Best Bets – Saturday 18th April

After his Group 1 Newmarket victory CABALLUS looks like the one they will have to beat to win this year’s edition of The Quokka. He shows natural speed early and Tommy Berry should have him well placed from that mid draw to either dictate or take the sit. Bjorn Baker has a sensational record bringing horses over to WA for the big races and this boy could add another notch to that belt.  

Have something each-way on RUSSIAN TO THE BAR in The Joey first-up today. He has won fresh in the past and although the trip isn’t ideal, there could be speed on early, and he should get a nice cart into the race. Will be strong at the finish and at the odds happy to have something each-way.

In what appears to be an open Karrakatta Plate this year, leaning towards MARIA LUCIA to turn the tables on Aurum Belle following her defeat in the Gimcrack last start. The barrier draw certainly helps Maria Lucia, as her main rival has drawn wide on the track. Chris Parnham is riding in superb form and this filly should get her chance last 200m.

Will have a throw at the stumps in a wide race at Eagle Farm to finish the card and tip ABOUNDING. Got back at Randwick first-up behind Gangsta Granny in a Group 3 race and finished strongly late. If the pace is on, he should get his chance to run on again and the wide open spaces of Eagle Farm suit his racing style.

LA FRACAS returns to Melbourne after a couple of runs up north in Group 3 races where he wasn’t disgraced over the Sydney carnival and he looks extremely well placed in the Hareeba. Should be at peak fitness third-up and gets chance to return to the winners’ list. Will get back from the draw early but should be rocketing home late.