The Watchdog's Daily Mail

Wednesday, 16 Feb, 2022,
by @WatchDogRacing

Daily Mail: ‘Avenger’ sighting at Ballarat

G2 Warragul Cup finalist Ultimate Avenger faces Mighty Pie and Pink Diamond 500m finalist Untapped Ability in a heat of the G3 Country Championship at Ballarat tonight.

Warrnambool Derby winner Mepunga Mustang and the promising Aston Lamont clash in another Country Championship heat, while Master Avenger stands out in a Mixed 4/5 450m race.

Alfie Alligator v Geelong Oaks winner Osprey Rose v So Hazy and Brewski Bruce v G2 Bendigo Cup finalist Perfect Colour v Matt’s Hope should be intriguing battles.

The appearance of potential star Mr. Audacious, plus G3 finalist Chop Scotch v People Get Ready, highlight the meeting at Traralgon tonight, while there are two semi-finals of the G3 GRV Vicbred Maiden at The Meadows early in the afternoon.

Today’s Racing

The Meadows: 11:58am start
Form Tips Key stats

Geelong: 2:31pm start
Form Tips Key stats

Traralgon: 6:42pm start
Form Tips Key stats

Ballarat: 6:57pm start
Form Tips Key stats

Today’s Drawcards

MR. AUDACIOUS

Trainer: Rachael Busuttil
? Traralgon ? Race 5
? Box 8 ? 395m ⏱ 8:07pm

Claim to fame:
– 21.53 PB Traralgon 395m
– Won 2 from 2

TAB fixed odds: $1.08

The Watchdog says: Yes

MEPUNGA MUSTANG

Trainer: Jeff Britton
? Ballarat ? Race 6
? Box 8 ? 450m ⏱ 8:38pm

Claim to fame:
– Warrnambool Derby winner
– Won 9 from 16

TAB fixed odds: $1.90

The Watchdog says: Yes

ULTIMATE AVENGER

Trainer: Joe Borg
? Ballarat ? Race 7
? Box 8 ? 450m ⏱ 8:59pm

Claim to fame:
– Group 2 Warragul Cup finalist
– 65% top-three from 49 starts

TAB fixed odds: $2.10

The Watchdog says: Yes

? THE WATCHDOG’S $10 INVESTMENT ?
? Wednesday 16 February

? $5 Win – MEPUNGA WEB
? Ballarat ? Race 4 ? Box 8 ? 660m ⏱ 7:58pm
TAB fixed odds: $3.50 Win
Form ? https://watchdog.grv.org.au/meeting/666542477/race/4

The Watchdog says ? : He has been mixing distances of late, but he has turned in some great performances and he is ideally drawn out wide. There is a bit of pace drawn directly on his inside, so he should get a nice cart across early on and he can then assume control in the middle stages. This appears to be his ideal distance range, so if he does find the top mid race, they will have a hard time reeling him in.

? $5 Win – MEPUNGA MUSTANG

? Must Watch Race ?

First heat of Group 3 Country Championship

? Ballarat ? Race 6
? Box 8 ? 450m ⏱ 8:38pm

TAB fixed odds: $1.90 Win

The Watchdog says ?: MEPUNGA MUSTANG (8) continues to elevate his game and he has a great record from this draw. PISCOPO BALE (7) has plenty of early speed, so if the ‘Mustang’ can step on terms, he should get a nice cart across and with the ability to go sub 25 seconds, he will prove very hard to hold out.

‘Must Watch Race’ Preview ?:

Great matchup with two exciting prospects expected to test the clock. MEPUNGA MUSTANG (8) has scored some electrifying provincial wins of late, and he recently captured the Warrnambool Derby. He didn’t have a lot of luck here last Wednesday night, however with PISCOPO BALE (7) expected to shift across early, he should get a nice run into the bend, and he is capable of carving out a sub 24.90sec run. ASTON LAMONT (1) has been tremendous to date, and he is drawn to play a major role. He has proven to be a reliable beginner in his brief career and if he can hold TRENDING AIR (2) out early, he too has the potential to bust the magical 25-second barrier. PISCOPO BALE is another exciting prospect and although she has been thrown in the deep end, her two runs at Bendigo suggest that she is up to this level.

Form ? https://watchdog.grv.org.au/meeting/666542477/race/6

The Watchdog’s selections: 8 – 1 – 7 – 2

Today’s News

@WatchDogRacing

Get a heads up on which SUPERSTAR GREYHOUNDS are racing every day, along with replays of the EYE-CATCHING WINNERS from the day before. Follow @WatchDogRacing on Twitter or Facebook.