After defending his G2 McKenna Memorial title at Sandown Park last week, middle distance superstar Christo Bale will headline Friday night’s Geelong meeting in a ‘must watch’ clash with up-and-comer Mepunga Ruby (7 from 11).

Both are in ‘white hot’ form, with Christo Bale (28 from 65) having won 8 of his past 10, while the lightly-raced Mepunga Ruby has won 5 on end.

There’ll also be no place to hide when prolific speedster Fortuna Bale (27 from 62 – 6 from 12 Box 1) takes on former Ballarat 450m TR holder Pirate Pete and Lots Of Chatter (25 wins).

There’s enormous depth throughout the meeting, which also features a clash between multiple G1 finalist Junk Food Junkie v Man Absconded (22 wins), plus Ever Lovin’ Man (won past 4), Perfect Product (8 from 16) and Overshadowed (9 from 21), a newcomer to the powerful Jason Thompson kennel from NSW.

Meanwhile, at Warragul, G3 winner Blackpool Flash (24 from 45 – 6 from 10 box 3) looks set to boost his excellent strike rate with a winning debut at the track, while at Bendigo the in-form Sneaky Mojo (3 from 4 Trk/Dst) will be chasing a sixth straight win.

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: Parker Pumps Go Distance Racing Special Event

MEPUNGA RUBY ? CHRISTO BALE

? Geelong ? Race 8 ? 680m ⏱ 9:28pm

Form ? https://watchdog.grv.org.au/meeting/666541469/race/8

The Watchdog says ?: MEPUNGA RUBY (1) is one of the hottest staying prospects going around and she faces her toughest test tonight when she takes on the champ CHRISTO BALE (2). Last time out, she pounced on the lead and set a cracking pace throughout when scoring at Sandown over 715m, however she did get a little tired in the concluding stages so the slight drop in distance tonight will be a big plus. CHRISTO BALE (2) captured the Group 2 McKenna Memorial last time out and he has been racing in electrifying fashion of late. With the lack of speed drawn in the middle, ‘Christo’ should be able to balance up just behind ‘Ruby’ and it should be ‘race on’ as they head off the back straight. ‘Christo’ is yet to race beyond 650m, so the last 30m may be a slight concern, however I expect him to assume control as they turn for home and his class may get him over the line. CELL BLOCK TANGO (3) has raced well here previously, and she can run all day, so if the two top elects happen to make a mistake, she could be there to strike late.

Selections:  2 – 1 – 3 – 4

? THE WATCHDOG’S $10 INVESTMENT ?
? Friday 16 July

? $3.50 Multi

First ?: Win – MORE SPEED
? Bendigo ? Race 12 ? Box 1 ? 425m ⏱ 6:50pm
TAB fixed odds: $2.00
Form ? https://watchdog.grv.org.au/meeting/666541472/race/12

Second ?: Place – LIL SNOOZE
? Geelong ? Race 12 ? Box 1 ? 400m ⏱ 10:50pm
TAB fixed odds: $1.95 Place (top two finish required)
Form ? https://watchdog.grv.org.au/meeting/666541469/race/12

The Watchdog says ? : MORE SPEED (1) looks very well graded today and is expected to lead throughout, and while ASTON SANTANA (6) has a serious motor, he may find early bother from the tough draw. LIL SNOOZE (1) will find this easier than his most recent racing and, from the inside draw, he is expected to settle closer to the speed than normal and he will be strong in the run home.

Multi price: $3.90

? $2.50 Multi

First ?: Win – SECURITY MAN
? Warragul ? Race 3 ? Box 3 ? 400m ⏱ 7:32pm
TAB fixed odds: $1.60 Win
Form ? https://watchdog.grv.org.au/meeting/666541470/race/3

Second ?: Place – THROW CAUTION
? Warragul ? Race 6 ? Box 2 ? 400m ⏱ 8:31pm
TAB fixed odds: $2.00 Place (top two finish required)
Form ? https://watchdog.grv.org.au/meeting/666541470/race/6

The Watchdog says ? : SECURITY MAN (3) continues to get better all the time and he appears to have a fair bit on his rivals tonight. THROW CAUTION (2) is a bit of a track specialist, and he should be able to find the rail soon after box rise. With his early speed, I expect him to settle in the top two and figure prominently.

Multi price: $3.20

? $3 Win – PERFECT PRODUCT
? Geelong ? Race 6 ? Box 8 ? 460m ⏱ 8:47pm
TAB fixed odds: $2.70 Win
Form ?  https://watchdog.grv.org.au/meeting/666541469/race/6

The Watchdog says ? : PERFECT PRODUCT (8) is an exciting prospect, and he comes into this having scored some blistering wins around Sale in recent months. From a favourable draw he should get more than enough space to balance up initially and I expect him to roar past them as they head into the first bend, and they will have their work cut out trying to reel him in.

? $1 Trifecta – 2 / 1 / 3 (100%)
? Geelong ? Race 8 ? 680m ⏱ 9:28pm                       ***Must Watch Race***
Form ?  https://watchdog.grv.org.au/meeting/666541469/race/8

The Watchdog says ? : MEPUNGA RUBY (1) and CHRISTO BALE (2) should have a thrilling battle throughout, however I think ‘Christo’ will have a slight edge late. CELL BLOCK TANGO (3) can run all day and she may be able to sneak into third spot.

? RECENT $10 INVESTMENTS ?

Thursday 15 July: $15.30 (+53%)
Wednesday 14 July: $9.40 (-6%)
Tuesday 13 July: $19.74 (+97%)
Monday 12 July: $20.30 (+103%)
Sunday 11 July: $10.90 (+9%)
Saturday 10 July: $6 (-40%)
Friday 9 July: $0 (-100%)

Past 7 days: $81.64 for $70 invested (+17%)

Past 14 days: $187.77 for $140 invested (+34%)

Past 28 days: $311.02 for $280 invested (+11%)

? MONTH x MONTH RECORD

June 2021: $324.38 for $300 (+8%)

NOTE: June was the first full-month of the new-look Daily Mail, in which The Watchdog has a $10 daily spend.

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