Hamilton in Victoria’s magnificent Western District hosts five jumping races on Thursday and it should be another fill up for followers of this page.
Race 1 – Eric Musgrove Racing Maiden Hurdle, 3200m
Hard to argue with the market for this one. Irish Butterfly and Prismatic are the main two chances but neither appears to be especially good value.
Strategy: No bet.
Race 2 – Ecycle Solutions Maiden Hurdle, 3200m
Very keen here on the Tom Dabernig trained Maatsuyker. He’s run into Alakahan and Dubai Moon at his first two jumping starts and that form just looks a cut above. Suspect Our Candidate will need this one even though he has been the subject of backing in early markets.
Strategy: Back Maatsuyker.
Race 3 – Adam Lindsay Gordon Hurdle, 3200m
Good race this one and very keen on Frankenstar to win at this meeting for the second straight year. He was terrific at Warrnambool in the Novice on speed off a fast tempo and while he meets horses dropping back from the Galleywood, I felt that was a very weak edition of the race. Even though it’s been backed, Pure Deal is all tip and no iceberg at this point, and Fabalot has a big weight to deal with. Huntly Castle, coming out of the same race as Frankenstar, is the main danger.
Strategy: Back Frankenstar.
Race 4 – Hammonds Paints Maiden Steeplechase, 3400m
Interesting race with the 2021 Grand National Hurdle winner Wil John in this race. He comes in very well under the set weight conditions, but he is first up here. From any other stable I’d find him hard to back, but Ciaron Maher has shown the ability to get it done with horses resuming off long breaks.
Strategy: Back Wil John.
Race 5 – Ecycle Solutions Steeplechase, 3400m
Hard to look past Duke of Bedford here. He’s no star but just so honest and with 67.5Kg is very well placed. I couldn’t recommend a bet on them but Aquileon was travelling very well at Casterton until he fell and Carnamah has done enough over hurdles to suggest he has a future over the bigger obstacles.
Strategy: Back Duke of Bedford.
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