Saturday’s best bets: Shamal Wind ready to deliver gale-force win

From a second-up sprinting sensation to the brother of Desert War, our experts have done the form to find you the best bets for Saturday’s races.

Qfighter will carry just 52.5kg at Doomben on Saturday and should be finishing strongly.

CAULFIELD

Michael Manley

Race 4, No. 9

KUROSHIO

Impressive display of raw speed when led throughout at Moonee Valley last start. Should employ the same tactics and with weight advantage will take running down.

Matt Stewart

Race 5, No. 4

SHAMAL WIND

Super first-up when stuck wide without cover and left a sitting shot. Fitter, really hard to beat.

Rod Nicholson

Race 5, No. 4

SHAMAL WIND

Brilliant first-up winner. Up 6kg and an extra 100m, but she is flying and $3 looks good odds.

Adam Mobbs

Race 7, No. 10

RICHIE’S VIBE

Already backed off the map early. This four-year-old gelding flew home to finish a long-head second to It Is Written in the Testa Rossa Stakes after being held up at the turn. Mighty run and the extra 200m will suit.

Shamal Wind is primed to continue her good form in the Sprint Series Final at Caulfield.

ROYAL RANDWICK

Steve Zammit

Race 4, No. 3

SHELFORD

Ultra-consistent four-year-old who was forced to cover plenty of ground when a minor placegetter at Randwick.

That event was run in race record time, which makes his effort even more meritorious.

From barrier 2 at Randwick, Jimmy Cassidy should have him in a perfect spot throughout.

John Davis

Race 6, No. 4

SAVVY NATURE

His campaign has been geared with this race in mind from the outset. His run in the Gloaming Stakes was equally as impressive as the winner’s and he should fulfil connections expectations in a race with limited staying prospects.

Shayne O’Cass

Race 6 No. 8

ROCK HERO

A rapidly improving colt that turned in a miraculous win in the Dulcify at the venue last Saturday. Has to take the next step but his trainer has described his as ‘a special horse’.

Ray Thomas

Race 7, No. 6

OUR DESERT WARRIOR

Scored successive wins at Canterbury and Warwick Farm then was tested at Group 2 level and ran a blinder when narrowly beaten into third place behind Rain Drum and Centennial Park in the Shannon Stakes. Emerging four-year-old back in grade and although he is up sharply in weight, he does looks the one to beat.

Ray Hickson

Race 7, No. 6

OUR DESERT WARRIOR

Saved from the Epsom Handicap last week and has struck a very ordinary bunch over the same course. Lightly raced and ran a blinder in Group 2 company last start and while he’s a little short he looks a winner.

MORPHETTVILLE

Tom Biddington

Race 4, No. 1

THOMASON

Racing in terrific form as he heads towards the Victoria Derby. Strong winner a fortnight ago and meets Gamblin’ Guru a kilo better. Looks the standout and a pretty weak race.

Lincoln Moore

Race 5, No. 9

RAKS MCLAREN

Hard not to be impressed by his fast finishing win last time on the Parks circuit. Drawn a nice barrier here, the claim is a bonus and look for him to finish hard over the top of rivals again here.

Qfighter will carry just 52.5kg at Doomben on Saturday and should be finishing strongly.

DOOMBEN

Nathan Exelby

Race 8, Number 8

QFIGHTER

Had no hope going back with a soft tempo last time and was easily the best of the backmarkers. Off the inside draw, he can sit a few pairs closer this time and be within striking distance. The stable is on a phenomenal hot streak at the moment.

Daniel Meers

Race 8, No. 8

QFIGHTER

Keep your hands in your pocket until the last in Brisbane. The Matthew Dunn stable is flying and so is this fellow. He’ll carry just 52.5kg, has a good barrier and should be running over the top of them at the finish.