‘Sparkling’ staying star Mepunga Ruby (9 from 14 – 7 of past 8) v ‘nomadic’ Gypsy Wyong (8 from 13 – 5 of past 7) will be a ‘gem’ of a contest in an Enduro Series Prelude (660m) at Ballarat tonight.
But that’s not the only intriguing face-off on the program as rising stars – Revolution (2 from 3) v Paua Of Mindy (2 from 7) – go head-to-head in a Mixed 6/7 final.
Meanwhile, at The Meadows this afternoon, G2 McKenna Memorial finalist Mepunga Warrior takes on G1 National Derby finalist Eagles Nest Egg in what should be a battle royale!
And gifted speedster Invictus Rising (8 from 18) could prove ‘unconquerable’ later in this fixture.
At Cranbourne tonight, G1 Rookie Rebel winner and G1 Association Cup runner-up Fernando Cazz returns from a four-month hiatus. The middle distance/staying siren will contest a 520m sprint event.
One race later, sensational short-courser Coolant (12 from 20) should continue his ‘hot’ streak and leave his rivals ‘cold’.
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: Ballarat Enduro Series 660 Prelude 1
MEPUNGA RUBY 
GYPSY WYONG
Ballarat 
Race 8 
660m 
9:22pm
Form 
https://watchdog.grv.org.au/meeting/666538433/race/8
The Watchdog says 
: The two headline acts in this event are potential staying stars and they should have a tremendous speed duel for the entire 660m journey tonight. MEPUNGA RUBY (1) has the advantage of the rails draw and, with plenty of racing over this journey in recent months, she may have the edge in the closing stages. GYPSY WYONG (3) has gone to the next level since stepping up to the middle distance range having won four of five in town, and her early and middle sections have been off the charts. She needs to cover an extra 60 metres tonight, so the concluding stages will be a slight concern and she may need to establish a two to three length break on ‘Ruby’ as they turn for home. WEBLEC HAZE (6) is a former star chaser, however he has really struggled in recent months. If he can get into the clear as they navigate their way to the back straight, he may be able to regain some much needed confidence and if there is to be and upset, he could be the one. Can’t wait to see this unfold and fingers crossed the two ‘big guns’ can get through the first bend on top as that should ensure a thrilling battle throughout.
Selections: 1 – 3 – 6 – 5
THE WATCHDOG’S $10 INVESTMENT 
Wednesday 4 August
$3.50 Multi
First 
: Win – WEBLEC STAR The Meadows Race 2 
Box 4 525m 12:32pm
TAB fixed odds: $1.35 Win
Form https://watchdog.grv.org.au/meeting/666538431/race/2
Second : Win – MEPUNGA WARRIOR The Meadows Race 4 Box 1 600m 1:12pm
TAB fixed odds: $1.45 Win
Form https://watchdog.grv.org.au/meeting/666538431/race/4
Third : Place – CALL ME BUSTER The Meadows Race 7 Box 4 525m 2:15pm
TAB fixed odds: $1.26 Place (top two finish required)
Form https://watchdog.grv.org.au/meeting/666538431/race/7
The Watchdog says : WEBLEC STAR (4) appears to have plenty on her rivals, and she should be leading from go to whoa. MEPUNGA WARRIOR (1) has the inside draw, and he should be able to hold EAGLES NEST EGG (6) at the bend and that should be enough to see him get the cash. CALL ME BUSTER (4) has a tremendous turn of foot, and he will appreciate the smaller line-up today, so a top two finish looks likely.
Multi price: $2.47
$3.50 Multi
First : Win – STAR ABILITY Bendigo Race 1 Box 8 425m 2:26pm
TAB fixed odds: $1.33 Win
Form https://watchdog.grv.org.au/meeting/680761807/race/1
Second : Place – FABRIOLA YANIS Ballarat Race 1 Box 8 450m 6:58pm
TAB fixed odds: $1.50 Place
Form https://watchdog.grv.org.au/meeting/666538433/race/1
Third : Place – FABRIOLA XIMENEZ Ballarat Race 10 Box 1 450m 10:04pm
TAB fixed odds: $1.35 Place
Form https://watchdog.grv.org.au/meeting/666538433/race/10
Fourth : Place – BRAITH BALE Ballarat Race 11 Box 2 450m 10:22pm
TAB fixed odds: $1.28 Place
Form https://watchdog.grv.org.au/meeting/666538433/race/11
The Watchdog says : STAR ABILITY (8) has been luckless in her two runs to date, and she will find this event a lot easier. FABRIOLA YANIS (8) is a powerful type and there should be no excuses from the wide draw. FABRIOLA XIMENEZ (1) is another powerful chaser, and he is drawn to settle a little closer than normal, so with an ounce of luck a top three finish looks the goods. BRAITH BALE (2) has a big class edge over his rivals tonight and he should be on the pace from the outset.
Multi price: $3.45
$1 Early Quaddie – 4.16% (24 combinations) Ballarat Races 1 – 4 6:58pm
Form https://watchdog.grv.org.au/meeting/666538433/race/1
: 2,8: 1,5,6,7: 6: 2,7,8
The Watchdog says : FABRIOLA YANIS (8) is suitably drawn and he will prove hard to hold out, however KANJI KILO (2) is an on-speed runner, so we have included her as a saver. The second leg is quite open, so we have gone wide. PAUA OF MINDY (6) was brilliant last week, and I think she can topple star prospect REVOLUTION (2). SAY HI (7) and EIGHT BALL (8) are both racing with tremendous confidence and are expected to dominate the last leg, however we have included the highly talented KILPATRICK (2) as well.
$2 Quaddie – 5.55% (36 combinations) Ballarat Races 5 – 8 8:18pm ***includes Must Watch Race***
Form https://watchdog.grv.org.au/meeting/666538433/race/5
: 1,3,4: 1,2,7: 3,4,6,8: 1
The Watchdog says : The inside division should hold the top in the initial stages of the first leg and I expect them to fight out the finish. In the second leg we have gone with three on-speed runners in the hope that one of them turns with a nice break and gets the cash. NIFTY NANGAR (8) is a jet and looks good in the third leg, however the draw is a slight concern, so we have gone a little wider. MEPUNGA RUBY (1) is a potential staying superstar, and she should prove too strong for GYPSY WYONG (3) in the last leg.
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