with a Geelong fixture.

Originally published as Race day focus: Best bets, analysis for Pakenham on Thursday