A terrific clash between three-time G2 country cup champion Ferdinand Boy and dual G1 placegetter Mr. Fix It highlights the first meeting at Traralgon’s new J-Curve track tonight.

Warrnambool Summer Sizzle winner Silver Brute, the in-form Ivy Isobel and G2 Healesville Cup placegetter Hill Top Jonah should provide a great battle, while G1 Hume Cup runner-up Mepunga Warrior v G3 Healesville Cup runner-up Paua Of Oscar v G1 Maturity Classic runner-up Fernando Mick is another top duel.

G1 Sale Cup winner Jarick Bale is the standout chaser at The Meadows this evening.

Today’s Racing

Ballarat: 9:27am start
Form     Tips     Key stats

Traralgon: 6:07pm start
Form     Tips     Key stats

The Meadows: 6:42pm start
Form     Tips     Key stats

Today’s Drawcards

FERDINAND BOY

Trainer: David Geall
? Traralgon ? Race 6
? Box 6 ? 395m ⏱ 7:51pm

Claim to fame:
– Three-time Group 2 winner
– Won 33 from 63

TAB fixed odds: $2.80

The Watchdog says: No

MR. FIX IT

Trainer: Jeff Britton
? Traralgon ? Race 6
? Box 8 ? 395m ⏱ 7:51pm

Claim to fame:
– 2nd Group 1 Adelaide Cup
– Won 20 from 45

TAB fixed odds: $2.50

The Watchdog says: Yes

JARICK BALE

Trainer: Mark Delbridge
? The Meadows ? Race 6
? Box 7 ? 600m ⏱ 8:24pm

Claim to fame:
– 1st Group 1 Sale Cup
– Won 4 of last 7

TAB fixed odds: $2

The Watchdog says: No

? THE WATCHDOG’S $10 INVESTMENT ?
? Saturday 15 January

? $2 Win – MR. FIX IT

? Must Watch Race ?

Special Event

? Traralgon ? Race 6
? Box 8 ? 395m ⏱ 7:51pm

TAB fixed odds: $2.50 Win

The Watchdog says ?: MR. FIX IT (8) comes into this after three months off and he should be primed for this assignment. He is one of the most reliable beginners in work and with the middle division expected to bunch early, he should have no trouble crossing, and they will have a hard time reeling him in.

‘Must Watch Race’ Preview ?:

FERDINAND BOY (6) returned to the winners list with a top 25.26sec Warrnambool win last time out. The best provincial speedster in the game is expected to feature again tonight, however all star MR. FIX IT (8) will keep him honest throughout. He was placed in the Group 1 Adelaide Cup final last time out and he comes into this nice and fresh after a three-month layoff. Box manners will play a major role and he has proven to be ultra-reliable, so I’m expecting him to cross ‘Ferdinand’ early and score. LOTS OF CHATTER (5) was runner-up in the Group 2 Gosford Cup final last time out and he has raced well over this distance range in the past. The draw is obviously a concern, but he is racing with confidence.

Form ? https://watchdog.grv.org.au/meeting/741679399/race/6

The Watchdog’s selections: 8 – 6 – 5 – 3

? $4 Win – MYSTIFY KICK
? Traralgon ? Race 7 ? Box 3 ? 500m ⏱ 8:14pm
TAB fixed odds: $2.60 Win
Form ? https://watchdog.grv.org.au/meeting/741679399/race/7

The Watchdog says ? : He is a powerful type when at his best and I’m expecting him to atone for his luckless run when resuming. CASHTON BALE (1) and ASTON MATRICE (2) are expected to hold a prominent spot early and that should allow MYSTIFY KICK (3) to find the rail early and settle in the top four. The last 200m is where he does his best work, so he should be able to run over the top in the closing stages.

? $4 Multi

First ?: Place – STAY STRONG
? The Meadows ? Race 6 ? Box 1 ? 600m ⏱ 8:24pm
TAB fixed odds: $1.55 Place
Form ? https://watchdog.grv.org.au/meeting/666539970/race/6

Second ?: Win – SODA TITAN
? The Meadows ? Race 10 ? Box 3 ? 525m ⏱ 9:45pm
TAB fixed odds: $2.20 Win
Form ? https://watchdog.grv.org.au/meeting/666539970/race/10

The Watchdog says ? : STAY STRONG (1) is racing with confidence and she is expected to hold the early lead from the good draw. There are a couple of handy ones out wide, but she is a bold front runner and if she does everything right early, a top-three finish is likely. SODA TITAN (3) is absolutely airborne at present, and he looks drawn to get all the breaks. There is plenty of speed drawn inside, so he should be able to drive through at the bend and head to the back in the top three. He is very strong in the run home and will prove hard to hold out.

Multi price: $3.41

Today’s News

RUPEE’S ‘THUNDER’ STORM WARNING
‘HERE COMES’ DOUCH’S YOUNG STARS

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