Check out our Ladbrokes Geelong Best Bets for Wednesday, October 7, with the key plays from the seven-race card below.
HEDJET (3) made a strong first impression in Australia, finishing second at Seymour despite having to work hard from a wide position.
The Clinton McDonald-trained entire was caught wide over 1429m but kept coming, going down by 2.25 lengths.
He should improve with that run under his belt and has previously finished within half a length of winning second-up.
The draw isn’t ideal, but he has enough early speed for Ben Melham to try to cross and find a spot near the front.
| 3. Hedjet (9) J: Ben Melham 59.5kg 72×2 T: Clinton McDonald | |||
| Second-up. First-up after a year raced on the speed and boxed on steadily 2nd of 8 in a Mdn-Sw at Seymour on September 10 over 1429m, on a slow track; 2.25 len behind Zoehrer carrying 59.5kg at $3.30. Previously second-up 2nd of 9 in a 2yo C&G Mdn Sw at Gowran Park on September 20 2025 over 1609m, on a wet track; 0.5 len behind Christmas Day with 59.5kg at $4. Nice local debut and rates highly. | |||
MR NATURAL (6) is worth another look after a less-than-ideal first-up run at Moe.
He raced wide and back before making some late ground to finish six lengths fourth.
The Lindsey Smith-trained three-year-old had shown more in his jump-outs, including a win here in his latest piece of work.
He also went close on debut last preparation, finishing a neck second.
The bigger track should suit, and a decent speed plus the step up in distance could help him improve.
| 6. Mr Natural (7) J: Fred W Kersley 57kg 2×4 T: Lindsey Smith | |||
| Second-up. Promising on debut made significant ground from the rear of the field 2nd of 11 in a 2yo Mdn-Sw at Ballarat on May 24 over 1000m, on a slow track; neck behind Angelic Rise carrying 58kg at $11. Went for a break before returning 4th of 9 in a 3yo Mdn-Sw at Moe on September 24 over 1000m, 6 len behind Roseatic carrying 58kg at $1.90. Fitter and rates highly. | |||
TURBO SAINT (3) kicked off his career with a convincing win over this course and distance.
The Clinton McDonald-trained gelding got a nice run before letting down well to score by a length.
He should be sharper second-up, and there’s a positive wet-track pointer in his record: he handled heavy going in a jump-out before his debut.
Ben Melham should be able to give him another comfortable run from the map.
| 3. Turbo Saint (2) J: Ben Melham 58kg 1 T: Clinton McDonald | |||
| Getting off the mark on debut; favourite; won by 1.0 len in a 3yo Mdn-Sw at this track on September 11 over 1100m defeating Faster Link carrying 58kg at $3.70. Can go right on with the job now. | |||
BELLA VERONA (2) made a winning return at Bendigo, showing that her class could be too much for her rivals.
The Matt Laurie-trained mare settled in the second half of the field before charging home to win the 1300m race by a length.
She had previously placed in consecutive Open Three-Year-Old races at Sandown and Caulfield, and that form suggests she can measure up here.
A strong tempo should play into her hands and give her the chance to run over the top of the field.
| 2. Bella Verona (2) J: Patrick Moloney 60kg 123×1 T: Matt Laurie | |||
| Second-up. First-up after four months favourite; won by 1.0 len in a Cl1 at Bendigo on September 20 over 1300m defeating Endless Summer carrying 59kg at $1.80. Previously second-up 2nd of 11 in a 3yo F Hcp at Caulfield on May 9 over 1440m, on a slow track; long-neck behind Jewel Of Heaven carrying 55kg at $4.80. Talented mare who can go on with it. | |||