Tamworth has eight races on Monday, starting at 1:15pm, and the track is rated Good 4. Several runners in the better races drop back from city or provincial form.
Tasman Deel in Race 5 is our best value bet of the day. Bradford is a short-priced favourite in that race, but at $8.50 Tasman Deel is the better bet. Jagerschnitzel in Race 8 is our most solid pick, and Spenzalot in Race 1 is the next best.
Race 1 - BM82 Handicap (2100m)
Selection: Spenzalot Current odds: $3.00
Spenzalot has won three times this campaign and has won more than once at Tamworth. He drops in grade after a third at Rosehill, although he carries more weight. Hibiki Harmony finished well for fourth at Port Macquarie and should be close to the lead, so is the main danger. Immortal Rose led all the way to win here last start, and Macleay also won easily here last time.
Selections:
- Spenzalot - $3.00
- Hibiki Harmony - $4.00
- Immortal Rose - $3.50
- Macleay - $4.20
Race 2 - Maiden Plate (1400m)
Selection: Crime Of Passion Current odds: $3.10
Crime Of Passion was second first-up at Scone, beaten just over a length, and steps up in trip, which should suit. He races without a tongue tie for the first time. Usain Boss was second here last start, comes from a good stable and is the favourite. Cool Summer Nights resumes, but he placed first-up last campaign. Rupertano led and only just faded at his only start at Taree.
Selections:
- Crime Of Passion - $3.10
- Usain Boss - $2.60
- Cool Summer Nights - $3.90
- Rupertano - $3.30
Race 3 - Maiden Handicap (1200m)
Selection: Bundoran Current odds: $8.50
Bundoran was beaten half a length at Armidale and has placed at both starts this campaign. He has the early speed to overcome a wide barrier, and at $8.50 he is a value bet. Half Gage was second at Dubbo at his first start and gets a big claim from his apprentice, so he is the main danger. Syllable races without winkers again after being beaten as favourite here.
Selections:
- Bundoran - $8.50
- Half Gage - $3.90
- Syllable - $3.60
- Totally Underrated - $9.00
Race 4 - Maiden Plate (1000m)
Selection: Boa Vista Current odds: $2.90
Boa Vista placed first-up at Scone for the Cavanough stable and has drawn barrier one. He races without a tongue tie for the first time and should be near the lead. Halcyon Belle is the favourite after running fourth at Scone on debut, and has good early speed, so is the main danger. Rubinsky should be fitter after his recent runs, and Hangonaseq is a first starter from a good stable.
Selections:
- Boa Vista - $2.90
- Halcyon Belle - $2.30
- Rubinsky - $7.50
- Hangonaseq - $7.50
Race 5 - Class 1 Plate (1600m)
Selection: Tasman Deel Current odds: $8.50
Tasman Deel is our best value bet of the day. He was narrowly beaten when well backed at Taree on a soft track and has run well since resuming. His stable is also in good form. Bradford won here last start, and Aaron Bullock rides him, so he is the danger at $1.50. Tacitly was second at Newcastle and drops in class. Highland Dancer led all the way to win easily at Armidale.
Selections:
- Tasman Deel - $8.50
- Bradford - $1.50
- Tacitly - $3.00
- Highland Dancer - $13.00
Race 6 - BM82 Handicap (1000m)
Selection: Zampano Current odds: $4.60
Zampano has won more than once at Tamworth and was only just beaten here last start. He drops in weight, which should help. Somerton Smart is the favourite after a trial win during his short break, and he won first-up last campaign. Comongin resumes after 47 weeks, but he was close to winning at Wellington before the break.
Selections:
- Zampano - $4.60
- Somerton Smart - $2.25
- Comongin - $5.00
- Shaggy - $7.50
Race 7 - Class 3 Handicap (1200m)
Selection: Zumbo Current odds: $5.00
Zumbo was eighth at Randwick last start and drops back to an easier country race. He has placed in a trial since that run and should be near the lead. Manoora is the favourite after a close third at Dubbo and has won twice this campaign. Halo Phenomena returns after 34 weeks but has won more than once at Tamworth. Athena’s Treasure drops back in distance and finishes well.
Selections:
- Zumbo - $5.00
- Manoora - $4.00
- Halo Phenomena - $5.00
- Athena’s Treasure - $4.60
Race 8 - BM58 Handicap (1400m)
Selection: Jagerschnitzel Current odds: $2.80
Jagerschnitzel was narrowly beaten as favourite at Dubbo, has placed three times this campaign and gets Aaron Bullock on top. He should be on or near the lead and is the clear one to beat. Hard As Brok ran fourth at Grafton first-up and should improve. Maid In Dubai comes from a good stable. Johnny Boz has won three in a row, but he comes back in trip and needs luck.
Selections:
- Jagerschnitzel - $2.80
- Hard As Brok - $6.00
- Maid In Dubai - $8.00
- Johnny Boz - $21.00
