Best bets for the nine-race card at Morphettville on Saturday.

Small but competitive fields are the order for much of the day as racing returns to the 'big track' at Morphettville on Saturday. With windy conditions during the week and warm weather forecast on the day, the track will almost certainly be in the Good 3/4 range for the nine-race program.

Punters haven't taken long to hitch their wagons to the Stokes and Opperman combination, which is striking at 26% so far this season. I'm confident that can continue with Pelevecchio on Saturday.

The mare steps to 1600m second-up and finds a very winnable race. She found the line nicely first-up over 1400m and her record, which includes some handy runs in Stakes grade as a three-year-old, suggest that 1600m – 2000m is going to be her sweet spot.

From barrier two, she maps to get an economical run in the first half of the field and, barring bad luck, I think she will win. She's already been well found in early betting but at better than even money, she looks a bet.

As far as value goes, I'm keen on an each-way play around a resuming mare from the Michael Hickmott stable, Cielao.

The daughter of Toronado showed glimpses of nice ability in her maiden racing campaign, albeit she had a bit to learn. A recent barrier trial was good and suggested that she may have come back better this spring. 

She has a low draw and, with good early toe, she can park just behind the speed. She won't want to hit the front too soon but she will chase if there is a bunny to catch. At her current quote of $16, I think she represents value so I'm keen to back her on a 1x3 basis.

SAY FROM SA

BEST BET: Race 6 #2 Pelevecchio 

BEST VALUE: Race 8 #8 Cielao