Mount Gambier races on a rain-affected surface today, rated a Heavy 9 on Thursday and likely to stay in the heavy range despite a clearer forecast. The rail sits in the +5m position around the whole circuit, and the track has a habit of racing fairly in the wet early before runners drift off the fence in the straight as the day wears on. Our three best plays are below.
Race 1 – Maiden Plate
Selection: Hellfire Jess Current odds: TBC
Hellfire Jess has been mixing it in much stronger juvenile grade and drops sharply to a country maiden here, which looks a soft assignment on that form. She should get every favour near the speed and takes plenty of beating. Calm The Press ran into the placings last time and maps to be prominent again, Immortally Lucky took a clear step forward second-up and settles handy, while The Muscle should strip fitter after a promising debut.
Selections:
- Hellfire Jess
- Calm The Press
- Immortally Lucky
- The Muscle
Race 6 – Best Bet
Selection: Hidden Bounty Current odds: TBC
Hidden Bounty is our best of the day. She found the winners’ stall again at Naracoorte after a drop in grade and strikes very similar conditions today, with the step up in trip looking ideal for a repeat. Bit Of A Rebel has been below her best but meets an easier field and owns the early speed to cross from a wide gate. Robert The Puss won well at this track two runs back before finding a tougher assignment last start, and Loose Lip Lloyd has a strong Mount Gambier record and can dictate if he lands in front.
Selections:
- Hidden Bounty
- Bit Of A Rebel
- Robert The Puss
- Loose Lip Lloyd
Race 7 – Value Play
Selection: Halliwell Current odds: TBC
Halliwell drops right down in grade after taking on stronger races all campaign and now meets her easiest field for a while. The lift to 1200m suits, she goes well on rain-affected ground, and the odds look overs for a return to form. Gusty Way brings the best recent record with two straight wins, Naralinga returns to a happy hunting ground on a quick back-up, and Terralight chases a hat-trick and clearly relishes the wet.
Selections:
- Halliwell
- Gusty Way
- Naralinga
- Terralight
