Best Bets – Saturday 20th June

THEBELMONTGANGSTER bolted in last week in the gloom and mud at Sandown but if he has come through that run without feeling the effects, he looks hard to beat even though he is stepping up in class to a BM84 race this week. He looks to be racing in good form at the moment, and see no reason why he can’t go on with the job in this field.

PUNCH LANE looks ready to break back into the winners’ list after a nice third last week at Sandown Hillside behind Coeur Volante. He led them until the final 100m and will strip much fitter for that run. He won at his only attempt over the mile in the Hawkesbury Cup last year and he’s three runs this time in, should have him cherry ripe to win again. Drawn to get all the favours and apprentice claim a bonus.

Keen on LIKE CLOCKWORK on an each-way basis in the Belmont Guineas. The last couple of starts she has settled well out of her ground before storming home and looking a good thing beaten on both occasions. With less tempo in the race, she is likely to settle much closer and she will definitely run out a solid mile.

BALANCE THE BOOKS looks ready to break back into the winner’s stall after three solid runs this time in. Last start she had no luck getting a run in the straight at Doomben, but she squeezed through at the last minute to grab third. Although she is drawn wide, she will likely find cover mid pack and look for her to be the one running over them late.

Giving CIGAR FLICK another chance after he was caught inside runners and in the worst part of the track last start at Eagle Farm. She made up good ground initially when asked the question but found that surface tough to get through over the concluding stages. Drawn to get the perfect sit in behind the speed and with a better track and a cosy run, she could get over them late when it counts to win the Gai Waterhouse.