Rockhampton Best Bets & Preview | February 17

A small six-race card has been assembled for Tuesday racing at Rocky this afternoon, with just 52 horses to face the starter. The track is rated a Soft 6 and the rail is out 3.5m the entire. Racing gets underway at 1:34pm AEST.

---

Race 1: BM60 Handicap (1817M)

I thought one of the better bets on the program came up in the opener, with Ricky Vale and McKenzie Apel combining with Kayleen's Profit. She had a nice cushy run last start over the mile here, but she was just held up for a couple of strides at a key stage, which could have bee the difference between winning and losing given the 0.05L margin. She only rises 0.5kg for her efforts and gets to a more suitable 1800m trip. She can land in the first couple, find daylight and be hard to hold out late.

Race 2: BM65 Handicap (1400M)

Happy to stay out of this.

Race 3: BM60 Handicap (1050M)

Determination looks the 'good thing' of the day coming off a tough win last start over this track and trip. He's too short to be backing, but we can play him in multis and pin him on top in exotics.

Race 4: Maiden Handicap (1200M)

Bold Change and Sumich met each other last start here over 1100m, and while Sumich beat home Bold Change, he was $71 while Bold Change was a well-backed $4 chance and there was a very slender margin between the pair on the post. They step up an extra 100m here, which should really suit the Taylor-trained 4YO, despite there being a decent weight swing in favour of Sumich.

Race 5: Class 4 Plate (1200M)

Kai Mondo was very game in defeat last start over 1050m here when getting no peace up on the speed. While he was run down at the furlong, he still stuck on well to be beaten 2.5L, while the other pacemaker dropped out to be beaten 6L. The start prior, he finished second at Townsville, defeating subsequent 7L winner Satisfied Mugs and main market rival Henry's Blade, who he also meets 3kg better after the claim. He should find the front on his ear from barrier one and be awfully hard to get past.

Race 6: BM55 Handicap (1400M)

It's an even race to finish the afternoon, with four of the six runners all genuine winning chances, so despite having a lean towards The Last Saga and Our Heart Throb, I'll be keeping the powder dry.

Living Breathing - R5 Kai Mondo

Selections

Race 1: Kayleen's Profit

Race 2: No Bet

Race 3: Determination

Race 4: Bold Change

Race 5: Kai Mondo

Race 6: No Bet