Caulfield Race 3 — Benchmark 70
1440m, 2:50pm
Returned with an impressive win when hitting the line strongly and should only improve with that run under his belt. He draws the inside this time and Mark Zahra takes the ride, giving him every opportunity to settle closer and conserve energy for the finish.
BetBunkerProgressive, second-up and coming off a powerful fresh win with an ideal draw.
Rosehill Race 4 — F&M Benchmark 72
1100m, 3:15pm
Has produced two strong runs this preparation, making ground in Saturday company first-up before covering extra ground when third last time. She reaches this third-up, draws perfectly and looks ready to deliver her peak run.
BetBunkerA much cleaner map third-up gives her the chance to convert excellent recent form into a win.
Eagle Farm Race 2 — Maiden Plate
1400m, 3:33pm
Has caught the eye in two trials since changing stables, travelling strongly without being asked for everything. The Autumn Sun mare gives the impression 1400m will suit and Ben Thompson takes the ride for her return.
BetBunkerHer trial work suggests there is considerably more ability there than her exposed form indicates.
Balaklava Race 3 — Maiden Plate
1300m, 3:40pm
Had good support on debut and ran a promising third over 1050m at this track. The race experience should bring her forward, the rise to 1300m looks suitable and barrier two gives her a much cleaner setup.
BetBunkerShe brings the strongest exposed form and looks open to significant improvement at start two.
Rosehill Race 5 — Benchmark 72
2400m, 3:50pm
Lightly raced import who continues to improve and fought strongly to win over 2140m last start. He was doing his best work through the line, suggesting the rise to 2400m is within reach, and barrier one should allow him to control the race without spending unnecessary petrol.
BetBunkerBalaklava Race 4 — Class 1 Handicap
1600m, 4:15pm
Returned with a good second over 1300m here and now gets out to a trip that should suit much better. She draws barrier one, strips fitter and has previously competed in significantly stronger company than she meets here.
BetBunkerRosehill Race 7 — Benchmark 78
1200m, 5:00pm
Did all the work from a wide draw first-up, went forward and was only grabbed late after giving a big sight. She should improve from the run and barrier four makes the map considerably easier this time.
BetBunkerA fitter Metallic Cat getting a much better barrier looks extremely hard to run down.
Eagle Farm Race 5 — Class 5 Handicap
1000m, 5:18pm
Has an excellent fresh record and resumes for a new stable after producing a very sharp Gold Coast trial. His better southern form is strong enough for this company and the inside barrier gives him every possible favour.
BetBunkerEagle Farm Race 6 — Class 1 Plate
1200m, 5:53pm
Could hardly have been more impressive first-up for his new stable, putting his maiden field away by more than six lengths. There is more depth here, but he draws beautifully and looks like a horse capable of progressing rapidly through the grades.
BetBunkerHis first-up demolition suggested he is well above maiden grade and potentially above this level as well.
Ascot Race 3 — Class 1 Handicap
1000m, 6:05pm
Makes the unusual move of debuting directly into Class 1 company, but her recent trial explains the confidence. She travelled strongly before powering away late and gets in beautifully at the weights from a good draw.
BetBunkerHer trial indicated genuine ability and the stable looks to have found the right race to launch her career.
Best bets
Best bet: Monotone – Eagle Farm – Race 6 – 5:53pm
Next best: Metallic Cat – Rosehill – Race 7 – 5:00pm
Value bet: Storming Home – Eagle Farm – Race 2 – 3:33pm
Good luck with the midweek card.
Editorial at The Daily Punt, covering Australian racing and sport with an eye for where the value sits.
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