Cranbourne races under lights on Friday night with eight races, starting at 6:15pm. The track was rated a Soft 6 at the time of writing. The first four races are maidens, so trial form and first-starter market moves matter early, before a stronger back half of handicaps.
Marsept in Race 5 is our best bet. He steps down in grade off a Flemington second and looks the class runner. Sondera (Race 1) and Seinfeld (Race 4) are the other short-priced runners we like, while Lyrics ‘N’ Song in Race 7 is our each-way value play.
Race 1 - The Valley @ Southside Cranbourne Maiden Plate (1600m)
Selection: Sondera Current odds: $2.50
Sondera ran a strong second at Kyneton last start and keeps improving with each run. Going up to the mile should suit, and the wide gate is the only real query. Quemax is the clear danger after making ground at Sale, and he has drawn the inside. Parera and the first-starter Propellant are the others to include in exotics.
Selections:
- Sondera - $2.50
- Quemax - $2.70
- Parera - $8.50
- Propellant - $7.00
Race 2 - Ladbrokes More On Tote Win Maiden Plate (1200m)
Selection: Pocket Watch Current odds: $2.80
This is a debut race for Pocket Watch, a two-year-old for Grahame Begg, and he heads the market for a reason. Engulf should be fitter for his first run after closing well at Ballarat. Vespers resumes off a placed trial and is the each-way danger. Fanfire is the roughie after a disappointing Yarra Valley run. Gangland is scratched.
Selections:
- Pocket Watch - $2.80
- Engulf - $3.80
- Vespers - $5.50
- Fanfire - $11.00
Race 3 - RSL Poppy Appeal Maiden Plate (1400m)
Selection: Blue And Gold Current odds: $4.40
A very open three-year-old maiden with four runners between $4.20 and $4.80. Blue And Gold ran ninth at Seymour but should be fitter for that run and finishes well. Civic Square has early speed and won a trial a month ago, so he is the main danger. Teen Torque and Action Point are close behind. This is a race to keep stakes small.
Selections:
- Blue And Gold - $4.40
- Civic Square - $4.40
- Teen Torque - $4.80
- Action Point - $4.20
Race 4 - McMahon’s Dairy Maiden Plate (1400m)
Selection: Seinfeld Current odds: $3.70
Seinfeld resumes after a trial and placed third here last start after setting the pace. Coming back to 1400m should help him. Rock About has placed at every start this preparation and is a safe each-way runner. La Velocita has placed twice at this track without winning. Full Zoom is a first-starter from a strong stable at a big price.
Selections:
- Seinfeld - $3.70
- Rock About - $3.60
- La Velocita - $5.50
- Full Zoom - $18.00
Race 5 - Charter Keck Cramer Handicap (1200m)
Selection: Marsept Current odds: $2.00
This is our best bet. Marsept resumes after 24 weeks, but his last run was a close second at Flemington and this is a much easier race. Weight is the only query. Layla is the main danger first-up after 35 weeks, as she placed first-up last preparation. Brutal World has won his last two and draws well, while Illuminance can improve off a poor Pakenham run.
Selections:
- Marsept - $2.00
- Layla - $2.30
- Brutal World - $14.00
- Illuminance - $11.00
Race 6 - Ladbrokes 55 Second Challenge Heat 4 (BM70, 955m)
Selection: Mainmankash Current odds: $2.40
Mainmankash won first-up last preparation and has won every race he has started favourite in. He meets weaker horses here, and Jason Maskiell’s booking is a plus. Magnabelle Royale has good form on this straight course and suits the soft ground. Speir ran second here last start but goes up in weight. Room For Bingo led all the way to win at Pakenham and should be on the speed.
Selections:
- Mainmankash - $2.40
- Magnabelle Royale - $4.00
- Speir - $5.50
- Room For Bingo - $10.00
Race 7 - Chef’s Hat Handicap (BM66, 1400m)
Selection: Lyrics ‘N’ Song Current odds: $6.00
This is our each-way value play. Lyrics ‘N’ Song won at Seymour two runs back before running ninth at Geelong, and we are happy to ignore that run. The wide draw is a concern, but at $6.00 the price allows for it. Sumo Sandy placed here first-up, and Onavuitton is the safest place runner. Regal Might won at Bendigo and has drawn well.
Selections:
- Lyrics ‘N’ Song - $6.00
- Sumo Sandy - $5.00
- Regal Might - $6.50
- Onavuitton - $5.00
Race 8 - Drummond Golf Handicap (1600m)
Selection: Mount Sabyinyo Current odds: $4.60
Mount Sabyinyo was heavily backed and only just beaten at Sale last start, and he has placed twice from three runs this preparation. He looks the most reliable runner in the race. Hedjet is favourite after a fourth on a heavy track at Sale and meets weaker horses here. Power And The Beat has a good draw. Rogan is the long shot after a poor run here.
Selections:
- Mount Sabyinyo - $4.60
- Hedjet - $3.10
- Power And The Beat - $4.20
- Rogan - $14.00
