3 minute read

Best Bets for Kalgoorlie Cup Day.

Racing moves away from the metropolitan area this weekend as we travel east to the goldfields for Kalgoorlie Cup Day.

One of the great days on the racing calendar, a Good rated track is anticipated with fine conditions and 27 degrees forecast for raceday. 

For the race itself, it appears a one-act affair with the Grant and Alana Williams-trained Starry Heights clearly the one to beat. 

He was dominant in the Boulder Cup, winning by 4L eased down to the line. While he does rise three kilos, that isn't enough to overturn the margin from last start if the race is to be run in similar fashion.

One who could change things up is the second pick in Iowa, who settled a little further back than anticipated in the Boulder Cup. 

In his runs prior at Belmont prior, he had sat on the speed and kept kicking. If connections return to those tactics, he'll find himself further in front of Starry Heights this time and that could help turn the tables.

As for Best Bets on the card, happy to side with the Dion Luciani-trained FULL OF MERIT in race four. 

The leader had them stacked up turning for home at Northam last start, and Full Of Merit was unable to match the sprint the leader had there. 

She was first-up though, so improvement is expected and Pike remaining in the saddle is a good push for her chances. 

Thinking she can be prominent from the outset and should take plenty of catching with plenty of favours on the map for her.

As for the Value Play, I'm going with Pike in the last as he partners with UNDER INFLUENCE for Dan and Ben Pearce.

While there's plenty of winning form engaged in this event, the figures he's producing stack right up to what his rivals have been producing.

While the draw may be a little issue, there does appear to be good speed engaged and Pike rode him to victory under similar circumstances just three starts ago on August 31.

In a race that I believe is more open than what the market has it, Under Influence represents value at his current quote.

THE BEST FROM THE WEST

BEST OF THE DAY: Race 4, #5 Full Of Merit @ $2.70*

EACH WAY PLAY: Race 9, #2 Under Influence @ $9*

*prices correct as of 2pm, October 4.