Rockhampton Best Bets + Preview | October 3

We're backing racing at Callaghan Park following a bit of a break, with eight races scheduled across the afternoon. We're starting the program on a Soft 5, with the rail out 0.5m the entire.

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Race 1: MAIDEN (1300M)

I like the chances of newcomer to the McConachy yard in the form of San Juan. The 4YO has had two starts in Victoria, placing on debut at cranbourne over 1400m, before stepping up to 1700m 43 days ago. His ratings are both right up to winning a race like this.

Race 2: BM60 (1400M)

Presszora has bolted in to win both of her race starts to date, so I'd be surprised to see her rolled at the shorts today. In saying that, this is her toughest test and $1.50 is rock-bottom.

Race 3: 3YO Handicap (1050M)

Open race, but I liked the win of Minxy last time at Bowen, leading throughout to score easily enough. Her form prior behind the likes of Hi Frank looks okay for this, so at the $6.50 I'm happy to have something small on.

Race 4: BM70 (1400M)

Pride of Venus has won all three starts for Clinton Taylor this time in, with all of those wins rating well. She has her toughest task yet in a BM70, but a lot of them are long out of form. With no weight on her back from a good draw, she should get a sweet run in transit and take plenty of beating.

Race 5: BM55 (1600M)

Walkers race. Staying out.

Race 6: Open Handicap (1050M)

Fortress Australia won here over 1100m under 60kg over the Rocky Cup Carnival, producing a rating which eclipses most of these horses' recent performances. He's here off an eight-week freshen, draws low and gets in on the minimum, so he should take plenty of running down. If they were betting three places, Rubankar would be the horse to have somehing each way on.

Race 7: Class 1 (1050M)

The way Red Beauty won in her stable debut first-up last preparation should see her very hard to beat here. Tom Smith has had her for a full preparation now, so I'm expecting this lightly-raced mare to improve into her second prep in CQ. From the middle draw, she can take up the stalking role and be right there at the business end.

Race 8: BM55 (1200M)

There looks good speed in the last, which could put it on a platter for Johnny O'Sing's 4YO Super Talon. He broke his maiden here back in April in his last run of that prep, before resuming with a good third at Mackay in this grade over 1100m. Now second-up, on his home track and out to 1200m, he should be right in contention.

#Livingbreathiing – R4 #8 Pride Of Venus

Selections

Race 1: San Juan

Race 2: No Bet

Race 3: Minxy

Race 4: Pride Of Venus

Race 5: No Bet

Race 6: Fortress Australia

Race 7: Red Beauty

Race 8: Super Talon