Ballarat Racing Tips: Thursday, October 22nd

The day commences with a maiden over 1600 metres. There are so many unknowns here that it’s a total dart-board job. The obvious selection is the favourite in the market (9) Designs who looks to have the best exposed form leading into it.

(14) Under The Tassels has some average form and gets the blinkers on for the first time – which can make a huge difference – but he gets a dreadful gate.

(8) Zean comes from what looks like a weaker race so you’re getting $19 to find out whether she is up to this.

(13) Sabre Princess went only average (finishing 8th of 14) but she did come on okay. She does come from the Mick Price & Michael Kent Jr stable which seems to have a habit of getting them to progress quickly. At $9 she is the one for me.

Tip: (13) Sabre Princess E/W $9.00 / $3.00 Sportsbet

Odds Last Updated: February 9, 2021, 12:56pm (AEDT)

This looks to be the best quality maiden of the day. (11) Masseuse has placed four times from five runs so far — and previously been my top selection a couple of times. The temptation is to jump-off but she looks likely to give this one a good shake (touch wood). A second behind River Night and a third behind Swat’s That looks pretty good company.

The best part is she is not going around favourite because (14) Zoushine finds itself on-top after dropping back from a Group 3 race in Morphettville.

(1) Bethpage is one of the Price & Kent runners that could suddenly step up at odds. Happy to back Masseuse here at each-way odds.

Tip: (1) Masseuse $4.80 Bet365

Odds Last Updated: March 2, 2021, 6:16pm (AEDT)

(7) Dane Clipper is the on-top selection after coming a respectable second to Meteorite at Moonee Valley over 955 metres. She is dropping down from a BM64 to compete here. Based on that run she looks to have their measure today – she gets an inside draw and should be able to hold a neat position leading or right on the speed. It’s going to be a mad dash and I can see a few of these burning each other out trying to keep pace.

That will open the door slightly for (2) Kootara who may be the one to take advantage of hot speed. Dane Clipper looks to be one of the better best on the card with some solid exposed form to base our assessment on. She gets Michael Rodd in the saddle and has the Dabernig & Hayes shine.

Tip: (7) Dane Clipper $2.50 Bet365

Odds Last Updated: March 2, 2021, 6:16pm (AEDT)

It is pretty hard to ignore the company that (10) Island Joy has been keeping. She had an ordinary run (excuses) at Flemington where she came in seventh behind September Run. It was a semi-forgive kind of performance and she should be bouncing back here for hopefully an easier run. Last preparation she placed second behind Crosshaven. Today she gets the inside rail and should find it easy enough to maintain it in running.

The threat should be (1) Naneka but she gets an outside gate and lugs a fair weight. Island Joy should be in this a long way—and pretty keen to take the odds.

Tip: (10) Island Joy $3.05 Sportsbetting.com.au

(12) Queen Of Rocks drops back from a Group 2 race—when she placed eighth behind Thermosphere. Today she takes on a few up-and-comers, including a previous best bet of mine (3) Opoho Dreaming.

Opoho Dreaming really does take on tougher company today so happy to jump off and take the shorter odds offered for Queen Of Rocks.

She has a weight advantage of four kilos, and the reins are being taken by Damien Lane—she really looks well placed here. She is going to drop in behind the leaders and will need some luck in running, as I expect her to be stuck along the fence two-three pairs back. Let’s hope she gets the job for punters.

Tip: (12) Queen Of Rocks $2.45 Sportsbetting.com.au

Odds Last Updated: March 2, 2021, 6:16pm (AEDT)