Mitchbet

There are some nice betting opportunities around Victoria this weekend. From the quality card at Caulfield for the Blue Diamond Stakes, to some really nice debutants at the picturesque Yarra Valley and even a few likely types at Royal Werribee on Sunday. It’s an exciting time of year and lets hope a profitable one too. These are horses I will be backing on the weekend.

Yarra Valley Race 1 Number 8 Mcgrath

The 3YO first starter for Danny O’Brien is down to debut at Yarra Valley this Saturday afternoon. I’ve had him earmarked as one I want to be all over since I saw his jump out on the 28th of January. Looks to have a lot of speed, which is ideal for the tight circuit here. Breasley will have some improvement in him after his first start and Apache Star has a few runs on the board, however I’m confident Mcgrath will be too classy for them on debut.

Yarra Valley Race 2 Number 11 Baronessa

Another debutant that might just blow them away, is the Matt Laurie trained Baronessa. The 3YO filly comes to the races relatively fit for 3 recent jumpouts, where she has won them all pretty arrogantly. Barrier 13 isn’t ideal but hopefully it’s a sit and steer job for the 3kg claiming apprentice Celine Gaudray.

Yarra Valley Race 6 Number 2 Timber Top

Stepping away from the maidens for once, Timber Top definitely has the upside to win this race. After breaking through to win his maiden on debut, had a bit of a breathing issue and didn’t appreciate a few synthetic and wet tracks. Should arguably have won or run second when he was well backed first up and inconvenienced in the straight at Kilmore. A winning hope in a shallow race.

Werribee Race 1 Number 6 Roanoke

Firmly in the blackbook following an eye-catching run to finish second on debut at Kilmore. Interesting to see Joe Bowditch riding her instead of the Lloyd Kennewell horse. Pulitzer Prize doesn’t look to have improved even after the gelding operation and the pricey Chichibu was under a bit of hard riding in her recent barrier trial. Roanoke could be even better at 1600m-2000m, but I’m still keen on her here.

Ballarat Race 4 Number 13 Yankee Diva

The locally-trained 3YO filly hit the line strongly first up from a seven month break on her return to the track. Looked to have matured in recent work, however uncharacteristically blew the start in her most recent second at Kilmore. She’s getting up to her right trip now and is at the very worst, a strong place chance on the home track for Nigel Blackiston.

Caulfield selections

Race 1: Wolfe 1, Blenheim Palace 2, San Huberto 3, Defibrillate 4.

Race 2: Valaquenta 1, Oxley Road 2, It’sourtime 3, Confrontational 4.

Race 3: Miss Guggenheim 1, Chica Fuerte 2, Malicorne 3, Impecunious 4.

Race 4: Sovereign Award 1, Perfect Jewel 2, Lunakorn 3, Rich Hips 4.

Race 5: Butter Chicken 1, Khoekhoe 2, Parure 3, Adandiman 4.

Race 6: Probabeel 1, Amish Boy 2, Ole Kirk 3, Behemoth 4.

Race 7: Arcaded 1, Enthaar 2, Anamoe 3, Artorius 4.

Race 8: Anders 1, Dirty Work 2, Ancestry 3, Brooklyn Hustle 4.

Race 9: Regal Power 1, Paradee 2, Homesman 3, Nonconformist 4.

Best Bet: Valaquenta (Race 2)

Best Value: Anders (Race 8)