Jawwaal has shown plenty of ability through five career starts and simply will not be offered a better opportunity to break his maiden, than he finds in Race 2 at Bendigo this afternoon. The three-year-old was only fair at his first two competitive appearances, but Lindsay Park’s decision to send the horse to the paddock has proven to be correct, as he has finished a close-up second in each of his three starts this time. After just missing in metro company at Morphettville last time out, he’ll enjoy the step back in class into a country field and is drawn ideally in barrier 2.
Layel has not been seen at the races since July, but she typically flies fresh and looks beautifully placed at Bendigo this afternoon. The daughter of Reward For Effort resumed from a long spell for an easy win at Wangaratta in May and continued to impress through four subsequent starts. She’s trialled well in the lead-up to this race and has a genuine class edge over the small field of rivals.
This year’s Bendigo Cup has drawn an outstanding field and there’s plenty of value around several runners, but Lord Fandango is ready to peak third-up and will be tough to hold out. The Lord Of England entire resumed for a close-up third in the Benalla Cup (2046m) in late September, before he produced a smart turn of foot in the straight to finish sixth amongst particularly classy company in the Group 2 Herbert Power Stakes (2400m) last time out. His wide barrier isn’t a concern as he’ll settle off the pace regardless and he’ll appreciate the step back in class. ($8 at the time of publish).
Eshtiraak has been knocking on the door in two starts since resuming and is ready to peak third-up at Bendigo today. The four-year-old has been a notable performer throughout his entire racing career to date and has typically raced in tougher company than he finds this afternoon. Having placed third over 1420m at Flemington first-up and second over 1400m here at Bendigo last time, the step up to a mile looks absolutely ideal and he can take a position on pace from the rails draw.