Payney's Punt is back and raring to go after a week of no racing in Victoria.
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The pockets are heavy again after a deplorable day last week — we really did deserve the title of mug punter — and we can't wait to unleash on Saturday's races at The Valley.
The track is currently rated a Soft 6 and expect it to stay that way before the first race.
And the rail will be out 3m for the entire track.
As always, if you are cracking open the piggy bank this weekend, please remember to gamble responsibly.
Race 1. 12.45pm — 2-Y-O Hcp (1000m)
Early speed to come from Jigsaw (1) and Direct (4). No surprises to see Jigsaw odds-on favourite in the opener. Walked in last start on soft ground and that was with 59kg, only goes up 1kg here. His form earlier this year maps well when he thrashed Artorius. Frostin’ (3) looks like the best value runner.
Top tip: Jigsaw
Race 2. 1.20pm — 2-Y-O Fillies Hcp (1000m)
Tricky one to navigate in the second. Plenty of them map to charge out and jostle for the lead. Sweet Mary (10) won easily on debut on a soft track by six lengths. Maps to get a decent run from barrier six and lead. Frost Flowers (2) resumes and has form that shapes up here. Tycoon Humma (3) is a real talent, but will need to cover extra grass to win here. One to watch. Better off buying a lottery ticket here we think.
Top tip: Sweet Mary
Race 3. 1.55pm — Hcp (1600m)
Expect the speed to come out wide from Falls (9) and Think We're Due (6). Leaning toward Hi Stranger (4) to get the job done. Should be fitter here fourth-up and stays at 1600m where it ran second last start. Aktau (2) resumes here. Has a 4:2-0-1 record when fresh and has one win at the mile, which came when resuming. But, does its best work over the mile and has only placed on wet ground. Plenty of gear changes as well, most noticeably ear muffs and nose band.
Top tip: Hi Stranger
Race 4. 2.30pm — Hcp (2040m)
Another head scratcher as we push out past the mile. Buckhurst (1) resumes and is clearly the one to keep an eye on. Ran well in last year's Caulfield Cup and has been gelded. Is 2:1-1-0 when fresh. Dr Drill (2) ran second when first-up last start over 2000m and will be fitter for the run. Has terrific form at this trip and will be fighting it out on the line with Buckhurst.
Top tip: Dr Drill
Race 5. 3.10pm — 3-Y-O (1514m)
It looks a battle between I'm Thunderstruck (1) and Tuvalu (5). The latter should lead here. The Lindsay Smith runner finished four lengths behind I'm Thunderstruck last start, but meets the reigning winner 3kg lighter. I'm Thunderstruck was simply too good for them last start and the extra 100m should be no query. Only knock is the heavy weight. Tuvalu might be too hard to chase down. Should be a ripper battle.
Top tip: Tuvalu
Race 6. 3.50pm — BM78 (1600m)
An open race greets punters in the first leg of the quaddie. Leale (6) is expected to lead and won at Sandown two-back. Has placed twice from two appearances at the Valley. Claim helps. Ghodeleine (3) won last start over 1600m and has great form at this track. No real confidence here and happy to let it go through to the keeper.
Top tip: Leale EW
Race 7. 4.30pm — BM78 (2500m)
Early race speed to come from Carrie (11) and Tavirun (2). We liked Maserartie Bay (3) last weekend, but the gelding was scratched before the race. Has two wins at 2400m, so can stay the distance. Can handle wet and dry conditions. Race favourite Smokin’ Romans (5) has drawn the car park, but does well on soft ground. Again, another tough race with ample chances.
Top tip: Maserartie Bay
Race 8. 5.05pm — 3-Y-O Hcp (2040m)
Could we see Jamie Kah salute in the ‘Congratulations Jamie Kah’ Handicap? Gets the steer on favourite Red Santa (4). Has drawn out wide, but won last start over this trip. Seb Song (2) looks tempting at nice odds. Already got the job done at The Valley before and maps to get a nice ride. Hopefully Craig Williams finds an opening behind the fast pace.
Top tip: Seb Song
Race 9. 5.40pm — BM70 (1200m)
Heaps of value in an open race. Plenty of runners will push forward for the lead, including emergency runner Flash Forward (18) and Imperial Lad (1). The former returns from a spell after being gelded and has strong form over 1200m. Jamie Kah in the saddle is a big tick. And Foxy Lady (10) can get the job done too. Has a 4:2-0-2 record at this track and enjoys the wet ground. Six placings from eight attempts at this trip.
Top tip: Flash Food
Best of the Day
When: Tomorrow
Where: The Valley
Race 1: 1 Jigsaw
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