A decent post-carnival nine-race card at Doomben on Saturday.
The highlight is the re-appearance of the Tony Gollan-trained INVINCIBLE SHIELD who is attempting a fourth win from as many runs this prep when he lines up in Race 7.
Since switching from Leon and Troy Corstens to the premier trainer's yard this three-year-old has been a revelation, starting the in the red and winning his three races by an aggregate of eight lengths.
The latest effort was the highlight, an arrogant all-the-way victory over 1110m at Doomben when he was coming off a 31-day lay-off and stepping up to Saturday grade for the first time since coming north.
Saturday's 1200m trip is more to his liking, particularly with that run under the belt. He does go from 54.5kgs that day to 59kgs, which may raise some punter's eyebrows … perhaps a better price than the $1.55 on offer early doors may be achievable with that in mind.
Hopefully Annabel Neasham runs Addriel in this race rather than the last as he is second pick and should have admirers.
Without a great deal of pace evident on paper, Angela Jones should travel in the first couple on the son of I Am Invincible and add to the picket fence.
The value on the card comes in Race 4, a Benchmark 70 over 2020m, in the shape of ARTFUL GIRL.
This mare stepped back in trip last start at the Sunshine Coast and only picked up in the closing stages of the 1800m Benchmark 70, clocking-in fourth.
The best form reference came on 12 June when she comfortably won a Benchmark 65 over a similar trip to this at Doomben under 1kg more than she carries on Saturday.
The four-year-old's best rating in the past 12 months puts her on top in this field, and she gets her chance to run something like that figure under these conditions. From gate 2 apprentice Marnu Potgieter, who has built an excellent affinity with the mare, should settle just off the speed and out to this trip again she gets her chance to score at very nice odds.
BEST BETS:
Race 7 #1 Invincible Spirit to win at $1.55* with bet365.
Race 4 #11 Artful Girl each-way at $11.00* with bet365.
*Odds correct at 10.50am 25 July 2024.
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