Best Bets – Wednesday 1st January 2025

Strong start of the year maiden but I like GOODLUCKTOME. ha, firstly that’s something I wish for myself this year, especially on the punt, but this 3YO has toe and will drive forward now that he is fit. He may even lead these. If so, he turns for home clear and based on his terrific 2nd behind a very smart filly who is headed to stakes grade, last start, he lands the cash for mine from Cold Brew.

I think this old boy LANCASTER BOMBER is racing well enough at this level to warrant a wager in this. He’s $634,000 throughout his 76-start career and has placed at this grade at his past few. His rivals all appear to be non-winners except for Chesteray who has won 3 of his last 4 starts but in much weaker grade.

When TOES IN THE WATER last raced he carried the same weight as Pocketi9ng and ran 2nd to him in a quick run 1400m at Kembla. Both runners were 2nd up so both are fitter and presumably faster here. Now, Pocketing meets him 2kg worse off this time and Toes In The Water lost ground last run when changing course in the straight. So, I think he turns the tables this time but I will quinella them.

I always defer to class in these Gr 1 type races and despite both SOCKS NATION and Young Werther being beaten out of a place last start, they appeal as the top two here. Socks Nation is a bonafide Gr 1 winner this trip and is weighted to win. Was beaten 4 lengths when ridden on pace by rival here In good Order last start over 2100m. Should settle a paint of two back this time and charge late. Young Werther is a class stayer and if he turns up to race, he will change home.

I really think that this is a put in and collect job. This top flight filly OWN THE QUEEN has been thrown in and I suspect she jumps, strolls to the front and simply defies them all. She is 3rd up now and has won at 2400m. Bonjoy runs on into 2nd. Quinella all day.