The Valley is once again hosting Friday night racing with eight races on the program.
Some competitive races but some small fields should hopefully assist in finding the winners for the evening ahead of Saturday racing tomorrow.
The rail remains in the 3m position for the entire circuit with the track currently rated as a Good 4 and the weather forecasted to be fine.
Race 1 Three-year-old Benchmark-64 (1200m) @ 6:30pm
El Salto
Was extremely impressed with this son of Written Tycoon’s debut run. It was in a weaker maiden race than what some of his rivals have raced in their previous starts, but it was the way he won. He looks like he can lead this field up, just like he did on debut at Traralgon, and is aided by having barrier one. Think he can give them something to catch and will be leading for a long way.
Suggested Bet: Back El Salto to win ($5.50).
Race 3 Fillies & Mares Benchmark-70 (1600m) @ 7:30pm
Glamour Fox
This Clare Cunningham-trained New South Wales (NSW) visitor comes to the Valley for the first time in this but looks to strike a winnable race. Her NSW form reads well with solid runs over the 1900m at Canterbury behind Kutayha and Gone Bye in her previous two starts. I like the step back to the mile where she was successful twice three and four starts ago at Kembla Grange and Hawkesbury. Draws well from barrier two where Damian Lane can sit in behind the speed if he wishes and she should be right there in the finish.
Suggested Bet: Back Glamour Fox to win ($4).
Race 5 55 Second Challenge Benchmark-70 (955m) @ 8:30pm
The Last Napoleon
This looks an open race, but I think this six-year-old Gelding looks a nice chance in this. He was tardy out of the gates first-up at Warrnambool when finishing third to Paul’s Regret, and he will not get away with it if he does it again over the 955m at the Valley. He did hit the line well and he there looks to be a strong pace in the race for him to come home from the back. His second-up record is strong and last time he raced at this track and distance, he won in impressive fashion. If they can make ground from the back tonight, he must be given a chance.
Suggested Bet: Back The Last Napoleon to win ($4.20).
Race 6 Benchmark-64 Handicap (2040m) @ 9:00pm
Muleta
Looks a nice race here for this four-year-old son of Fastnet Rock. Has put in some good efforts since joining the Brett Scott stable and the form around him has been quite solid in his last couple of starts. He was too far back last start when finishing fourth to Playoffs at Pakenham but was a nice winner the start prior at Cranbourne over the 1600m. He should appreciate the step up in distance here to the 2040m and looks a top chance.
Suggested Bet: Back Muleta to win ($4.80).
Race 7 Mares Benchmark-64 Handicap (1200m) @ 9:30pm
Don’ttelltheboss
This looks as good of a race as any for her to bounce back into the winner’s stalls. She comes into this first-up with the blinkers on for the first time and a big drop in grade. She does get back in the field and there does not look to be a strong tempo on paper which could cause her some concern. If she can replicate a run like she did second-up last preparation in Group 3 company at the Valley when finishing third to Ms Catherine, she will be extremely hard to beat in this.
Suggested Bet: Back Don’ttelltheboss to win ($3).
Race 8 Benchmark-64 Handicap (1200m) @ 10:00pm
Filip’s Star
He looks a nice chance here. Loved his run last start at Kilmore in benchmark-70 grade when finishing second to Wicklow Town. He steps back in grade here and comes in well enough at the weights with apprentice jockey Will Price’s three-kilogram claim. He should be able to lob in near the speed and looks to get a nice run in the race from barrier four. In a race where a few of the fancied runners in the market have question marks, he looks a safe each-way bet in the last.
Suggested Bet: Back Filip’s Star each-way ($6.50 win, $2.30 place).
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