We head to Lords raceway in Bendigo today for what shapes as a terrific program featuring four semi-finals of the prestigious Gold Rush series (425m).
Below are my thoughts on each semi.

SEMI 1: Haristotle (Box 5) was highly impressive in his heat win. He drew the outside and charged across to lead at the first turn before careering away for a dominant win. The most impressive part was his strength through the line which suggests he will get further too. He is drawn a little awkwardly here but I expect him to overcome that, he looks very hard to beat.
The main danger for me is Sketchy Nick (Box 2) who bolted in at his debut as a short priced favourite. If he can hold out Haristotle in the run to the first corner than all of a sudden he becomes the one to beat.
I think they’re the clear top two with smaller chances to Zipping Jane (Box 3), Andrea Doria (Box 6) and Bushman’s Poem (Box 7).

MATT’S SELECTIONS:

5-2-7-6

SEMI 2: Kiranna (Box 8) was devastating when winning her heat in good time (23.85sec) after drawing the red (Replay). She will begin from the outside in the final but I don’t think that will pose any problems, she should be too good again.
Danger for mine is Master Kooper (Box 5). A winner of his heat too, he hasn’t drawn favourably here and will need luck early but showed on debut that he is more than capable of featuring.
Smaller chances to Bakali (Box 4), Zipping Vito (Box 6) and Maeby Allen (Box 7).

MATT’S SELECTIONS:
8-5-6-4

SEMI 3: I’m looking for some value here in Zipping Sally (Box 1). She showed nice speed on debut from a middle draw when finishing second from box 4 (Replay). Drawn better here, I expect her to settle at worst on the back of the leader and at a good price I think she can run a terrific race.
Dangers are the two big guns Jay Tee Pee (Box 5) who was excellent in his heat winning by 7.5L in good time from box 5 (Replay) and Nallak (Box 8) who was very impressive in her heat winning from box 5 (Replay) and she is boxed perfectly here.
Each way chances also to Zipping Ringo (Box 4) and Our Kippy (Box 7).

MATT’S SELECTIONS:
1-8-5-4

SEMI 4: Toughest of the semi’s clearly and for that reason I am scouting value here with Dr Yanma (Box 4) going on top. Runner up at his first three starts in the Vic Bred series at Healesville, he was quite dominant in winning his heat in fast time (23.98sec). A repeat of that will see him go very close.

Scoota Flash was terrific in his flying debut win and he is well drawn here in Box 2 and I think he will be a major factor.

Our Blake (Box 1) is drawn to get the run of the race and is more than capable of victory.

My Boy Rylan (Box 3) bolted on debut in his heat but would need to improve slightly as his time wasn’t as slick as others (24.14sec).
Zipping Arnold (Box 7) split fast in his heat (6.55sec) but was run down so has to be some query, but will strip fitter and has to go in as some chance.

MATT’S SELECTIONS:
4-2-1-7
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[youtube youtubeurl=”SZvi1JzUi4o” ][/youtube]
WATCH: Haristotle bolt away in his heat last week from box 8.
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It will be a cracking day of racing at Bendigo and I hope this has steered you into a winner.
Good Luck and Good Punting.

BENDIGO FORMGUIDE