Kyneton Best Bets – Thursday, October 8 

MENESS (14) has finished runner-up in three of his four career starts including both races this preparation.

The Mark Walker-trained colt led over 1300m at Bendigo first-up and was only nailed right on the line to go down by a whisker.

He backed that up with a good effort last start over 1525m at Geelong where the jockey dropped the persuader and it proved costly with him run down late to finish three-quarters of a length second.

He’ll strip fitter third-up and maps to get a sweet run on speed.

MANCHEGO (6) has come back this preparation in great form and can go back-to-back.

The Tony & Calvin McEvoy-trained gelding led and was run down first-up when finishing third before putting his rivals to the sword last start at Echuca when easily winning over a similar distance by two lengths.

He is a previous winner over this course and distance.

While the wide barrier isn’t ideal, he has the early speed to cross and take up the running for Logan Bates.

GALANT KNIGHT (1) returns to the races for the first time since being found to be lame in the left fore in a heat of the Sabaj Mile Series at Pakenham in May.

The Team Hayes-trained gelding impressed the start prior when debuting at Werribee where he hit the line hard in the final furlong to salute by a half-length.

He’s had three jump outs leading into this with the most recent producing an excellent piece of work to win.

Nadia Daniels, who claims 2kg, can give him an excellent run from the low draw.

BRUTALRULE (7) is stiff not to be lining up to win his third race in a row.

The Niki O’Shea-trained gelding found the line strongly when winning by two lengths over 1400m at Casterton first-up.

He then raced on hot speed over 1700m at Warrnambool and did well to fight as well he did to go down by just a head.

He’ll strip fitter third-up and draws well.