Race day focus: Best bets, inside mail for Coonabarabran, Wagga

A lightly-raced gelding from Paul Messara stable can continue his good form while Norman looks great first-up. BEST BETS, INSIDE MAIL

Racing in New South Wales on Friday is at Coonabarabran and Wagga.

Form analyst Mitch Cohen gives his best bets and runs the rule over the Quaddie legs at Coonabarabran and Wagga.

The Form: Complete NSW Racing thoroughbred form, including video replays and all you need to know about every horse, jockey and trainer. Find a winner here!

COONABARABRAN

BEST BET

Race 3, No.3: SEAHAVEN

The Paul Messara-trained gelding is racing consistently this preparation. Only lightly-raced but already a winner at the mile.

NEXT BET

Race 6, No.4: MEMORIES

Kiwi galloper who hit the ground running in Australia. Can win again.

VALUE BET

Race 8, No.11: NORMAN

Won his only previous first-up run on debut. Capable of returning a winner again.

QUADDIE

Race 5: 6,7

Race 6: 1,4,8

Race 7: 1,3,7

Race 8: 8,9,10,11,12

Grant Buckley looks set for a good day at Coonabarabran on Friday.

JOCKEY TO FOLLOW

Grant Buckley has a strong book and should end up on the winner’s list.

WAGGA

BEST BET

Race 7, No.7: NEGATION

Talented daughter of Hellbent. Ready to peak third up from a break.

NEXT BEST

Race 1, No.9: PRETTY EYED

Has trialled well for debut. Market support suggests she’s ready.

VALUE BET

Race 3, No.7: ZOUOLOGIST

More than capable of another bold showing first up from a break.

THE INSIDE MAIL FOR COONABARABAN

RACE 5

Very Sharp has raced consistently in tougher grade than he will face in this. The Rodney Northam-trained mare was fifth at Canterbury last time, making up steady ground from the back. She gets the gun draw in barrier one in this with Chelsea Hillier’s 3kg claim an added bonus. Nosey was best of the rest when doing his best work late behind Ezekiel in the Armidale Newmarket. He’s rock hard fit now. If Already Blessed can recapture his best he is more than capable on his day. Attila is in the twilight of his career but has performed well fresh previously. Another forward showing wouldn’t surprise.

Bet: Very Sharp To Win.

RACE 6

Former Kiwi galloper Memories has made an excellent to start to life in Australia. Winning two of her first three starts since crossing the Tasman, she went to town last start and ran okay in a fast run Highway event. Drops back to 1400m here and capable of bouncing back. There’s no doubt Bob Howe loves having Petain in his stable. The son of Commands has won two of his past three starts and hasn’t missed the placings in nine runs. Assessing Vital Verse on his well-earned win at Narromine two starts ago. Danspur and Hemsted both capable enough.

Bet: Memories to win.

RACE 7

Beckford has been racing well without winning this preparation but that can change in the Cup. Just got nailed over the concluding stages on the Armidale Cup last starts. Drops back in trip here and a five-time winner at the mile. There was nothing wrong with Freedom Square’s last start effort when finishing within a length of the winner at Canterbury. He’s got talent for sure. Grant Buckley and High Court make a formidable team. ‘Bucko’ has won on the gelding seven times already and another one wouldn’t surprise.

Bet: Beckford to win.

RACE 8

Tough way to finish the Cup Day card but reckon Norman is capable of a bolding showing first up. The former Chris Waller galloper won his only previous fresh run for his former trainer before moving to Gavin Groth earlier this year. Should get the gun run from the gate. Raoul is better that he showed first up for his new yard. Expecting he will improve sharply. The wide draw is the drawback for Overextend and Demitasse. Both have got ability but will need luck in running.

Bet: Norman each-way.

THE INSIDE MAIL FOR WAGGA

RACE 5

Smokeshow put the writing on the wall with a fast finishing third at Canberra in her first start for new trainer Danielle Seib. Stable happy with her progress since then. Has drawn more favourably for this and sticks to the 1000m. Lipstick Swing has won three of her past four starts including a four and a half-length romp at Albury. She will go forward hard and take a lot of catching by her rivals. Spiritual Gal will likely keep Lipstick Swing honest up front. The Darryl Rolfe-trained was been good winning at her past two. Saiko one of the chances.

Bet: Smokeshow, Lipstick Swing quinella.

RACE 6

Another One, winner of the 2022 Country Championships, is easily the most talented horse to step out at Wagga on Friday. Returns from a trip to Flemington where he toughed it out to finish sixth. Question mark if the mile his best trip but ability should take him a long way. The 1.5kg claim of Jett Stanley should help. Nieces And Nephews is putting a picket fence together with wins at Cooma and Goulburn. Loves this trip. Blesk steps out to a suitable trip now and can run well. Upper House a winner at this track and trip.

Bet: Another One to win.

Country Championships winner, Another One, looks hard top beat at Wagga. Picture: Grant Guy

RACE 7

Negation is a daughter of one-time Kurt Goldman star Hellbent. She’s ready to peak third up from a break. Was doing his best work late when fourth at Goulburn last start. The step up to 1400m should suit her nicely. Exalted Dennis has won two of his five starts this preparation with both coming at Wagga. He’ll need to overcome a tricky draw but only needs to maintain recent form to be competitive. The consistent Howlongcanyougo jumps from one outside him in barrier 12. He’s been knocking at the door.

Bet: Negation to win.

RACE 8

Lethal Lady got a long way back at Goulburn last start but was doing her best work late to grab third after winning first up at Canberra. Can settle closer from a decent draw and let down a powerful sprint. Invertational returned from a long break with a sixth at Rosehill last time. She will have taken plenty of benefit from that and strikes an easier race here. Comanche North is a consistent galloper that won at Wagga Riverside two back. Fiona Sandkuhl’s 2kg claim will help his chances. Dalroshio should be included in multiples.

Bet: Lethal Lady to win.

Originally published as Race day focus: Best bets, inside mail for Coonabarabran, Wagga