| What | Ballina Races |
| Where | Ballina Jockey Club – 38 Racecourse Road , Ballina |
| When | Thursday, January 25, 2024 |
| First Race | 1:35pm AEDT |
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Big Dance (1600m) eligibility is up for grabs on Thursday afternoon, as Ballina Jockey Club plays host to a bumper eight-race program. The meeting is headlined by the $65,000 Ballina Cup (1590m) with a capacity field on display. The rail is in the true position throughout the entire circuit, and with improving conditions in the lead-up, we anticipate the current Heavy 9 rating of the surface to get a significant upgrade for race-day. The opening race is set to get underway at 1:35pm AEDT.
Ballina Cup Top Tip: Without Revenge
Back-to-back runner-up placings behind an airborne Acquitted should have Without Revenge ready to peak in the 2024 Ballina Cup (1590m). The son of Muhaarar held ground nicely in both those performances at Listed level, with the latest coming at Eagle Farm on December 23. He looked the winner before being swallowed up by 2.8 lengths, fending off The Vowels to cling onto another runner-up finish. That appears to be the strongest form-line heading into this event, and with Kyle Wilson-Taylor hopping aboard from barrier one, Without Revenge should get every chance to chalk-up his first win since joining the Corey & Kylie Geran barn.
Ballina Cup
Race 7 – 
#3 Without Revenge (1)
6yo Gelding | T: Corey & Kylie Geran | J: Kyle Wilson-Taylor (59kg)
+200 with Picklebet
Best Bet at Ballina: Jewels Statement
Jewels Statement has only had one official barrier trial leading into her debut and it came all the way back in October of 2023. It was an eye-catching piece of work at Coffs Harbour on October 13 as the three-year-old loomed up strongly after taking a sit in behind the speed. She only missed out on winning the jump-out by a head and looked to have plenty left in the locker. She’s yet to make her re-appearance for the Samantha McGuren barn, but based on what we saw, we’re willing to take the risk that Jewels Statement is wound-up for this first-up assignment.
Best Bet
Race 1 – 
#7 Jewels Statement (1)
3yo Filly | T: Samantha McGuren | J: Ben Looker (55.5kg)
+160 with Neds
Next Best at Ballina: Watchguard
Watchguard has one start for one win on the resume and is set to return from a 26-week spell on Thursday afternoon. The gelding by Toronado picked up nicely to score on debut, with I Am Good At This closing on his heels, and we love the way Watchguard responded despite racing very greenly in the concluding stages. He has had two impressive barrier trials leading into this Class 1 contest, and provided Watchguard can show a similar turn-of-foot, this guy will be powering home under Elione Chaves.
Next Best
Race 2 – 
#5 Watchguard (2)
3yo Gelding | T: Stephen Lee | J: Elione Chaves (57kg)
+135 with Dabble
Next Best Again at Ballina: Leighton Hill
Leighton Hill has been trialling stylishly in the build-up for this first-up tilt and appears set to make a bold statement on debut. He was allowed to stretch out in his most recent jump-out at Wyong on December 15, as the Brett Cavanogh-trained galloper loomed ominously in the closing stages. The camp elect to kick-off the campaign over the 1300m on Thursday, and with strong intent from the stable, we’re convinced Leighton Hill can only run well here.
Next Best Again
Race 4 – 
#4 Leighton Hill (2)
3yo Gelding | T: Brett Cavanagh | J: Ben Looker (58.5kg)
+280 with Playup
Thursday quaddie tips for Ballina races
Ballina quadrella selections
Thursday, January 25, 2024
- 1-4-5-6
- 1-2-3-7-12
- 1-3
- 1-2-4-6-9-11
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