‘Country king’ Yozo Bale (2 x G2 wins) resumes from a seven-week ‘abdication’ at Horsham.
But can the provincial sprint monarch reclaim his throne in a right royal Free For All (410m) at 5.27pm?
Crackerjack Zave (9 from 31 – 3 from 7 Trk/Dst) v Yozo Bale (25 from 66 – 2 from 3 Trk/Dst)) v Rilynn Bale (33 from 69 – 3 from 5 Trk/Dst) v Man Absconded (23 from 66) is an aristocratic clash.
So, who will reign supreme? Well, expert form analyst The Watchdog has given the ‘nod’ to Rilynn Bale who has won her past two – Shepparton and Bendigo – in sizzling times.
It’s a brave call considering G1 Temlee runner-up Yozo Bale has won a G2 Bendigo Cup, G2 Ballarat Cup and Wagga Gold Cup. He was also second in the G2 Geelong Gold Cup and G2 Warrnambool Cup.
And there’s another fabulous face-off on the fixture – potential megastar McCooly’s Lad (5 from 9) v top staying prospect Aston Ulysses (13 from 35).
McCooly’s Lad has been off the racing scene since November 27 last year, while Aston Ulysses hasn’t started since May 8.
Handsome Jack (14 from 47 – 6 of past 9) and G3 Bob Payne Sprint finalist Aston Titan (14 from 37 – 4 from 7 Box 1), who has won his past two, complete a humdinger Horsham meeting.
Meanwhile, straight track specialist Jordanville Jet (6 from 8 Trk/Dst) is the headline act at Healesville today.
But also keep an eye on a duel between tyros Aston Latham (2 from 2) v Gel Blaster (3 from 6).
Aston Latham – a son of former star and prolific producer Sweet It Is – has won his only two starts at Healesville, while ex-SA flier Gel Blaster makes his Vic debut.
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: Wimmera Mallee Vet Services Free For All
CRACKERJACK ZAVE ? YOZO BALE ? RILYNN BALE ? MAN ABSCONDED
? Horsham ? Race 8 ? 410m ⏱ 5:27pm
Form ? https://watchdog.grv.org.au/meeting/666538474/race/8
The Watchdog says ?: All-star YOZO BALE (2) makes his return to the track and is expected to fire after seven weeks on the sidelines. He comes into this having won 25 of 66 (38%) and is a multiple country cups winner. His versatility has always been his biggest asset; however, he meets a hot line-up and will need to be at his brilliant best to score. Prolific winner RILYNN BALE (3) appears his main danger and I have her on top in the selections. She’s won a staggering 33 of 69 (48%) and is one of the best beginners in the game. After six straight defeats, she’s returned to form with dominant wins at Shepparton and Bendigo and with another clean getaway should be able to cross the inside division, and we know she can go well under the 23sec barrier. CRACKERJACK ZAVE (1) is the interesting runner. He’s always shown talent; however, after a handy 22.09sec Warrnambool win, he went to another level when posting a breathtaking 22.82sec win here and blowing away a strong line-up in the process. If he were to reproduce that performance, his higher profile opponents would have trouble beating him. But I’m not sure he can replicate that performance in this level of competition. MAN ABSCONDED (8) had his colours lowered by the ‘red’ runner last week. But we all know he’s a gifted chaser at his best and if he spears the lids, he could cause an upset. BANJO BERT (6) has a tremendous record here and would normally be a strong chance in a race like this, but with the amount of early pace drawn inside, he may have trouble crossing in the initial stages. It should be a keenly contested race and the eventual winner should go well under the 22.90sec mark.
Selections: 3 – 2 – 1 – 8
