Rocket Boy (31 from 61 – 3 from 7 Box 1) made headlines three starts back with a staggering last-to-first Warrnambool 390m win and The Watchdog expects him to prevail in tonight’s Mixed 4/5 450m race at Shepparton.
The prolific winner will be challenged by promising chasers Aston Flame (7 from 16) and Security Man (9 from 18), with the latter aiming to stretch his winning streak to four races.
The 650m Special Event features Dundee Ember, last year’s G1 Sale Cup finalist I’m Easy Boys and the in-form G3 placegetter Knicks Bale (2 of last 4).
G2 finalist Zipping Vernon (3 from 6 Box 2) v Spring Driven v Uforo Bale (4 from 7 Box 6) v Geelong Oaks finalist Tan Star (4 of last 6) and G3 finalist Bett’s Blues (5 of last 7) v Aston Tango (4 from 10) v King Of Glory (8 from 21) v Call Me Harvey (2 from 2 Box 8) should be great clashes.
The Watchdog is confident that Axedale Pirate (2 from 4 Trk/Dst) and Mepunga Gertie (2 of last 4) will both triumph.
In the meeting at Warrnambool that begins this morning, Yallock Lass and Moonlight Digger should both break their maiden status today, while Deadly Express can record consecutive wins.
In the Tier 3 meeting at Cranbourne, Between Jobs, Aston Knox and last start Warragul 400m winner Aston Marley are strongly fancied to boost their respective strike rates.
Last start Ballarat 450m winner Rocky Strike and Exclusively Mine (2 from 5 Box 4) should both claim victories in their respective races at Ballarat’s Tier 3 meeting.
Here’s an extensive analysis of today’s Must Watch Race, and be sure to scroll down further for ? The Watchdog’s $10 spend…
? MUST-WATCH RACE: CKH Painting Mixed 4/5
ROCKET BOY ? ASTON FLAME ? SECURITY MAN
? Shepparton ? Race 8 ? 450m ⏱ 9:18pm
Form ? https://watchdog.grv.org.au/meeting/666539084/race/8
The Watchdog says ?: ROCKET BOY (1) is one of the best provincial sprinters in the state and he will be looking to atone for his luckless performance in a heat of the Group 2 Bendigo Cup last week. He would have preferred a wider draw, but he has handled this alley in the past and he is armed with a blistering turn of speed once balanced. There is plenty of pace drawn directly on his outside but if he can step on terms, he should be able to fire through and hold the top and with a clear passage he could press the 25-second barrier. SECURITY MAN (6) took a few starts to work it all out, however he has been astonishing in his last ten starts. When he has timed the start and gained a clear passage, he has shown scorching early speed and carved out time wherever he has gone. His latest win is probably the best to date. He went through the first marker in a blistering 8.21sec before stopping the clock in a ridiculous 22.27sec at Warragul. If he produces something similar tonight, he will definitely test the red. ASTON FLAME (2) rounds out the ‘big three’. Her recent form does not read that well, but she is an explosive type when at her best and she should show improvement tonight. If she begins well, she will have enough pace to clear the red in the first 50m and she can give a great sight. Punters looking for value need to respect COOL CUSTOMER (3). He returned to the winners list with a solid 25.61sec Ballarat victory and he can sneak into the placings at odds.
Selections: 1 – 6 – 2 – 3
