Best Bets – Saturday 9th May

Thought that LAND LEGEND looked back to his best with a solid finishing effort at Flemington last time behind Too Darn Discreet. Although he has not won since The Metropolitan in October ’24, he has competed against some of the best gallopers around. If he is anywhere near his best, he will be right in this race.

Going to have something each-way on RUNLIKENENCRYPTION here in the get out stakes at Caulfield. He got back in the field at Mornington and worked his way home nicely. I feel the added 100m will only help him to settle in behind the pace early and then come home with the big finish he possesses.

Sticking with BLACK ORA at Ascot today. She got the money last time when she got up in the final bounds to win on Anzac Day. In this small field today, she should settle in behind the leaders from the soft draw and all she will need is a run from the corner. Holly Nottle is in sensational form and I’m confident they can get the job done again.

Last year’s Melbourne Cup winner, HALF YOURS is having his second run since that win. He impressed first-up at Randwick with a solid run in the All Aged Stakes and looks all set to add the Hollindale Cup to his mantel. He loves a wet track and has won twice previously when running second-up. He looks very hard to beat.

We should get a good run for our money with MIDNIGHT IN TOKYO, who has only missed a place once in eight first-up performances. He should get a nice trip from the low barrier and be given every chance by Ryan Maloney. He is at a nice each-way quote and at that price, looks a nice bet to finish off the card at Gold Coast today.