Raceday focus: Benalla best bets, trainer to watch

Trainer Patrick Payne could be primed for a big day at Benalla with a host of live chances, while the Ciaron Maher and David Eustace yard is there to win also. BEST BETS WITH GIL GARDINER.

Trainer Patrick Payne. Picture: Jenny Evans/Getty

Trainer Patrick Payne could be primed for a big day at Benalla with a host of live chances, while the Ciaron Maher and David Eustace yard is there to win also.

GIL GARDINER’S BEST BETS

BENALLA

BEST BETS: KAARCHI (R8, No.11) $3.10

Always shone ability in work but got too far back first up second at Benalla. Extra 100m will suit. Wins.

Watch over 50 sports LIVE on Kayo! Stream to your TV, mobile, tablet or computer. Just $25/month, cancel anytime. New to Kayo? Get your 14-day free trial & start streaming instantly >

Trainer Patrick Payne. Picture: Jenny Evans/Getty

NEXT BEST: ANDALE GRINGO (R2, No.1) $6.50

Tricky race but should be better for the Kilmore debut where had no choice but to press forward from the wide gate and still had something in the locker to run third.

VALUE BET: HOT NIGHT (R3, No.1) $7

Ultra-consistent six year-old gelding still a maiden after 21 career starts but has placed on eight occasions, including the past five runs. Give him strength.

THE TRAINER

DAVID EUSTACE

SOMEBODY STOP ME (R3, No.4) $7

“His run at Werribee was just a pass. He’s definitely improved with experience and he’s got blinkers on so he should acquit himself OK.”

CHEVYCHASER (R4, No.12) $4.20

“We quite liked him at one stage and had every chance to run and run well at Pakenham but he faded very tamely, it wouldn't be a surprise but his work is certainly up to winning a race like this.”

KING KABUTO (R5, No.1) $5.50

“He’s in good form and ready to go, he should take some beating, I think. His run at Geelong was just a nice bowl around to be honest and he goes up in trip and with shades on.”

BLONDE CHOICE (R7, No.7) $5

“Capable run sixth at Yarra Valley, hopefully it was the wet track but she’s a winner on a wet track. We don't know, but she is capable and work’s been pretty good.”

Originally published as Raceday focus: Benalla best bets, trainer to watch