The first feature event of the Western Festival of Racing takes place tonight with G2 Traralgon Cup winner Typhoon Sammy headlining the $47,000 to-the-winner G2 Horsham Cup Final.

The promising Old News and G1 National Derby finalists Boston Garden and Zara’s Ivan are big chances as well.

Pink Diamond finalist Gypsy Yankee and G2 Launceston Cup winner Hill Top Jack highlight the Horsham Cup Consolation, while Big Alfie, My Mate Tip and Dream Wizard contest the Jan Wilson Memorial.

G3 placegetter Paddy’s Marvel and G3 winner Aston Flame feature in their respective heats of the Sylvia Penny Memorial.

Today’s Racing

Bendigo: 3:07pm start
Form     Tips     Key stats

Horsham: 7:08pm start
Form     Tips     Key stats

Traralgon: ABANDONED

Today’s Drawcards

PADDY’S MARVEL

Trainer: Mark Morrissey
? Horsham ? Race 4
? Box 6 ? 410m ⏱ 8:08pm

Claim to fame:
– 3rd Group 3 Country Champ
– Won 7 of last 8

TAB fixed odds: $1.70

The Watchdog says: No

TYPHOON SAMMY

Trainer: Jason Thompson
? Horsham ? Race 8
? Box 8 ? 485m ⏱ 9:28pm

Claim to fame:
– 1st Group 2 Traralgon Cup
– Won 25 from 38

TAB fixed odds: $2.50

The Watchdog says: Yes

ASTON FLAME

Trainer: Ian Garland
? Horsham ? Race 9
? Box 6 ? 410m ⏱ 9:48pm

Claim to fame:
– 1st G3 Northern Districts Cup
– Won 18 from 29

TAB fixed odds: $1.55

The Watchdog says: Yes

? THE WATCHDOG’S $10 INVESTMENT ?
? Friday 4 March

? $6 Multi

First ?: Win – PISCOPO BALE
? Bendigo ? Race 4 ? Box 8 ? 425m ⏱ 4:07pm
TAB fixed odds: $1.35 Win
Form ? https://watchdog.grv.org.au/meeting/666540547/race/4

Second ?: Win – LEKTRA RHINO
? Horsham ? Race 2 ? Box 1 ? 485m ⏱ 7:27pm
TAB fixed odds: $2.30 Win
Form ? https://watchdog.grv.org.au/meeting/666540645/race/2

The Watchdog says ? : PISCOPO BALE (8) is a serious prospect and from the good draw, she should be able to light them up soon after box rise. LEKTRA RHINO (1) has turned in some big performances of late and he should be able to hold MOTH ROCKS (2) out early or at worse, settle a length or so off him. He is quite strong in the run home and should prove too classy.

Multi price: $3.10

? $4 Win – TYPHOON SAMMY

? Must Watch Race ?

Group 2 Horsham Cup Final

? Horsham ? Race 8
? Box 8 ? 485m ⏱ 9:28pm

TAB fixed odds: $2.50 Win

The Watchdog says ?: The heat winning time for Group 2 Traralgon Cup winner TYPHOON SAMMY (8) wasn’t flashy, however the manner in which he won, was ultra-impressive. With a clean getaway tonight, he should be able to go through the first marker in a zippy 6.40sec and a sub 27-second run could be on the cards.

‘Must Watch Race’ Preview ?:

He was the slowest heat winner; however, star speedster TYPHOON SAMMY (8) looks poised to land his second country cup. He missed the kick in his heat and turning for home, he looked cooked, however he managed to dig deep and score a gutsy win. He should be able to assume control quickly tonight and look more balanced through the bend. AMERICANO MISS (7) continues to elevate her game and she should be in the top two for most of the journey. This is clearly her toughest test; however, she is near faultless early. BOSTON GARDEN (5) was clearly the most impressive heat winner; however, he did begin a lot better than normal in his heat and from the tough draw tonight, he will need to produce something similar. OLD NEWS (1) will need a lot of things to go his way in the run.

Form ? https://watchdog.grv.org.au/meeting/666540645/race/8

The Watchdog’s selections: 8 – 7 – 6 – 5

Today’s News

HORSHAM CUP FINAL: ARMCHAIR GUIDE
THE GREAT WHITE HOPE
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
BOSTON GARDEN’S HORSHAM SLAM DUNK

? RECENT $10 INVESTMENTS ?

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Wednesday 2 March: $17.20 (+72%)
Tuesday 1 March: $11.52 (+15%)
Monday 28 February: $10.50 (+5%)
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Past 7 days: $75.77 for $70 invested (+8%)
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? MONTH x MONTH RECORD

February 2022: $288.97 for $280 (+3%)
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December 2021: $384.82 for $300 (+28%)
November 2021: $300.47 for $300 (Even)
October 2021: $311.40 for $310 (Even)
September 2021: $220.69 for $300 (-26%)
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NOTE: June was the first full-month of the new-look Daily Mail, in which The Watchdog has a $10 daily spend.

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