Cranbourne races on Friday night with fine weather and a Good 4 track that could improve to a Good 3. The rail is out 3m all the way around. Horses racing on or near the lead usually do best here. Ethan Brown is riding in very good form.
Aradeo in Race 9 is our strongest bet of the night. Bustling in Race 7 is the next best. Handsome Missile and Pinazaki are scratched from Race 1, Dama Royale from Race 2 and Valaroso from Race 4.
Race 1 - Maiden Plate (1400m)
Selection: Kotahitanga Current odds: $1.90
Kotahitanga had plenty of support on debut here and finished second after showing early speed. Ethan Brown rides, and the scratchings have made the race easier. He is drawn wide, so he may have to use some energy early. Cab Franc draws barrier 1 and has an easier run after a fifth at Caulfield Heath on debut.
Selections:
- Kotahitanga - $1.90
- Cab Franc - $3.70
- Stoneflight - $5.00
- Table Twentyeight - $34.00
Race 2 - Settlers Run Maiden Plate (1200m)
Selection: In A Tizzy Current odds: $1.40
In A Tizzy resumes after racing in stronger maidens last preparation. She has early speed and draws barrier 1, so she should lead and be hard to beat. Big Kapow nearly won first-up at Moe and is the danger if he can cross from his wide draw. In A Tizzy is too short to back on her own, so use her in multis.
Selections:
- In A Tizzy - $1.40
- Big Kapow - $4.80
- She’s Loaded - $8.00
- Somethingintheair - $21.00
Race 3 - Cranbourne Corinthian (1200m)
Selection: Qubella Current odds: $2.70
Qubella is fit and ran third at Wodonga, close behind the winner. Barrier 2 should give him a good position. Diamanda comes from the strongest races but carries a big weight and is only narrowly favourite. Epicus finished well last start and draws barrier 1.
Selections:
- Qubella - $2.70
- Diamanda - $2.50
- Epicus - $5.50
- Italian Informant - $14.00
Race 4 - John Duff & Co Maiden Plate (1200m)
Selection: Ghana’s Akan Current odds: $1.85
Ghana’s Akan has raced in Group and Listed company and has placed every time she started favourite. This is an easier race, and Valaroso’s scratching helps. Youmzaa ran second on debut at Bendigo in a race that has produced good winners since, and she will race on the speed. This looks like a race between the two of them.
Selections:
- Ghana’s Akan - $1.85
- Youmzaa - $2.40
- Optimus - $14.00
Race 5 - More From Tote With Ladbrokes Handicap (1000m)
Selection: Blue Humma Current odds: $3.50
Blue Humma won on debut and then ran third at Sandown in a stronger race before his spell. He has won or placed in both starts. Presscode has won his last two starts and should race on the speed, so he is the main danger. Fehmarn is also drawn low and likely to be close to the lead.
Selections:
- Blue Humma - $3.50
- Presscode - $4.20
- Fehmarn - $5.00
- Don’t Russia - $6.50
Race 6 - Frankston Sand Soil & Mini Mix Handicap (1600m)
Selection: Hydrothermal Current odds: $3.60
Hydrothermal won his maiden first-up at Geelong and then placed in a stronger Class 1. He is third-up now and should be ready for the mile. He should also race near the lead, which suits this track. Rockzino won at Geelong last start and has won or placed in all his races. Cushioned may be the best horse in the race, but he will probably settle near the back.
Selections:
- Hydrothermal - $3.60
- Rockzino - $4.40
- Cushioned - $5.00
- Savannah Chill - $9.50
Race 7 - Apache Cat Classic (1200m)
Selection: Bustling Current odds: $2.40
Bustling has not won lately, but he won two trials here impressively before this and placed first-up last preparation. A firm track suits him, and conditions should suit tonight. Ndola was narrowly beaten at Caulfield and drops in class, so he is the main danger. Behaviour draws barrier 1 and is a good each-way price.
Selections:
- Bustling - $2.40
- Ndola - $7.50
- Behaviour - $6.50
- Piastri - $8.50
Race 8 - Pinker Pinker Plate (2025m)
Selection: Sapphire Siren Current odds: $2.60
Sapphire Siren has won her last two at Sandown, including first-up this preparation. She looks likely to lead, which is a big advantage at Cranbourne. Pariah Pearl won over this course and distance last start. Ocean Bay finished second to her that day. Both are dangers.
Selections:
- Sapphire Siren - $2.60
- Ocean Bay - $3.70
- Pariah Pearl - $6.00
- Sun Gift - $5.50
Race 9 - Cranbourne Cup Day Handicap (1300m)
Selection: Aradeo Current odds: $2.10
Aradeo is our best bet of the night. He was heavily backed first-up at Geelong and got into a bad position, but he still finished strongly and only just missed. He should be fitter second-up and has won or placed in every race. Vaderlee resumes with an inside draw in a race without much early speed, so he could get the lead. He is a good each-way bet at $14.
Selections:
- Aradeo - $2.10
- Vaderlee - $14.00
- Master Of The Air - $8.00
- Too Tough - $6.50
