Neds’ Wednesday Best Bets have landed as we look to continue the week on a winning note with four tips at Geelong!
STIPULATION (12) has improved with each run this preparation and looks ready to break through third-up for Ciaron Maher.
The Frankel filly fought bravely in a close finish at Sandown last start, settling near the speed before being edged out by Regal Ambition late.
She finished well clear of the third-placegetter on that occasion, and with John Allen retaining the ride from an even better barrier, the step up in distance should suit.
| 12. Stipulation (3) J: John Allen 57kg 42 T: Ciaron Maher | |||
| Had two starts to date. At debut, 4th of 10 in a 3yo F Mdn-Sw at Sandown-Lakeside on August 19 over 1200m, slow going 3 len behind Saintly Dancer with 57kg at $11. Second-up raced on the speed and boxed on steadily 2nd of 7 in a 3yo Mdn-Sw at Sandown-Hillside on September 9 over 1200m, slow going 0.8 len behind Regal Ambition with 56kg at $6.50. Heading the right way and sets up well. | |||
ARADEO (8) has been a model of consistency, finishing in the money in all four of her starts.
She broke through for a deserved victory at Pakenham over 1400m at the end of her autumn campaign before being sent for a spell. She has since had two jump-outs in preparation for her return.
The Nicconi mare can be slow away from the barriers, but if she steps cleanly on Wednesday and settles around midfield, her fresh legs and strong finishing speed should make her very hard to beat.
| 8. Aradeo (4) J: Jamie Melham 58kg 3231x T: Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | |||
| Racing first-up today. Finished off last campaign winning by nose Pakenham 3yo Mdn-Sw May 8 over 1400m in the wet defeating Vespers with 56kg at $2.35. On debut third of 7 at Sale 3yo Mdn-Sw February 11 over 1006m, soft track; 1.75 len behind Sea Trader carrying 56kg at $8.50. Looks forward enough after a recent trial win. Can pick up where she left off. | |||
LUNAR FORCE (7) resumes for Robbie Griffiths and has already shown he can perform strongly over this distance.
The son of Ole Kirk won on debut over a mile at Seymour earlier in February before rounding out his first preparation with several respectable efforts in Saturday-grade company over longer trips.
His two lead-up jump-outs have been only fair, but he drops back in class here. From the inside barrier, Jamie Mott should have every chance to settle him well off the speed in the early stages.
| 7. Lunar Force (2) J: Jamie Mott 60.5kg 4268x T: Robbie Griffiths | |||
| He is resuming after a four-and-a-half months break. Finished off last campaign eighth of 17 at Flemington 3yo Hcp May 16 over 2000m, 5 len behind Brave Danza with 54kg at $21. At his first start won by 0.5 len Seymour 3yo Mdn-Sw February 20 over 1600m defeating Wonderdownunder with 58kg at $15. Market best guide. | |||
SUN DEVIL (4) is a talented four-year-old returning to the track for Danny O’Brien.
The son of Zousain opened his previous campaign with back-to-back wins at Kyneton and Sale before stepping up to Flemington for a straight-track test, where he found the company a little too strong.
Carrying 60kg is a concern, but he has impressed in two recent jump-outs at Headquarters and appears forward enough to make his presence felt over 1100m, with further improvement expected.
| 4. Sun Devil (9) J: Damian Lane 60kg 110x T: Danny O’brien | |||
| Resuming after a four-and-a-half months break. Finished off last preparation second last of 15 at Flemington 3yo Hcp May 16 over 1200m, 12 len behind Wise Inlaw with 55.5kg at $31. On debut won by 1.75 len Kyneton Mdn-Sw March 13 over 1106m defeating Bluey Merchant carrying 59kg at $3.50. Has plenty of ability and can take this out. | |||