All roads tonight lead to Shepparton tonight where a couple interesting GRV Vic Bred Grade 5 heat match-ups should whet the betting appetite. And the first of these could pay ‘handsome’ dividends.
Rockstar Ruby (5 from 19 – 2 of past 3) v Handsome Jack (12 from 43 – 4 of past 5) look set for a great battle.
At her last start, Rockstar Ruby beat G1 Maturity Classic finalist Envy To Burn while Handsome Jack, a Healesville Derby finalist, should relish Box 7 (4 from 9).
In the second heat, Aubameyang (10 from 31 – 4 of past 7) could ‘strike a goal’ against Healesville Winter Cup finalist Braemar Prince (12 from 26).
Elsewhere on the card, punters should ‘see the light’ with the lightly raced Visualiser (7 from 14), who has won 3 of his past 4 and is ideally drawn in Box 1 (4 from 5).
And watch for ex-NSW flier and How Not Too (14 from 45), who has settled in nicely with top trainer Anthony Azzopardi. The G2 Richmond Oaks finalist has been impressive at her past two starts, scoring in slick times at The Meadows and Sandown Park.
Here’s an extensive analysis of today’s Must Watch Race, and be sure to scroll down further for The Watchdog’s $10 spend…
MUST-WATCH RACE: GRV Vicbred Grade 5 Heat 1
ROCKSTAR RUBY MY NAME’S CRAIG HANDSOME JACK
Shepparton Race 7 450m 9:12pm
Form https://watchdog.grv.org.au/meeting/666541478/race/7
The Watchdog says : This might only be a Grade 5 event, however we see some very smart types engaged and they could give the magical 25 seconds barrier a shake. HANDSOME JACK (7) has finally started to deliver on his early promise having won four of his past five in devastating fashion and his blistering early speed makes him a factor in everything he contests. There is not an abundance of early zip engaged in this race, so with a clean getaway he should be able to get a cheap lead and, with the ability to push the 25 seconds barrier, he will take a power of beating. ROCKSTAR RUBY (2) can be a little hard to follow at times, but she is a gifted speedster and if she gets a clear crack in the middle stages, ‘Jack’ could be in a little strife. Last time out, she was able to run down ‘Envy To Burn’ who subsequently qualified for the Group 1 Maturity Final over the weekend, so her form line is exceptional coming into this event. MY NAME’S CRAIG (4) rounds out the genuine winning chances. His draw isn’t ideal, but with a vacant box on his outside he should get enough room to balance up and put himself into contention. He has done his best racing at this track and, considering his sizzling 25.11sec PB, a win tonight would not surprise.
Selections: 7 – 2 – 4 – 6
THE WATCHDOG’S $10 INVESTMENT
Monday 19 July
$5 Multi
First : Place – LITTLE TIGER
Warrnambool Race 6 Box 1 450m 1:34pm
TAB fixed odds: $1.60 Place (top two finish required)
Form https://watchdog.grv.org.au/meeting/666541479/race/6
Second : Place – STAR SHOOTER
Warrnambool Race 8 Box 8 450m 2:09pm
TAB fixed odds: $1.55 Place (top two finish required)
Form https://watchdog.grv.org.au/meeting/666541476/race/3
Third : Place – MEMORY LASS
Warrnambool Race 11 Box 3 390m 3:07pm
TAB fixed odds: $1.24 Place (top two finish required)
Form https://watchdog.grv.org.au/meeting/666541476/race/9
The Watchdog says : LITTLE TIGER (1) is racing with confidence, and he should be on the speed throughout and a top two finish looks likely. STAR SHOOTER (8) will appreciate the drop in class, and he can put them to the sword in the middle stages. MEMORY LASS (3) has terrific early burn and with the empty draws on her outside, there should be no excuses today.
Multi price: $3.07
$3 Multi
First : Win – SHE RULES
Warragul Race 4 Box 1 400m 3:32pm
TAB fixed odds: $1.75 Win
Form https://watchdog.grv.org.au/meeting/675467743/race/4
Second : Win – ALPINE BLAZE
Ballarat Race 6 Box 1 545m 4:47pm
TAB fixed odds: $1.95 Win
Form https://watchdog.grv.org.au/meeting/666541477/race/6
Third : Place – AUBAMEYANG
Shepparton Race 9 Box 4 450m 9:56pm
TAB fixed odds: $1.60 Place (top two finish required)
Form https://watchdog.grv.org.au/meeting/666541478/race/9
The Watchdog says : SHE RULES (1) looks suitably graded today and she is expected to lead throughout. ALPINE BLAZE (1) can be a little hard to follow but she is drawn to hold the top early and should prove too classy in the run home. AUBAMEYANG (4) is airborne at present and, with the empty draw, he will get enough room to balance up and turn on the heat through the corner.
Multi price: $5.46
$2 Quaddie – 25% (8 combinations)
Shepparton Races 5 – 8 8:32pm ***includes Must Watch Race***
Form https://watchdog.grv.org.au/meeting/666541478/race/5
: 1,8
: 1
: 7
: 1,3,6,8
The Watchdog says : SÉANCE (1) should be able to hold the early lead, whilst RIO BASKIN (8) will be strong in the run home, so hopefully one of those two can get the cash in the first leg. VISUALISER (1) is flying at present and should lead throughout in the second leg. HANDSOME JACK (7) is another who is in rare form and if he can cross at the first bend, he will take a power of beating. HOW NOT TOO (3) will be quite short in the last leg, however there are a number of chances, so we have gone wide there.
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