A number of promising chasers are in action at Shepparton tonight and that includes Matt’s Hope – victorious at Bendigo two starts back – in a Grade 5 heat over 450m.

Last start Ballarat 450m winner Flying Surprise, Axedale Pirate and Kraken Stinger are considered the biggest dangers to Matt’s Hope.

Nangar Troy v Kraken Skye v Rush Out and Run Home Jack v Rack City are intriguing battles in the other 450m Grade 5 heats.

Alfie Moon, Cut And Polish and Flaming Rush clash in a 650m Restricted Win race, while Iceni Riot – triumphant in her last eight races – v Got A Trump v Bad Boy Vegas v St. Marys Panda should be a terrific tussle in a Mixed 3/4 385m event.

Whiskey Road and Tea Pot Creek are both expected to enhance their strike rates.

Today’s Racing

Warrnambool: 11:32am start
Form     Tips     Key stats

Traralgon: 2:50pm start
Form     Tips     Key stats

Ballarat: 3:04pm start
Form     Tips     Key stats

Shepparton: 6:52pm start
Form     Tips     Key stats

Today’s Drawcards

RACK CITY

Trainer: Aaron Debattista
? Shepparton ? Race 7
? Box 8 ? 450m ⏱ 9:00pm

Claim to fame:
– Won 2 of last 3
– 62% top-three from 40 starts

TAB fixed odds: $2.25

The Watchdog says: Yes

ST. MARYS PANDA

Trainer: Nicole Lummas
? Shepparton ? Race 9
? Box 8 ? 385m ⏱ 9:42pm

Claim to fame:
– Won 3 from 5 Box 8
– Won 4 from 9 Trk/Dst

TAB fixed odds: $3.50

The Watchdog says: Yes

WHISKEY ROAD

Trainer: Scott Melville
? Shepparton ? Race 10
? Box 7 ? 385m ⏱ 10:08pm

Claim to fame:
– Won 6 from 14
– 25.24 PB Shepparton 450m

TAB fixed odds: $2.40

The Watchdog says: Yes

? THE WATCHDOG’S $10 INVESTMENT ?
? Monday 31 January

? $3 Win – KRAKEN SKYE
? Shepparton ? Race 5 ? Box 4 ? 450m ⏱ 8:16pm
TAB fixed odds: $3.50 Win
Form ? https://watchdog.grv.org.au/meeting/666540022/race/5

The Watchdog says ? : She is capable of smashing the clock and with the empty draw on her outside, she should get every chance to settle in the top two and if that occurs, she should prove too strong late. RUSH OUT (8) is the obvious danger and I expect her to lead, however she is suspect in the final 50m over this trip, so if ‘Skye’ is close enough mid race, we should get the cash.

? $2 Trifecta – 8 / 3,7 / 1,3,4,6,7 (25%)

? Must Watch Race ?

Grade 5 Heat

? Shepparton ? Race 6
? 450m ⏱ 8:38pm

The Watchdog says ?: MATT’S HOPE (8) is a gifted speedster and I think he will get across and score. FLYING SURPRISE (3) and KRAKEN STINGER (7) are both strong types and one of them can fill the quinella spot. We have gone wide for third in the hope of securing some value.

‘Must Watch Race’ Preview ?:

It’s only a Grade 5 heat, however we see the exciting MATT’S HOPE (8) take on a very strong line-up. He is probably better suited to a rails draw, however he is armed with a tremendous turn of foot, and he should get a nice cart across early on. KRAKEN STINGER (7) has always shown enormous potential and he has turned in some handy performances since resuming. I’m expecting him to settle close to the speed tonight and now at peak fitness, he will be very strong in the run home. FLYING SURPRISE (3) showed his true talent with a dazzling 25.22sec Ballarat win, while the speedy AXEDALE PIRATE (4) will be looking to regain some confidence.

Form ? https://watchdog.grv.org.au/meeting/666540022/race/6

The Watchdog’s selections: 8 – 7 – 3 – 4

? $4 Win – ST. MARYS PANDA
? Shepparton ? Race 9 ? Box 8 ? 385m ⏱ 9:42pm
TAB fixed odds: $3.50 Win
Form ? https://watchdog.grv.org.au/meeting/666540022/race/9

The Watchdog says ? : She turned in a big performance here last week after missing the kick and I’m expecting her to begin a lot better tonight. If she can step on terms, she has the pace to be in the top two throughout and with the ability to go sub 21.60sec, they will have a hard time holding her out.

? $1 Trifecta – 2,8 / 2,8 / 1,4,7 (16.66%)
? Shepparton ? Race 9 ? 385m ⏱ 9:42pm
Form ? https://watchdog.grv.org.au/meeting/666540022/race/9

The Watchdog says ? : ST. MARYS PANDA (8) has the right draw, and she looks the goods, however we have taken a trifecta with GOT A TRUMP (2) as a saver. He is a gifted chaser when at his best and he will be suited by the smaller line-up, so if ‘Mary’ is to get beat, I think he is the likely one.

Today’s News

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