G1 Silver Chief champion Zippy Tesla faces promising chasers including Warrnambool Derby winner Mepunga Mustang in the third heat of the Western Districts Derby at Ballarat tonight.

G1 Melbourne Cup placegetter Kinson Bale and dual Group finalist Paddy Wants Pats are in the first heat, while G1 Silver Chief runner-up Compliance is against G1 National Derby finalists Boston Garden and Zara’s Ivan in the second heat.

The promising Decimate is in the fourth heat, while Aston Tango and Warrnambool Oaks winner Impulse Buy are the standout chasers in the $15,000 to-the-winner Western Districts Oaks.

Brilliant last start winner Aston Amigo and two-time G1 winner Stanley Road clash at The Meadows this afternoon, while Dr. Mumma v One’s Obsession v Zachary v Whistling Bullet should be a great battle at Traralgon.

Today’s Racing

The Meadows: 11:50am start
Form     Tips     Key stats

Bendigo: 2:12pm start
Form     Tips     Key stats

Traralgon: 6:42pm start
Form     Tips     Key stats

Ballarat: 6:57pm start
Form     Tips     Key stats

Today’s Drawcards

STANLEY ROAD

Trainer: Mark Gatt
? The Meadows ? Race 10
? Box 6 ? 600m ⏱ 2:35pm

Claim to fame:
– Two-time Group 1 winner
– 78% top-three from 46 starts

TAB fixed odds: $2.10

The Watchdog says: No

KINSON BALE

Trainer: Samantha Grenfell
? Ballarat ? Race 5
? Box 2 ? 450m ⏱ 8:18pm

Claim to fame:
– 3rd Group 1 Melbourne Cup
– 93% top-three last 15 starts

TAB fixed odds: $2.50

The Watchdog says: No

ZIPPY TESLA

Trainer: Andrea Dailly
? Ballarat ? Race 11
? Box 2 ? 450m ⏱ 10:18pm

Claim to fame:
– 1st Group 1 Silver Chief
– Won 3 of last 5

TAB fixed odds: $3

The Watchdog says: No

? THE WATCHDOG’S $10 INVESTMENT ?
? Wednesday 2 February

? $4 Multi

First ?: Win – STORM STROLLER
? The Meadows ? Race 6 ? Box 1 ? 525m ⏱ 1:17pm
TAB fixed odds: $1.35 Win
Form ? https://watchdog.grv.org.au/meeting/666542432/race/6

Second ?: Win – AMNESTY
? Ballarat ? Race 4 ? Box 2 ? 545m ⏱ 8:00pm
TAB fixed odds: $1.50 Win
Form ? https://watchdog.grv.org.au/meeting/666542434/race/4

The Watchdog says ? : STORM STROLLER (1) is a serious prospect, and he will be carving out time. AMNESTY (2) will appreciate the vacant draws on either side, and she can atone for her luckless runs since resuming.

Multi price: $2.02

? $2 Win – HERE COMES PIE     ? Lucky Longshot ?
? Ballarat ? Race 7 ? Box 3 ? 450m ⏱ 8:58pm
TAB fixed odds: $12 Win
Form ? https://watchdog.grv.org.au/meeting/666542434/race/7

The Watchdog says ? : I didn’t have him on top in my selections, however at the price, he deserves an investment. He has carved out a scorching 25.53sec at Warragul and 27.79sec at Bendigo and he is armed with blistering early speed. If he can bring that form to Ballarat, he is capable of going around the 24.90sec mark and that would see him go very close tonight.

? $2 Win – OSPREY ROSE     ? Lucky Longshot ?
? Ballarat ? Race 8 ? Box 4 ? 450m ⏱ 9:18pm
TAB fixed odds: $12 Win
Form ? https://watchdog.grv.org.au/meeting/666542434/race/8

The Watchdog says ? : She is far better than her form indicates, and she has proven to be a very reliable beginner in her career to date. This is a high quality event; however, she is capable of pressing the 25.10sec mark and if she can find the lead, they will have a hard time reeling her in.

? $2 Win – MEPUNGA MUSTANG

? Must Watch Race ?

Western Districts Derby Heat 3

? Ballarat ? Race 11
? Box 4 ? 450m ⏱ 10:18pm

TAB fixed odds: $3 Win

The Watchdog says ?: ZIPPY TESLA (2) is going to be hard to hold out, however MEPUNGA MUSTANG (4) beat a similar line-up in the Warrnambool Derby final recently and he has scored some electrifying wins on the provincial circuit. There is very little pace drawn around him, so he should be able to assume control soon after box rise and then prove hard to reel in.

‘Must Watch Race’ Preview ?:

All four heats are stacked; however, this event is probably the best. Group 1 Silver Chief winner ZIPPY TESLA (2) is better suited to a longer journey; however, he has raced well here in the past and from his draw, he should get a nice run through and be in a prominent position as they turn for home. MEPUNGA MUSTANG (4) recently captured the Warrnambool Derby, and he has some blistering wins to his credit in his brief career. The box draw isn’t ideal, however he has a vacant draw inside, and ZIPPY TESLA and SODA SUCCESS (5) are both average beginners, so with an even getaway, he should get room to muster and that will allow him to assume control before they reach the bend. JUNGLE PANTHER (7) is still learning this caper; however, he has a V8 engine, and he will dial up the pressure mid race, while SODA SUCCESS has lit up Sandown Park and The Meadows of late.

Form ? https://watchdog.grv.org.au/meeting/666542434/race/11

The Watchdog’s selections: 4 – 7 – 2 – 1

Today’s News

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

? RECENT $10 INVESTMENTS ?

Tuesday 1 February: $14.40 (+44%)
Monday 31 January: $26.42 (+164%)
Sunday 30 January: $0 (-100%)
Saturday 29 January: $11.20 (+12%)
Friday 28 January: $0 (-100%)
Thursday 27 January: $53 (+430%)
Wednesday 26 January: $16.60 (+66%)

Past 7 days: $121.62 for $70 invested (+74%)
Past 14 days: $168.02 for $140 invested (+20%)
Past 28 days: $302.43 for $280 invested (+8%)

? MONTH x MONTH RECORD

January 2022: $302.53 for $310 (-2%)
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