3 minute read

Brisbane Saturday racing is back at Doomben for the first time in three weeks and a bumper ten-race card awaits punters.

The opening race offers the best bet on the program in No.2 - ACRES AWAY. 

Mark Currie took over the training of this gelding recently and the two runs for the new stable have seen him reach new heights. 

A tidy first-up win over 1000m at the Sunshine Coast was followed up with a second at Eagle Farm a fortnight ago in a Benchmark 80 over the same trip. The four-year-old came from well back on cornering to find the lead at the furlong but was blind-sided in the shadows by Appin Girl who snuck up underneath. 

Saturday's contest is over 1110m which is right in his wheelhouse – all three wins in previous campaigns were at or around this trip. He drops back to a Benchmark 68 and with Jasper Franklin's claim gets in nicely with 59kgs on a 56 limit. 

Franklin is an emerging apprentice whose record on favourites sits at an impressive 40%, so he gets the job done when on the right horse.

Early favourite Street Chase and Instagood both have legitimate claims on the back of strong recent form, but at around $3.70 Acres Away looks a very nice way to build a bank on a big day.

For a value play we wait over five-and-a-half hours until the last with No. 9 - BETCHA THE CROWN.

Desleigh Forster produced her five-year-old first-up at Doomben three weeks ago in a Benchmark 78 over Saturday's journey of 1350m. He raced outside eventual winner Corfe Castle who kicked away halfway down the running and looked set for an easy win. But, as he has done many times, the son of Casino Prince dug in and closed the gap to a head on the line. 

Although up a little in grade this time, he has raced well at Benchmark 90 and Class 6 level in the past. 

He stays at the same trip, but the blinkers go on which should keep him sharp. 

The wide gate is a small concern but there is plenty of pace underneath from the likes of Azzareach and I Am Artie so Sam Collett should be able to press forward and maybe take a sit just behind that pair.

It is a deep race with all but three of the acceptors finishing in the top three at their last run. However, at around $8.00, Betcha looks a nice each-way play.  

BRISBANE BEST

BEST BET: Race 1 No. 2 - Acres Away

BEST VALUE: Race 10 No.9 - Betcha The Crown