Victoria Cup night - punting preview

By Adam Hamilton

THE first open-class Group 1 of the season, the $250,000 Victoria Cup, headlines a stellar card at Melton’s Tabcorp Park tomorrow (Saturday) night.

Our Aussie correspondent ADAM HAMILTON shares his thoughts on the major races:

RACE 8 – VICTORIA CUP

The barrier draw says this will be a fence (marker peg) dominated race. Most likely scenario is CASH N FLOW (2) finds the front with COLT THIRTY ONE (1) trailing and BLING IT ON (8) three pegs. Expecting a genuine tempo with SAN CARLO (6) sure to pressure the leader and make it a staying contest. Can’t go past COLT THIRTY ONE (1) as top pick, but BLING IT ON (8) will be storming late if he sees daylight.

SUGGESTED BET: Win bet on COLT THIRTY ONE (1) at $3.50 or better and save on BLING IT ON (8) at $4.50 or better.

RACE 6 – BILL COLLINS TROTTERS’ MILE

Very different race, lacking the depth, with Tornado Valley scratched. Now it’s tactical … will RED HOT TOOTH (1) hold the front or be happy to trail favourite TOUGH MONARCH (3)? It’s so vital. If TOUGH MONARCH (3) leads and runs up to past two, he’ll win for fun. MCLOVIN (5) is the other key runner, but first-up, drawn out and sprint trip not ideal for him. Respect. BIG JACK HAMMER (2) charged home late last week and draws better. Rough hope.

SUGGESTED BET: TOUGH MONARCH to win at $2.30 or better

RACE 7 – PREUX CHEVALIER FFA

Effectively a Victoria Cup consolation with plenty of chances. Craig Cross/Luke McCarthy barn flying so huge watch on CRUZ (12), but SICARIO (5) has been the heavily-backed one in prepost markets. He’s first-up from a break for Brent Lilley and has Chris Alford from gate five. CANT REFUSE (9) was stiff to miss a Vic Cup berth, but is he back to best form yet? Huge watch on Qld raider TENNYSON BROMAC (8), a stablemate of Colt Thirty One. Rising hugely in grade, but drawn for soft trip and looks exciting.

SUGGESTED BET: TENNYSON BROMAC each-way at $12 or better

SUMMARY

BEST BET: R3 n2 Ymbro Wasted $5 or better

BEST VALUE: R5 n10 Higherthananeagle $6 or better

THE ROUGHIE: R7 n8 Tennyson Bromac $12 or better each-way