Brad Waters' best bets and value play for Ballarat Synthetic races Friday
Form analyst Brad Waters looks at Friday's meeting at Ballarat Synthetic, presenting his best bets, value selection and jockey to follow.
•
â– â– â– â– â–
BEST BET
Race 3 No.1 AQUEDUCT: The locally-trained gelding showed ability last time in but his recent jumpouts indicate he can make a winning return on Friday.
â– â– â– â– â–
NEXT BEST
Race 2 No.4 DYNASTY REWARD: Chased home the impressive Mercurial Lady on this track last time. He gets his chance to break through third-up.
Race 6 No.2 FLYING STRAZ: She went to the spelling paddock after a synthetic win and could make it two in a row from the perfect draw on Friday.
â– â– â– â– â–
VALUE BET
Race 4 No.14 TOROTENA: Looked in need of more ground when not disgraced on debut at Swan Hill. He can improve sharply with the benefit of race experience.
â– â– â– â– â–
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
ABC News
27 minutes ago
- ABC News
Torrential downpour puts dampener on inaugural NRLW Magic Round
Wild weather in Newcastle has wreaked havoc with the opening day of the NRLW's first-ever Magic Round. All three matches on the first afternoon of the two-day extravaganza were played in torrential conditions, while the Tigers-Roosters match was temporarily delayed due to an approaching thunderstorm. With the Tricolours leading 20-4 five minutes into the second half, play was suspended for 35 minutes after lightning was detected in the area. Such measures are uncommon in first-grade rugby league but not unprecedented — a men's match between Canterbury and South Sydney in June was delayed for the same reason. Before the delay, conditions were already challenging, with water pooling across the pitch under the heavy downpour. The rain made handling especially difficult in the opening match of the day between the Bulldogs and the Titans, which ended in a 14-all draw — the first stalemate in the competition's seven-year history. "You have to play in any conditions at the end of the day," said Bulldogs captain Tayla Preston. "Errors are going to happen in that weather, but there was a period of about five minutes where none of us could see the ball or the players. "But we had the fans turn out, and both teams tried to do their best with the conditions." In the second match of the day, the Roosters resumed control on resumption of their game against the Tigers and ran out 34-6 winners. Star centre Isabelle Kelly ran in a double as the premiership favourites stayed unbeaten in a comprehensive performance. The opening day wraps up with a match between Brisbane and Cronulla before another triple-header on Sunday. But the heavens are expected to open yet again, with up to 35mm of rain expected in the Hunter. Despite the poor conditions, Titans captain Georgia Hale praised the concept and commended the fans who made the trip to Hunter Stadium to brave the rain. "The occasion of the weekend is really special. It's great to create history and be in the inaugural game," Hale said. "To still see bums on seats supporting our game, and hopefully they stay for the entire weekend, was really special. "It's hard to reflect on our own performance and put a smile on it, though we really wanted the two points today."
News.com.au
27 minutes ago
- News.com.au
Forbes preview, best bets, inside mail for Sunday, August 3, 2025
Brad Widdup is a Group 1 winner and a leading provincial trainer but he is still a country boy at heart and loves getting back to his roots when the right opportunities are there. The Albury raised Widdup heads wet with a trio of capable runners ready to shine, none more so than High Dandy in the Bankstown Sports Forbes Cup (1600m) which is also a Big Dance Qualifier. The John Camilleri-bred and owned gelding has improved with each run this campaign starting off with a seventh to Nana's Wish at Canterbury before a fourth to Walking Painting and a second to Glad You Think So both in Randwick Midways over 1600m. 'He has taken a while to get to his peak for one reason or another but his last two runs have been really good,' said Widdup. Jockey @G1TySchil wanted the front mid-race, he took it, and the promising High Dandy scores back-to-back wins for @BWiddupRacing ðŸ'� â€' SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) August 28, 2024 The Form: Complete NSW Racing thoroughbred form, including video replays and all you need to know about every horse, jockey and trainer. Find a winner here! 'Hopefully he can continue on with that now. The son of Camilleri's own Group 1 winner Ace High looks well placed in the Cup being a 71 rater with 56kg, just a kilo above the minimum. Heading the weight for the race is Another One with 65kg although he comes down to 62kg after the claim. 'He gets in well at the weights which is not often the case when you take a horse out to the country,' Widdup said. 'He has good Sydney form and the fact he gets quite a bit of weight off those couple of well-performed, higher benchmark rated horses, I would like to think he will be very competitive. Widdup has gained the services of Hawkesbury-based jockey Chad Lever who has been on great form since returning to the saddle late last year. 'I was surprised that he is going out there but when we seen his name down for some rides, we were lucky to be able to get him,' Widdup said. Widdup and lever will also team up with lightly-raced mare Initiate in the Walker Family Showcase Super Maiden Handicap (1300m). The four-year-old is closing in on her first win after a close second to Divo and third to Capital Jicinta at Wyong before a last start fourth behind Denial at Kembla. Power Of The Brave leads all the way and is too good for the rest! ðŸ'¥ @Leesracing â€' SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) March 15, 2025 'She is only a little filly but she tries very hard,' he said. 'She is probably still another preparation away from really being at her best but she is going well. 'Hopefully she can knock her maiden off this weekend. 'I don't think barrier eight is a bad draw for her. 'She's doesn't have real early toe so drawing there, hopefully she can slot in somewhere midfield or maybe a bit closer.' Widdup's final runner for the day is Party Doll in the Club Forbes Showcase Class 2 Handicap (1100m) who will be ridden by stable apprentice, Poppie Gorton. Gorton was having her first day riding at Bathurst two weeks ago when fourth on Party Doll. 'She drew awkward at Bathurst last start and was slow to begin before she took off around them,' said Widdup. 'She just did a lot of work but it was a good effort to finish where she did. 'She is better on top of the ground and is finding it hard to win a race but John (Camilleri, owner) has been good enough to give Poppie a couple of rides on her and her four kilo claim brings her into this race. 'Hopefully she can begin well and be in the race and I'm sure she will run really well if that's the case.' â– â– â– â– â– ADAM SHERRY'S TOP SELECTIONS BEST BET Race 3 No. 3: INITIATE Has strong provincial form and gets his chance to break through. NEXT BEST Race 4 No. 10: ZOUTASTIC Good win last start and can go back-to-back. VALUE BET Race 2 No. 11: LOST YA SOCK Nice efforts at both runs from a spell. Chance to break through. QUADDIE Race 5: 1, 4, 5 Race 6: 1, 2, 3 Race 7: 3, 11, 13 Race 8: 1, 5, 6, 7 JOCKEY TO FOLLOW CHAD LEVER has a strong book of rides and looks a top chance on the TAB Jockey Challenge. â– â– â– â– â– INSIDE MAIL – FORBES CARAVANSERAI (1), the half-brother to Alizee and Astern, resumed for the Natalie Jarvis stable with a second to Spice Baby at Moruya when coming from well back on the turn. Will strip fitter for the run. PERFORMING DIVA (4) over did it in front on debut when fourth at Nowra. Took a sit and ran on well when second to Lombardi Lass at Goulburn. Resumes here and looks for a forward showing. RITA RED (5) has placed in three of her four runs this campaign and will be thereabouts again. Bet: Caravanserai to win â– â– â– â– â– LOST YA SOCK (11) resumed with a handy second behind Highland Eightgee over 1300m at Dubbo before leading when a half-length third to Gioia River at Corowa. Suited up to 1600m. DANTAINS PRIZE (7) finished close seconds at Narrandera and Wagga before missing the start by three lengths when seventh to Pride Of Jezza. Backed up six days later when fourth at Narrandera. PONTIAC (3) settled near last before motoring home to finish third to Darken over 1660m at Moruya last start. â– â– â– â– â– INITIATE (3) followed a length second to the promising Divo with a third to Capital Jicinta at Wyong after being bumped at the start. Forced to race wide early when fourth to Denial at Kembla last start. Solid form for this. THE CONTRACTOR (2) was spelled after a neck fourth on debut at Dubbo on Apr 7. Handy third at Dubbo first-up then races wide and pulled up lame when fourth at Bathurst on July 21. BLACKFISH (6) makes his NSW debut for the Brett Robb stable. Has claims in three placings in Victoria. â– â– â– â– â– ZOUTASTIC (10) resumed with a fourth at Hawkesbury behind Regimental Colours who won at Randwick last weekend. Went to Grafton and scored a solid win from Stratafy. DEION (6) has had a long campaign but continues to race consistently with two wins and four placings from his last six starts. Led all-the-way to beat Eilrahc at Warren before a third to Smooth Esprit in the Coonamble Cannonball. Carried big weights last two starts and drops to 54kg. CASTLEBAR ROAD (3) was a month between runs when fourth to Durova over 1000m last start. Loves it heavy. â– â– â– â– â– SORRY SUNSHINE (1) ran home nicely under 61kg to beat Freddy's Shock over 1400m on a Heavy 10 at Wagga two starts back. Sat closer and laid out in the straight when fourth to Sunray Lass at Albury. STREET SWAGGER (5) is racing well with a win and two thirds. That Cowra win was his fourth from five ruins on heavy ground. MOTORBOAT (4) raced wide without cover when down the order behind Shropshire Lad in a Highway at Rosehill on July 19 at his first run for a new stable. Bet: Sorry Sunshine to win â– â– â– â– â– DEEPWATER ARTIST (2) defied a betting drift from $5 out to $10 when he came with a closing run down the outside to beat Speed Of Thought over 1175m at Albury. His last 100m suggests he will appreciate the step up to 1400m. UNREAL EXPECTATION (1) followed back-to-back placings on the Acton track at Canberra with a handy win from Metal Magic over 1400m at Bathurst. THOUGHTFUL (3), a relation of fan favourite Happy Clapper, was fourth over 1100m in a Bm58 on the heavy at Goulburn last start. Blinkers off and nose roll on. Bet: Deepwater Artist to win â– â– â– â– â– HIGH DANDY (3) ran a nice fourth behind Walking Painting in a Midway at Randwick second-up. Led and just caught late when runner-up to Glad You Think So in another Randwick Midway. Drawn well and will give this a shake. LOUIE'S LEGACY (11) resumed in Federal Open at Canberra without a trial when a half-length second to Craving magic over 1280m. Stepped up to 1600m with a third to Hot Bandit in the Narrandera Cup. Is a winner on the heavy. 13. MORITZ GIRL (13) was doing her best late over 1400m on the Kensington last start. Loves the 1600m. â– â– â– â– â– ABSTRUSE (6) was held up rounding the home turn when a length third to Selhurst Park at Moruya before coming from a long way back when runner-up to Sutton Vella there last start both over 1010m. The 1100m helps. ROYAL BOMBADIER (7) raced ungenerously in the straight when resuming at Port Macquarie. Much better effort last start when a half-length second to Calido Magic at Gosford. PARTY DOLL (1) did it tough when fourth last start. Handy provincial form before that.
News.com.au
27 minutes ago
- News.com.au
A quick back-up and drop in distance paves the way for Stardeel to shine with an all-the-way win at Rosehill
Bjorn Baker's decision to back-up the 'strong-willed' Stardeel delivered the desired outcome at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday. Last week the Dundeel gelding was his own worst enemy at Randwick, never relaxing and failing to run on when unplaced for the first time of the campaign. Seven days later and it was a different version of Stardeel, sent straight to the front, and never giving his rivals a look in when leading throughout in the Congratulations Braith Nock 3&4YO Benchmark 72 Handicap (1200m). 'He was a real handful last week, he pulled my shoulders out from the moment I got on him but today he was a different horse,' jockey Josh Parr said. 'Genius decision by Bjorn to back him up, bring him back slightly in distance and it has paid dividends. 'We allowed him to do his thing today, he did it at both ends and that won't be his last win.' Stardeel ($3.40 eq fav) defeated Grand Prairie ($3.40 eq fav) by three lengths with a half-length back to Totoka ($9.50) in third. The win was Stardeel's second in five starts this preparation and Baker said the four-year-old is now off to the paddock with the hope the time off can fast track his mental development. 'He's still a bit of a galah but in time, he's going to develop into a pretty handy horse I think,' Baker said. It's a BIG win for Stardeel as the @BBakerRacing trained galloper runs away with it with @JoshuaParr8 in the saddle! ðŸ'¥ â€' SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) August 2, 2025 • Sunshine Law delivers maiden city win for Denim Wynen 'He's still not doing everything correctly in his races but it's a good sign with a young horse when they don't execute as well as you'd like but they win and, in his case, today, he's won very well. 'As much as back-up Baker would like to take advantage of another wet track next week, he's done his job this prep. 'He's a big lean horse that will love getting into some spring grass. It will do his really well physically and hopefully mentally.' Baker is coming off his best ever training season, finishing second in the Sydney trainers' premiership with 90 city winners. 'It's always important to kick off the season with a winner and while it's not all about strike rate, we are currently at 100 per cent,' he said. â– â– â– â– â– Dubbo trainer Dar Lunn and his stable star Elson Boy were two that relished the terrible winter conditions at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday. A heavy (10) rated track combined with torrential rain provided the ideal backdrop as Elson Boy fought off all challengers to record his 10th win from 31 starts in the Jockeys Celebration Day Benchmark 78 Handicap (1400m). Elson Boy had only beaten home five of his 33 rivals in the first three runs of his preparation, but a week of Sydney rain proved pivotal to the six-year-old gelding's form turnaround. 'He loves those conditions,' Lunn said. 'He's had five starts now on heavy tracks and won three times. 'The wetter the better for him.' Elson Boy leads the way to find himself back in the winners list after 412 days! ðŸ'� â€' SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) August 2, 2025 • Elson Boy ($12) was headed in the early part of the straight before digging in for the fight and fending off Captain Furai ($3.80 fav) to win by one-and-three-quarter lengths with two-and-a-quarter lengths back to Rolling Magic ($8) in third. 'He's a tough old bugger,' winning apprentice rider William Stanley said. 'He jumped well and had to do a bit of work to get across but when we got there he travelled nice. 'I thought he was the first horse beat but he found another gear, picked himself up and was good to the line. 'It was a good win because he didn't get everything go his way. Last year Elson Boy finished ninth in The Kosciuszko and Lunn would be keen to gain another shot, especially if the heavens opened in the lead-up to The Everest Day at Royal Randwick in October. 'I wouldn't say no if we get another chance,' Lunn said. 'If we did get in and it was wet, you never know. 'He gets better the deeper he goes into a preparation so he should hold his form now. 'Hopefully this weather can hang around now for a while too.' Elson Boy is a $51 chance with for The Kosciuszko.
