Friday night racing is here, and our Neds Cranbourne Best Bets are ready to point you in the right direction as we look to kick off the weekend with a few winners.
OVER THE BRIDGE (5) impressed on debut last start with a win over 1100m at Bendigo.
The Ciaron Maher-trained filly laned in a nice position before letting down powerfully to easily put her rivals away by two lengths with a further three lengths to third.
She’ll be better for the experience and will appreciate the rise in distance.
Ethan Brown should give her every chance from the good gate.
| 5. Over The Bridge (3) J: Ethan Brown 56.5kg 1 T: Ciaron Maher | |||
| Was well-supported at debut, won favourite; came from midfield and won by 2 len in a 3yo F Mdn-Sw at Bendigo on September 6 over 1100m on a rain affected track defeating Youmzaa with 57kg at $2.40. Won arrogantly on debut in fast time and sets up very well. | |||
OCEAN BAY (1) has been in red hot form this preparation, winning all three of her races.
Following wins at Bendigo and Geelong, the Gavin Bedggood-trained mare stepped up to metropolitan company last start over a mile at Sandown where she picked up strongly in the final furlong to win by 1.25 lengths.
Given the way she powered through the line, the rise to 2025m looks ideal and this race is no harder than last start.
Daniel Stackhouse should drive forward and land in a prominent position.
| 1. Ocean Bay (7) J: Daniel Stackhouse 60kg 9×111 T: Gavin Bedggood | |||
| On a three run winning streak. Last start came from midfield and won by 1.3 len in a Mares Bm74 at Sandown-Hillside on September 5 over 1600m on a soft track defeating Jenni Gone Bonkers carrying 57kg at $9. Before that won by a neck in a Bm62 at Geelong on August 28 over 1547m on a soft track defeating Stay Humble with 59kg at $5. Flying and can keep the ball rolling. | |||
NOTTOLOOK (3) is a lightly raced stayer with plenty of upside.
The Patrick Payne-trained gelding won back-to-back races at Donald and Swan Hill before returning from a six-week let-up with a top effort on the Hillside track.
On that occasion, he worked to the line well over 2400m to finish 2.95 lengths third and was taking a lot of ground off Jaykayann who he meets here.
He’ll have come on nicely from that run and looks hard to beat.
| 3. Nottolook (6) J: Michael Dee 60kg 6113 T: Patrick Payne | |||
| Racing well recently. Most recently 3rd of 9 in a Bm66 at Sandown-Hillside on September 9 over 2400m, slow going 3 len behind Chihuly carrying 60kg at $4.80. The race before that settled well back; won by a long-neck in a Bm62 at Swan Hill on July 28 over 2400m on a soft track defeating Verifier with 60kg at $4.80. Has upside and will be very hard to hold out. | |||
INVINCIBLE LOVER (9) returns to the races for the first time since breaking through at Pakenham in March.
The Lloyd Kennewell-trained mare went close to winning on several occasions last preparation, most notably finishing a head second over this course and distance on debut and going down by a whisker at Caulfield Heath two starts ago.
She’s looked good in two jump outs, particularly her most recent where she let down strongly from well off the speed to put her rivals away with ease.
This is one of only two rides (possibly her only ride if the other emergency is scratched) for Jamie Melham on the night and she should get all the favours from barrier 3.
| 9. Invincible Lover (3) J: Jamie Melham 55.5kg 4221x T: Lloyd Kennewell | |||
| Racing first-up today. Finished off last preparation winning by long-neck Pakenham 3yo F Mdn-Sw March 19 over 1000m slow track defeating Gattino Veloce carrying 57kg at $10. On debut second of 8 at this track Mdn-Sw January 3 over 1000m, a long neck behind Blue Akoya carrying 56kg at $10. Resumes after a recent trial win. Can figure fresh. | |||