Tim O’Connor’s thoughts on the eight-race card from Melton on November 1.
R1 – 6.30pm – HIP POCKET CASTLEMAINE FREE FOR ALL – 1720m
- 10 – Catch A Wave
- 9 – Bulletproof Boy
- 3 – Oliver Dan
- 4 – Bettor Isolate
R2 – 7.03pm – HYGAIN VICTORY PACE – 1720m
- 9 – Petracca
- 8 – Young Bluey
- 7 – Fate Awaits
- 5 – Louie Lou I
Petracca was super at the trials before a simply stunning first-up win where he blitzed his rivals by 17.1m despite sitting parked for the last lap. Really think he can prevail again despite some strong opposition here.
BACK: 9 Petracca – 4 units (win)
R3 – 7.40pm – RENOWN SILVERWARE PACE – 2240m
- 5 – Golden Tribe
- 4 – Twisting By
- 1 – Rocknallovertheworld
- 6 – Our Rocker
Golden Tribe’s campaign has been outstanding, with his most recent run being a fast-finishing fourth in the Group 1 Victoria Derby Final on October 18. I think he can work to the front here and prove too strong.
BACK: 5 Golden Tribe – 4 units (win)
R4 – 8.17pm – HERTZ MELTON PACE – 2240m
- 7 – Rakajed
- 8 – Smoken Ace
- 4 – Repelling
- 2 – Nonotthebuttons
R5 – 8.55pm – CNC ROUTER BITS PACE – 1720m
- 10 – Test Of Fire
- 7 – Justlikedave
- 3 – Littleblabbamouth
- 5 – Hungry Hogarth
R6 – 9.27pm – NUTRIEN EQUINE PACE – 1720m
- 6 – Pet Kitty
- 8 – Stormryder
- 3 – Fun To Love
- 4 – Big Boy Mal
Just have to take on favourite Stormryder based off his plain efforts this campaign, and I’m happy to side with the in-form Pet Kitty. She should lead from gate six and will be very hard to catch over the 1720m.
BACK: 6 Pet Kitty – 2 units (win)
R7 – 9.58pm – HYLAND RACING COLOURS MARES PACE – 1720m
- 11 – Uniquely Ideal
- 3 – My Little Bo
- 1 – Le Betty
- 5 – The Bride
R8 – 10.29pm – MIMOSA HOMES PACE – 2240m
3 – Viney
2 – Always The Showman
6 – Ata Rangi
5 – Wattlebank Arnie
QUADDIE
- 10, 7, 3, 5, 2, 8
- 6, 8
- 11
- 3