Raceday focus: Best bets, analysis for Bendigo on Thursday

Trainer Danny O’Brien’s decision to put blinkers on a promising filly should bring the desired result at Pakenham on Thursday night.

Danny O'Brien’s decision to put blinkers on Versillia should pay off at Pakenham on Thursday night. Picture: Racing Photos via Getty Images

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

BEST BET

VERSILIA (Race 4 No. 10 – $2.90)

Went down narrowly as a short-priced favourite last time but the form out of that race in good. Blinkers should do the trick for her this time.

NEXT BEST

DE LONG STAR (Race 1 No. 6 – $4)

Ran well when just missing at Sale but gets her chance to break through for a win back at 1000m. It’s her turn.

WISH MASTER (Race 6 No. 2 – $3.60)

Wish Master delivered on the promise he has shown when a strong winner at Kilmore last time. He’ll roll forward again despite the wide gate and will be hard to run down.

OCEAN CHIEF (Race 7 No. 6 – $4.20)

Impressed with on-pace wins at his last two starts. Racing in great heart and no reason he can’t make it a winning hat trick.

Ocean Chief and Jordan Childs should again make a formidable team in the last race at Pakenham. Picture: Racing Photos via Getty Images

VALUE BET

ARIA ELECTRA (Race 5 No.5 – $13)

Aria Electra raced handy before finding plenty to score at Sale first-up. She’ll be better for that and rates a good each-way chance at the odds.

THE JOCKEY

JORDAN CHILDS

Jordan Childs only has three rides at Pakenham on Thursday night but all are genuine winning chances. ARIA ELECTRA (Race 5 No.5 – $13), ORPHAN’S TRUST (Race 6 No.7 – $3.40), OCEAN CHIEF (Race 7 No.6 – $4.20).

THE WEEK AHEAD

A night meeting at The Valley follows the Ararat day card on Friday before the Group 1 Australian Guineas meeting takes centre stage at Flemington on Saturday. Wangaratta also races on Saturday. Colac and Sale will host Sunday’s Victorian TAB meetings. Racing takes a break on Monday before a meeting at Ballarat on Tuesday.

Originally published as Raceday focus: Best bets, analysis for Bendigo on Thursday