The well-performed Koblenz (17 from 27 – 29.78sec PB) is favoured by The Watchdog to end the four-race win streak of Mr. Fix It (19 from 42 – 13 from 21 Trk/Dst) in tonight’s 525m Free For All at The Meadows.
The Pink Diamond Rookie Sprinter winner – placed in this month’s G3 Warragul St Leger and Cranbourne Classic finals – faces a tough assignment against the recent Victorian Sprint champion, who has won seven of his last nine races (six of those wins at The Meadows).
Dual G2 country cup winner Yozo Bale (25 from 68 – 3 from 7 Box 3) will also pose a threat after finishing second to Mr. Fix It at The Meadows last Saturday night.
The $12,000 to-the-winner Snow Queen final features G1 Hume Cup placegetter Zero Cool (29.78sec PB) and Pink Diamond Princess winner Sweet Petit (2 of last 3).
To open the meeting, the Greenoughs’ Slick Sister (2 from 3) and Perfectly Poised (2 from 2 Trk/Dst) are expected to figure prominently in the GRV Vic Bred Maiden final, which carries a $12,000 first prize.
Weblec Thunder (4 of last 5) v Isolating (6 from 12) v Big Fonzie (5 from 8) will be a fascinating contest, while Group finalists Lots Of Chatter (5 of last 7) v Earn The Answers (29.62sec PB) should provide a stirring duel.
Three-time Group-placed Shima Classic (29.76sec PB) and G2 winner Weblec Jet (3 of last 5) headline the races they are engaged in, while a keen battle should eventuate between Group finalists Weblec Whirl v Keep It Blue v Envy To Burn v Bobby The Brute (29.80sec PB).
At Bendigo, G3 finalist Aston Ulysses is in action, while Dreamers Lie (4 from 9) and Studley (7 from 19 – 3 from 5 Trk/Dst) are aiming to enhance their respective records.
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: Join The 525 Club Now Free For All
MR. FIX IT ? YOZO BALE ? CARRY ON STAR ? KOBLENZ
? The Meadows ? Race 8 ? 525m ⏱ 6:37pm
Form ? https://watchdog.grv.org.au/meeting/666538510/race/8
The Watchdog says ?: MR. FIX IT (1) could get around The Meadows blindfolded, and he is racing with tremendous confidence at present. He consistently runs sub 5.05sec to the first marker here and he should head to the back in the top two. He has beaten similar line-ups in his past four and he must be respected, however I have tipped him for only second. One of my favourites KOBLENZ (8) goes to work again tonight and although beaten in his past three, I think he has still been super impressive. He has always been a bold front runner and he has had to work very hard in the initial stages in his past three, however he has managed to box on really well and figure in the placings in each of those runs. Outside of Mr. Meadows (Mr. Fix It), there is very limited early burn in this race, so with a good getaway, he should be up outside of the red at the first bend and I think he has more genuine mid race pace, so he should be able to assume control as they head to the back. He really has answered all the challenges since stepping up to the elite company and he should be able to return to the winners list today. YOZO BALE (3) is the country cups King, and he has been impressive in his two runs since a short spell. He is normally reliable at box rise, however he is likely to be a half length or so behind the top two picks at the bend and he may clip heels at the bend, so place chances look best for him. PLAN AHEAD (4) is the interesting runner; he goes very well here, and he will be very strong in the run home. With the early pace drawn inside, he should be able to find the rail soon after box rise and head to the back closer than normal and he may be a good place bet.
Selections: 8 – 1 – 4 – 3
