Victorian racing on Wednesday heads to Bendigo, where eight races have been set down. The track as of Monday evening is a Good 4 but there is forecast for 1-7mm of rain on Wednesday so the track could potentially get into the Soft range if that rain hits.
Find Adam Page's best bets for Bendigo below, and be sure to head over to our Racing Tips page for more free tips this week!
Bendigo Racing Tips: Wednesday, September 25th 2024
Race 1: Avis Bendigo Maiden Plate 1500m - 1.35pm AEST
It's rare to say that Blake Shinn slaughtered one but I reckon he gave (5) Plymouth a sore back when debuting over 1300m here. He dragged the gelding back and just rode for luck instead of staying in the running line and angling out to let down. I dare say the intent to be forward will be clear from the outset and he had jumped out super prior to the debut.
(1) Express Guard looks to have a solid enough debut form line to say he commands respect. He debuted over 1400m at Sale when just off the speed and despite being in restricted room, he drove hard late and was close up in defeat behind Narbold. Tricky draw, but will have room to move and the rise to 1500m looks ideal.
It's rare to see a Ciaron Maher horse at $51+ for the debut but that is the case with (8) Swamped. He is bred to be a Derby horse so it will be interesting to see how he goes here off extensive trial/jumpout work where he hasn't been too bad. Maps to go to sleep on the fence...I'd watch the market and see what it does.
Also Backing: (8) Swamped E/W $55/$9.10 (0.5U/1U)
(5) Plymouth WIN
$2.70 (3.5 Units)
Race 5: Bet365 Odds Drift Protect Handicap 1100m - 3.55pm AEST
(9) Destiny's Prophet is worth a throw at the stumps each way for me. She ran at Wagga on Saturday where she attempted to lead throughout in a hot 82 and gave a sight but couldn't quite see it through, tiring late behind a good horse, Asgarda. Back to this level, maps ideally to either lead or stalk, I think she'll run really well.
(1) Aminatu looks the leader and she'll give a good sight, especially with the claim. Attempted to lead throughout at this track/distance last time and tried hard but had to settle for a second to a Saturday class horse, Bizot. She'll lead and give an almighty sight.
(2) Kusini is dangerous if she jumps clean. She got back to near the tail of the field last Tuesday at Hamilton and on a day where up/in was dynamite, forgive and forget the run. She can settle much more forward and with her best, she is dangerous.
(9) Destiny's Prophet E/W
$34/$7.00 (0.5U/1U)
Race 6: Paynters Handicap 1000m - 4.30pm AEST
(3) Honor Galore looks to have a bit on these, all things being equal. She comes here three weeks between runs since racing over this trip at Sandown when chasing the hot speed and while held by Pharari in very fast time, she stayed on and was quite good in defeat when fourth. No horse of that quality here, she rates highly.
(1) Harry Got Styles has an engine under the hood for Matt Laurie. He hasn't raced since August 11 at Echuca when giving them a start and a beating, letting down with purpose late to win and win well. Tick over trial last week was a good piece of work, he'll stalk the speed and be strong late.
(2) Charmed Passage is a knockout hope and for mine, is the bet in the race to run top three. He resumed at Mornington where he did work on speed and given he was first up since August 2023, he actually did a super job to finish as close as he did when third to Zena Boy. If there is no second up syndrome, he'll press forward and is a great chance.
(2) Charmed Passage PLACE
$2.40 (5 Units)
