3 minute read

Winter Championship Qualifiers head to Sandown for a typically competitive card.

The card builds towards the final two races which have the potential to play a part in shaping the Winter Championship Final itself but key betting interest for the Melbourne Mail comes up earlier with race four singled out for our play of the day. 

What first draws attention to the fourth is the fact that so many of the key chances comes off slow races. That isn't necessarily a bad thing provides an avenue to explore and an angle presents itself in the form of Batrana. 

Batrana is the early favourite, hardly one that has been entirely missed, but her chance might be better than it appears at a glance given that she comes through a well-run race off a long break from which she was noticeably rusty. 

She made a meaningful move from a non-threatening position in the run that was made all the harder by the way that the track played that day. The straight course played quickly and she was one of the last to hit the fast section. When she did, her fitness gave out a touch, splits hinting that she would be better for the run and past ratings showing that she can be. 

I would guess that a career-best is incoming with that platform from which to peak and that will see her a mighty winning hope in a race where others may not be as likely to improve for recent slow-run outings. 

Our each-way play is another that will be out to improve second up, with Krementz worth having on side at big prices in early markets. 

Krementz was plain fresh but improved for racing last prep and we could see a return to more positive tactics this time. 

He fits in with the main chances in a race that appeals a good spot for an each-way play. 

THE MELBOURNE MAIL 

Bet Of The Day: Race 4 #5 Baltrana @ $3.60 with bet365*

Each Way Play: Race 2 #5 Krementz @ $17.00 with bet365*

Prices correct as of 5:35pm AEST 13/06

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