Brad Waters’ best bets and value play for Pakenham races Thursday night

A Clinton McDonald-trained runner can go one better than a narrow first-up second while $10 chance could overcome a class rise at Thursday night’s Pakenham meeting.

Powerful Torque, pictured winning at Seymour on February 12, is Brad Waters’ best value bet at Pakenham on Thursday. Picture: Pat Scala / Racing Photos

Form analyst Brad Waters looks at Thursday’s meeting at Pakenham, presenting his best bets, value selection and jockey to follow.

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BEST BET
AHHA AHHA (Race 4 No. 6 – $3.50): The Clinton McDonald-trained galloper led until grabbed on the line at Colac first-up. She’ll be fitter and will be harder to run down this time.

NEXT BEST
KNOCK ME OUT (Race 3 No. 2 – $6.50): The Capitalist colt gave a great sight when racing on the speed until overrun late on debut. Expecting him to be harder to beat second-up.

STRAPPARSI (Race 9 No. 6 – $5): Made an encouraging debut for the Julius Sandhu camp when placed at Caulfield first-up. Expecting another strong run at Pakenham.

VALUE BET
POWERFUL TORQUE (Race 5 No. 6 – $10): Steps up in class after scoring well at Seymour last time. He’s drawn awkwardly but watch for him running on late.

THE JOCKEY
LUKE CURRIE
Jockey Luke Currie heads to Pakenham for six rides on Thursday. BAFFLECK (Race 1 No. 11 – $3.60), KADDARI (Race 2 No. 5 – $6), WRITTEN STORY (Race 3 No. 11 – $20), SUDDEN CHANGE (Race 4 No. 12 – $61), BATOKA CHIEF (Race 5 No. 15 – $8), BACK TO THE FUTURE (Race 7 No. 7 – $6).