Friday night racing is here, and our Neds Cranbourne Best Bets for Pinker Pinker Plate Night are ready to point you in the right direction as we look to kick off the weekend with a few winners.
QUBELLA (2) was beaten just under a length at Wodonga last start and looks suited by the return to Cranbourne.
The Barry Goodwin-trained runner won five starts back at Pakenham Synthetic and gets Madison Morris back aboard who boasts an impressive record of four wins from five rides.
The tongue tie goes on for the first time as she contests The Corinthian, which marks the official start of Victoria’s picnic racing season.
She brings relevant form into a race featuring horses and connections from the picnic circuit.
| 2. Qubella (2) J: Maddison Morris 76kg 16393 T: Barry Goodwin | |||
| Most recently 3rd of 8 in a Bm56 at Wodonga on September 15 over 1590m, 0.9 len behind Aka Daka carrying 60kg at $14. The race before that 9th of 12 in a Bm56 at Pakenham Synthetic on August 24 over 1400m, 6 len behind Octane Reign with 60kg at $14. A repeat of last start goes close. | |||
GHANA’S AKAN (9) returns to maiden grade after tackling strong black-type company, including the Group 1 Blue Diamond and Group 3 Blue Diamond Preview.
The Ciaron Maher-trained filly was also runner-up in the Listed Atlantic Jewel Stakes and has consistently measured up against stakes-class opposition.
She finished eighth in the Group 3 Scarborough Stakes last start, but this is a significant drop in class.
Her black-type form and favourable barrier gives her a strong chance to break through.
| 9. Ghana’s Akan (3) J: Ethan Brown 56kg x4228 T: Ciaron Maher | |||
| Most recently got back early 8th of 11 in the G3 Scarborough Stakes at Caulfield on September 27 over 1200m, 4 len behind Over The Bridge with 56kg at $9. The start before that held ground to the line 2nd of 11 in the LR Atlantic Jewel Stakes at Sandown-Hillside on September 5 over 1300m, on a slow track; 4 len behind Pretty Baby with 56kg at $3.90. Very well suited back in grade and can get the job done. | |||
CUSHIONED (5) was doing her best work late when resuming at Geelong last start so she should appreciate the rise in distance.
The Anthony & Sam Freedman-trained mare settled a long way back before picking off several runners to finish 3.6 lengths fourth.
She’ll strip fitter and finished a half-length second over a similar distance at Sale when second-up in her first preparation.
She maps to get an economical run for Daniel Stackhouse.
| 5. Cushioned (3) J: Daniel Stackhouse 58kg 198×4 T: Anthony & Sam Freedman | |||
| Second-up. First-up after five months 4th of 12 in a 0 – 62 at Geelong on September 23 over 1325m, 3.5 len behind Cyber Link carrying 58kg at $6.50. Previously second-up 4th of 11 in a 3yo Mdn-Sw at Ballarat on March 20 over 1600m, 3 len behind Lufitaah carrying 56kg at $3. Very well suited up in trip and should go close. | |||
OCEAN BAY (2) has been in great form this preparation with three wins from four starts and finished second over this course and distance last start, beaten 2.5 lengths.
The Grahame Begg-trained mare had to chase the leader, who controlled the race and got all the favours in front.
She faces a tougher test in the Listed Pinker Pinker Plate, and conditions may be no worse than a Soft 5.
She can still feature again if she gets a more favourable race shape.
| 2. Ocean Bay (8) J: Daniel Stackhouse 55kg x1112 T: Gavin Bedggood | |||
| Recent form sound. Most recently held ground to the line 2nd of 7 in a F&M Bm74 at this track on September 25 over 2025m, 2.5 len behind Pariah Pearl with 60kg at $3. The start before that ran on 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. Can bounce back to winning form. | |||