Best Bets – Saturday 23rd May

Sticking with HALF YOURS to turn the tables on Pride Of Jenni and Birdman in the Doomben Cup. He loves a wet track and that’s what Doomben will be dishing up this week. One for one on a heavy track and only missed a place once on a slow track. Third-up he should be cherry-ripe for this and the natural improvement combined with the rise to 2000m should suit him perfectly.

I AM DIRTY was impressive winning a two-year-old maiden at Gosford last start and Rachel King has kept the ride again for today. She sat on the leader’s heels and accelerated with a nice burst of speed when straightening for home to win comfortably by 2 lengths. She previously ran a closing fourth on heavy going in a trial, so the wet track should not be a concern for her chances.

It may pay to forget RECON went around in The Goodwood at Morphettville last time when he finished sixth. Always well back in the run and when he found clear air, he was motoring home before running into a dead-end over the concluding stages. It looks as though the 1400m distance seems perfect for him, given his current racing style. The wide-open spaces of Hillside will also benefit his whirlwind late finish so watch for him late.

Forgive DUCHESS ZOU after a disappointing effort last start when they said the track was too firm for her. It looks like there will be juice in the Hillside surface this week, so this is her last chance to break back into the winners list for me. She gets a nice 3kg claim from Tassie apprentice Jabez Johnstone too which gives her a lightweight advantage. 

SPLIT THE GEE led them a merry dance last time at Ascot when he hung on to defeat the handy Snitzelatte. Chris Parnham takes over the reins today and see no reason she won’t find the lead from the low draw and be the one they will have to catch again.