More times than not punters can count on Prelude form in the country leading up to the grand finale. But today’s feature Ted Ryder Cup at Wagga looms as a different story.
Big day out: The Ted Ryder Cup headlines an eight-race card at Wagga on Monday.Credit:Les Smith
While local seven-year-old Class Clown returned to his best fourth-up winning the Prelude (BM78) over the mile two weeks back ahead of Bondo and Not Too Sure, it’s two different form lines both hard and softer in the market that threaten to grab today’s cup by the horns.
Noble Descent tuned up nicely with a BM66 win nearly a month ago. That was his second win in three starts, but four of his career wins have come on his home track.
While Noble Descent is entitled to jump favourite, the best value in the race is the under-stated Wellington-trained seven-year-old Steamin’ who comes out of a strong BM86 Mudgee Cup (1600m).
In fact, this is the superior lead-in form, and it’s hard to believe Steamin’ is such a big price after he came from a long way back to be beaten less than two lengths behind Tahsin. He carries virtually the same weight today and similarly will enjoy the long run home.
Already the form out of the Mudgee Cup has held up well in the country and in the city.
Punters can launch early in race two aboard emerging Canberra filly Fabulous Fran which was just run down at home at her second career start, and was scratched from Moruya yesterday. She will race on or near the speed and looks supremely suited.
And speaking of Canberra fillies, the Matt Dale-trained stablemate Miss Crompton looks one of the better bets all day in the seventh. An emphatic last-start maiden winner on this track, Miss Crompton looks beautifully placed for the step up in grade on the 54kg limit.
Wagga Best Bets
Best R2: (11) The Warlord
Next best R7: (6) Miss Crompton
Best value: Race 6: (5) Steamin’
Supplied by Racing NSW
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