A great clash between the well-performed Soda Titan and G2 Ballarat Cup runner-up Special Talent in a 450m Free For All headlines the Shepparton meeting that starts this morning.

Potential star Barista Chick has a terrific record over 450m at Shepparton and is running for the first time since November 29 over 385m in a Mixed 4/5 event.

Early on the card, Runaway Miss is aiming to stretch her winning streak to four races, while Aston Gamble is looking to remain unbeaten at his third start.

The promising Man Of Substance and G3 SA Oaks placegetter Queen Redeem should provide a top duel in a 650m Special Event.

Sale Summer Cup finalist Collinda Beast is the standout chaser at Cranbourne this afternoon.

Today’s Racing

Shepparton: 10:32am start
Form     Tips     Key stats

Ballarat: 2:02pm start
Form     Tips     Key stats

Cranbourne: 2:54pm start
Form     Tips     Key stats

Warrnambool: 6:05pm start
Form     Tips     Key stats

Today’s Drawcards

SODA TITAN

Trainer: Max Auld
? Shepparton ? Race 8
? Box 1 ? 450m ⏱ 12:35pm

Claim to fame:
– Won 5 of last 6
– 24.95 PB Shepparton 450m

TAB fixed odds: $1.40

The Watchdog says: Yes

SPECIAL TALENT

Trainer: Michael Carter
? Shepparton ? Race 8
? Box 3 ? 450m ⏱ 12:35pm

Claim to fame:
– 2nd Group 2 Ballarat Cup
– Won 3 from 5 Trk/Dst

TAB fixed odds: $2.60

The Watchdog says: No

BARISTA CHICK

Trainer: Robert Le Sueur
? Shepparton ? Race 10
? Box 7 ? 385m ⏱ 1:12pm

Claim to fame:
– Won 4 from 8
– Won 3 of 4 Shepparton 450m

TAB fixed odds: $2

The Watchdog says: Yes

? THE WATCHDOG’S $10 INVESTMENT ?
? Monday 3 January

? $3 Multi

First ?: Win – MAN OF SUBSTANCE
? Shepparton ? Race 6 ? Box 1 ? 650m ⏱ 12:00pm
TAB fixed odds: $2 Win
Form ? https://watchdog.grv.org.au/meeting/666540028/race/6

Second ?: Win – RUSH OUT
? Shepparton ? Race 11 ? Box 1 ? 385m ⏱ 1:27pm
TAB fixed odds: $2.70 Win
Form ? https://watchdog.grv.org.au/meeting/666540028/race/11

The Watchdog says ? : MAN OF SUBSTANCE (1) should be able to hold the early lead and prove too classy in the run home. RUSH OUT (1) has a dynamic turn of foot and with an even getaway, she should be able to fire through and boot away in the middle stages.

Multi price: $5.40

? $3 Trifecta – 1 / 3 / 4 (300%)

? Must Watch Race ?

Free For All

? Shepparton ? Race 8
? 450m ⏱ 12:35pm

The Watchdog says ?: The in-form SODA TITAN (1) is expected to prove a tad too strong for Group 2 Ballarat Cup runner-up SPECIAL TALENT (3) in the closing stages, while TEFLON TEARS (4) can fill the minor end of the money.

‘Must Watch Race’ Preview ?:

We are down to a field of four, but it should still be a thrilling affair. SODA TITAN (1) has always shown an enormous amount of potential; however, he went to another level at Bendigo two runs back when carving out a scorching 23.34sec. He exits the same draw today and with a clean getaway, he should rattle the clock again. SPECIAL TALENT (3) showed he is back to his best with a dazzling 23.64sec Bendigo win and with the smaller line-up, he should be able to land on the outside of SODA TITAN. ‘Titan’ has the advantage of the rails draw and that should be the difference.

Form ? https://watchdog.grv.org.au/meeting/666540028/race/8

The Watchdog’s selections: 1 – 3 – 4 – 6

? $4 Place – MALO MAGIC
? Shepparton ? Race 9 ? Box 5 ? 385m ⏱ 12:52pm
TAB fixed odds: $3.20 Place (Top two finish required)
Form ? https://watchdog.grv.org.au/meeting/666540028/race/9

The Watchdog says ? : MALO MAGIC (5) has turned in some eye-catching performances of late and with a quick beginner underneath, he should get a dream run into the first bend. The empty draw on his outside is a huge advantage and at the price, he looks to be a great investment.

Today’s News

ZIPPY TESLA’S SILVER CHIEF THRILLER

? RECENT $10 INVESTMENTS ?

Sunday 2 January: $14.50 (+45%)
Saturday 1 January: $0 (-100%)
Friday 31 December: $12.52 (+25%)
Thursday 30 December: $15.72 (+57%)
Wednesday 29 December: $34.75 (+248%)
Tuesday 28 December: $26.30 (+163%)
Monday 27 December: $13 (+30%)

Past 7 days: $116.79 for $70 invested (+67%)
Past 14 days: $153.09 for $130 invested (+18%)
Past 28 days: $373.74 for $270 invested (+38%)

? MONTH x MONTH RECORD

December 2021: $384.82 for $300 (+28%)
November 2021: $300.47 for $300 (Even)
October 2021: $311.40 for $310 (Even)
September 2021: $220.69 for $300 (-26%)
August 2021: $262.63 for $310 (-15%)
July 2021: $309.18 for $300 (+3%)
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.

*Please gamble responsibly