Racing Tips

Grafton Racing Tips: Thursday, July 8th

It’s Grafton Cup Day and Billy Bestford is looking to keep the winners coming, betting into three races on the card.

by
Billy Bestford
7 July 2021

After an outstanding day at Grafton yesterday where we nailed four winners from four betting races, we look ahead to Day 2 of the carnival which is highlighted by the Grafton Cup. There are some strong races throughout the day and the track is currently rated a soft 5 with the rail in the true position.

Billy Bestford has done the form once again and will be looking to keep the winners coming as he highlights his best bets throughout the afternoon.

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Race 1

Feed N Go (Bm66) (1000m)
12:15pm (AEDT)

Race 1 Feed N Go (Bm66) (1000m) 12:15pm (AEDT)
1. Midweek Hussler (15) J: Ms Mikayla Weir (61kg) T: T Fletcher	19	18	19	19	19.2	19
2. Mort Doyle (13) J: Ms Lauren Abbott (61kg) T: Lauren Abbott
3. Phoenix River (11) J: Anthony Allen (61kg) T: Fleur Blanch
4. Freya's Cloak (9) J: Ms Stephanie Thornton (60.5kg) T: S B Lee
5. In A Step (10) J: Jasper Franklin (60.5kg) T: B J Dodson	5.5	5	5.5	5.5	5.6	5
6. Salad Dodger (2) J: Luke Rolls (60.5kg) T: Colt Prosser	19	21	21	21	20.5	23
7. Wallace Street (7) J: Matthew Mcguren (60kg) T: Melissa Dennett	9	9	9.5	9.5	8.5	9.5
8. Tobasco (14) J: Ben Looker (59.5kg) T: J D Shelton	13	12	12	12	13.2	12
9. Gold Rhapsody (3) J: Ms Georgina Mcdonnell (59kg) T: Ms M De Gonneville	23	26	26	26	24	26
10. Lace And Whiskey (8) J: Andrew Mallyon (59kg) T: Daniel Bowen	12	12	12	13	11.2	12
11. Standing Bear (6) J: Reece Jones (59kg) T: A P Ball	2.5	2.5	2.6	2.8	2.6	2.6
12. Tikkitala (5) J: Aaron Bullock (59kg) T: Craig Ruttley	7.5	7.5	8	7.5	7.3	7.5
13. Inwithachance (1) J: Ashley Morgan (58kg) T: P J Evans	9.5	9	9	9	9.6	9
14. Another Sheila (12) J: Unknown (57kg) T: W Oakenfull
15. Memphis Squaw (4) J: Ms Olivia Pickering (55kg) T: Shane Everson	21	21	26	26	21	26

Odds Last Updated: July 8, 2021, 12:16pm (AEDT)

Race 2

Hanks Kitchen Hcp (C1) (1400m)
12:50pm (AEDT)

Race 2 Hanks Kitchen Hcp (C1) (1400m) 12:50pm (AEDT)
1. Tuscan Leather (7) J: Christian Reith (58.5kg) T: S B Lee	3.8	3.8	3.9	4.2	3.7	3.7
2. Dragon Dream (18) J: Unknown (57.5kg) T: Allan Kehoe
3. Edification (4) J: Jaden Lloyd (57kg) T: Ms M Brosnan	4.4	4.4	4.4	4.6	4.4	4.2
4. Bob'n'cat (15) J: Kirk Matheson (56kg) T: Ms S Pepper
5. Four Egos (8) J: Ashley Morgan (56kg) T: M R Stitt	5	4.8	5	5	4.6	5
6. Palaszczuk (17) J: Unknown (56kg) T: Michael Costa
7. Beef Week Princess (12) J: Noriyuki Masuda (55.5kg) T: Daniel Bowen	12	11	11	12	12.2	11
8. Gillick's Way (5) J: Blaike Mcdougall (55.5kg) T: Daniel Bowen
9. To The Barricades (14) J: Matthew Mcguren (55.5kg) T: Samantha Mcguren	20	19	21	21	20	23
10. La Cronica (9) J: Ben Looker (55kg) T: Shannon Manwarring	11	11	11	11	10.4	11
11. Monte Di Rose (6) J: Jon Grisedale (55kg) T: R Simonetta	7.5	8	6.5	7.5	7.8	7.5
12. Readily Rewarded (11) J: Luke Rolls (55kg) T: Aiden Nunn	34	34	41	41	41	41
13. Sailing (10) J: Ben Thompson (55kg) T: S B Lee
14. Love A Diamond (13) J: Jeff Penza (55kg) T: D D Schmidt	31	31	34	41	38	34
15. Writeoff (3) J: Ms Mikayla Weir (55kg) T: W J Gavenlock	15	16	15	15	13.2	15
16. Alt Eff Four (16) J: Unknown (55kg) T: S B Lee	67	81	71	71	75	81
17. Graceful Star (1) J: Ms Georgina Mcdonnell (55kg) T: Roy Franklin	21	21	26	26	22.5	23
18. Queens Do Dream (2) J: Unknown (55kg) T: J D Shelton	31	34	34	34	31	34

Odds Last Updated: July 8, 2021, 12:51pm (AEDT)

Race 3

Sky Racing Intl Mothers Gift (1400m)
1:25pm (AEDT)

Race 3 Sky Racing Intl Mothers Gift (1400m) 1:25pm (AEDT)
1. Oakfield Missile (5) J: Darryl Mclellan (62.5kg) T: D Lane	8	8	8.5	8	8.1	8
2. Think Free (2) J: Aaron Bullock (61kg) T: K A Lees	4	4	4.2	4.4	3.85	4
3. Willo Titto (9) J: Ben Thompson (60.5kg) T: Michael Costa	8.5	8.5	8.5	8	9.1	8.5
4. Zac Attack (3) J: Zac Lloyd (58.5kg) T: Edward O'rourke	7.5	7.5	7	7	7.3	7.5
5. Amicitia (6) J: Reece Jones (58kg) T: R P Northam	15	14	14	15	15.2	14
6. Hard Labour (1) J: Andrew Mallyon (57kg) T: A J & T Edmonds	2.45	2.45	2.4	2.35	2.4	2.4
7. Buffy (8) J: Ms Mikayla Weir (56.5kg) T: Ms J Graham	18	19	18	18	19.2	19
8. Charmed Princess (10) J: Matthew Mcguren (55kg) T: A Newing	13	14	15	14	14.2	14
9. Divine Diva (4) J: Ben Looker (55kg) T: M J Dunn	26	26	21	21	26	26
10. Zoukina (12) J: Jim Byrne (55kg) T: S B Lee
11. Buckle Up Baby (11) J: Unknown (55kg) T: Lauren Abbott
12. Bear The Crown (7) J: Raymond Spokes (55kg) T: B J Ratcliff	151	151	151	101	141	151

Odds Last Updated: July 8, 2021, 1:26pm (AEDT)

(2) Think Free maps for the gun run for Bullock from gate 2 here and has been in good form recently. Was a dominant winner in the Wauchope Cup last start over this trip and looks to still be on the up this preparation. Will be at peak condition now and a drying track won’t hurt his chances. Looks hard to beat.

(6) Hard Labour the obvious threat and brings strong QLD formlines here for a race like this. Gets blinkers applied today after a little freshen up following a 5th as a short priced fav at the Gold Coast. Started single figures against Fender and Garibaldi two back and just needs to handle the rise to this trip.

(7) Buffy looks the value in the race and I’ll be having something on her following a very good 2nd up run. She ran 2nd to Think Free in that Wauchope Cup where she kept grinding to the line and will be at peak condition now. 3rd up record is good and this race isn’t out of her reach.

Tip: (2) Think Free - $4.40 at Sportsbet

Value: (7) Buffy - $20/$4.40 at Sportsbet

Betting Strategy: 1 unit WIN Think Free, 0.25 unit WIN/0.5 unit PLACE Buffy

Race 4

Nbn Springboard To Fame 2Yo (1200m)
2:05pm (AEDT)

Race 4 Nbn Springboard To Fame 2Yo (1200m) 2:05pm (AEDT)
1. Boughta Boom (1) J: Luke Rolls (57kg) T: B D Bellamy	101	126	101	126	161	151
2. Buck Pharoah (12) J: Reece Jones (57kg) T: R N Godbolt	2.5	2.4	2.4	2.6	2.6	2.25
3. Derani (4) J: Matthew Bennett (57kg) T: Kacy Fogden	4.2	4.2	4.4	4.4	4.45	4.2
4. Dream Storm (6) J: Jeff Kehoe (57kg) T: Allan Kehoe	151	151	151	151	151	151
5. Dumpus (7) J: Jeff Penza (57kg) T: J D Shelton	61	67	71	71	59	71
6. Far Too Easy (14) J: Chris Caserta (57kg) T: D A Mccolm	4.5	4.4	3.9	4.6	4.1	4.6
7. Feirme Prince (9) J: Matthew Mcguren (57kg) T: M J Dunn	11	10	10	11	10	12
8. Offyarocatwo (15) J: Kirk Matheson (57kg) T: Peter Graham	10	10	9.5	11	10	10
9. Cambridge Rules (11) J: Blaike Mcdougall (55kg) T: N J Osborne	126	151	151	151	141	151
10. Emma Rosa (5) J: Jim Byrne (55kg) T: M J Dunn	11	11	11	11	9.6	12
11. I Know The Trainer (8) J: Jon Grisedale (55kg) T: P A Smith	151	201	151	151	151	151
12. Sun Lily (16) J: Anthony Allen (55kg) T: Fleur Blanch	151	151	151	151	141	151
13. Waltz (2) J: Zac Lloyd (55kg) T: A J & T Edmonds
14. Wanjina Rose (10) J: Raymond Spokes (55kg) T: Brad Munro	18	19	19	19	16	21
15. Midnight Kisses (13) J: Ms Georgina Mcdonnell (55kg) T: Roy Franklin	151	201	151	151	221	151
16. Door Into Summer (3) J: Unknown (55kg) T: D Chujo

Odds Last Updated: July 8, 2021, 2:06pm (AEDT)

(3) Derani goes on top for me and maps for a perfect run compared to many of his main rivals here. The stable can produce a handy horse from time to time and I think this guy looks progressive enough. Happy to see him back to 1200m today where he has won previously and should enjoy the drying track.

(2) Buck Pharoah looks a horse on the rise and has been working through his grades nicely. Probably the best horse in this race but with a sticky gate and the current price I’m happy to oppose. Also think he might be a better wet tracker.

Tip: (3) Derani- $4.00 at Sportsbet

Betting Strategy: 2 unit WIN Derani

Race 5

Corbett Earthmoving Big Mdn (1175m)
2:40pm (AEDT)

Race 5 Corbett Earthmoving Big Mdn (1175m) 2:40pm (AEDT)
1. Anselmo (16) J: Ben Looker (59.5kg) T: B F Cavanough
2. Inari Fox (9) J: Ms Alysha Collett (59.5kg) T: S B Lee
3. Chaperone (13) J: Zac Lloyd (59kg) T: A J & T Edmonds
4. Fromthenevernever (12) J: Luke Rolls (59kg) T: Aiden Nunn	10	10	10	11	10.8	10
5. Amber Deluxe (6) J: Matthew Bennett (58kg) T: B J Dodson	9	9	9.5	9.5	8.9	9
6. Exhibitor (4) J: Matthew Mcguren (57.5kg) T: Daniel Bowen	13	15	15	15	14.4	15
7. Hyland Bay (14) J: Unknown (57.5kg) T: W Oakenfull
8. I Am A Beauty (1) J: Jaden Lloyd (57.5kg) T: Ms M Brosnan	2.6	2.6	2.6	2.6	2.55	2.5
9. Just Ziggy (8) J: Kirk Matheson (57.5kg) T: Colt Prosser	12	12	13	12	11.6	12
10. Feeling Friskee (17) J: Blaike Mcdougall (55.5kg) T: N J Osborne
11. Dreamawin (15) J: Jon Grisedale (55kg) T: D Simonetta	23	21	21	21	26.5	26
12. Illari (2) J: Christian Reith (55kg) T: S B Lee
13. Latin Dayz (7) J: Raymond Spokes (55kg) T: P A Smith	15	13	14	15	13.8	14
14. Senshi Spirit (18) J: Unknown (55kg) T: S B Lee
15. Ambridge (3) J: Aaron Bullock (59kg) T: T A Commerford	3.8	3.9	3.7	3.8	3.6	3.8
16. Ultimate Man (10) J: Andrew Mallyon (59kg) T: G J Howells	11	11	10	12	11.6	11
17. Latin Affair (11) J: Unknown (55kg) T: Allan Kehoe	51	61	51	51	59	61
18. Shukkas (5) J: Unknown (55kg) T: C R Manson	31	26	21	26	32	26

Odds Last Updated: July 8, 2021, 2:41pm (AEDT)

Race 6

Village Green Hotel Plate (C6) (1175m)
3:20pm (AEDT)

Race 6 Village Green Hotel Plate (C6) (1175m) 3:20pm (AEDT)
1. Golden Comet (2) J: Jeff Kehoe (60.5kg) T: Ms M De Gonneville	34	34	34	41	37	34
2. Banjo's Voice (14) J: Jon Grisedale (59kg) T: Donna Grisedale	15	16	16	16	16.4	16
3. Dr Demon (7) J: Aaron Bullock (59kg) T: R R Milligan	46	61	51	51	37	51
4. Dubai Tycoon (5) J: Ben Looker (59kg) T: B F Cavanough
5. Fair Dinkum (3) J: Zac Lloyd (59kg) T: M R Stitt	51	61	61	71	55	61
6. Lose The Snip (20) J: Jasper Franklin (59kg) T: Ms J Hardy	18	17	16	19	16.8	19
7. See It Thru (10) J: Christian Reith (59kg) T: S B Lee
8. The Drake (8) J: Ashley Morgan (59kg) T: Ms J Graham	11	11	11	12	11.8	11
9. Aheadofhistime (4) J: Jeff Penza (57.5kg) T: T G Hardy	61	67	67	81	53	61
10. Ice In Vancouver (11) J: Andrew Mallyon (56kg) T: Cody Morgan	1.65	1.75	1.6	1.65	1.74	1.6
11. Rari (16) J: Anthony Allen (56kg) T: Scott Henley	13	12	12	13	10	12
12. Unpredicted (1) J: Reece Jones (56kg) T: R P Northam	6	6	6	6.5	5.6	5.5
13. Campari Soda (19) J: Matthew Bennett (55.5kg) T: B J Ratcliff	81	91	91	126	101	81
14. Cassy's Sister (15) J: Ms Mikayla Weir (55.5kg) T: Troy O'neile	26	26	26	26	26.5	26
15. Northern Wilderose (12) J: Raymond Spokes (55.5kg) T: P A Smith	46	41	41	51	45	41
16. Supreme Diva (9) J: Luke Rolls (55kg) T: B D Bellamy	67	81	71	81	83	71
17. Atlantic City (17) J: Paul Timbery (59kg) T: Ms T Timbery	101	126	101	101	131	126
18. Blevio (18) J: Unknown (55.5kg) T: B J Dodson	81	81	81	81	83	81
19. Beat That (13) J: Unknown (57.5kg) T: B D Bellamy
20. Lord Jaysea (6) J: Unknown (57.5kg) T: R N Godbolt

Odds Last Updated: July 8, 2021, 3:21pm (AEDT)

Race 7

The Maclean Hotel Grafton Cup (2350m)
3:55pm (AEDT)

Race 7 The Maclean Hotel Grafton Cup (2350m) 3:55pm (AEDT)
1. Mirage Dancer (15) J: Aaron Bullock (60.5kg) T: T Busuttin & N Young	19	19	19	21	19.4	19
2. Wu Gok (2) J: Andrew Mallyon (57kg) T: C J Waller
3. Laure Me In (4) J: Jim Byrne (56.5kg) T: M J Dunn	9	9.5	9.5	9.5	10	10
4. Happy Go Plucky (5) J: Ms Stephanie Thornton (56kg) T: J A Gilmore	23	21	21	26	21.5	23
5. The Lord Mayor (8) J: Andrew Gibbons (54.5kg) T: C J Waller	23	21	21	21	17	23
6. Berdibek (13) J: Ms Alysha Collett (54kg) T: J A O'shea	4.2	4.2	4	4.2	4.05	4.2
7. Parry Sound (10) J: Michael Cahill (54kg) T: Bjorn Baker	7	7	6	6	6.8	6.5
8. Humbolt Current (7) J: Jeff Penza (54kg) T: C J Waller	27	26	26	31	24.5	26
9. Primitivo (1) J: Reece Jones (54kg) T: John Thompson	9.5	10	9.5	10	9.1	10
10. Purrfect Deal (6) J: Ben Thompson (54kg) T: Michael Costa	3.6	3.6	3.3	3.6	3.65	3.4
11. Windermere (11) J: Ben Looker (54kg) T: Edward O'rourke	35	41	41	41	43	41
12. Maid Of Ore (3) J: Blaike Mcdougall (54kg) T: N J Olive	34	34	31	41	34	34
13. Spencer (9) J: Christian Reith (54kg) T: Bjorn Baker	17	17	15	17	16.6	18
14. Commander Bell (12) J: Robbie Fradd (54kg) T: B A Partelle	31	31	31	34	35	31
15. Grand Anthem (14) J: Unknown (54kg) T: Ms C Rode

Odds Last Updated: July 8, 2021, 3:56pm (AEDT)

The highlight of the Carnival comes up here with another strong field assembled for the 2021 Grafton Cup. It looks a competitive race on paper and there is a couple of horses who I’m keen to have something on.

(10) Purrfect Deal goes on top and looks pretty hard to beat in my opinion. The stable went close in the Ramornie yesterday and this horse looks just as good a chance here today. Only missed the placings twice in 10 career starts with 6 wins to his name shows that he has some ability. Absolutely brained them in the Cup Prelude here two weeks ago and this looks like a target race for him today. The slight rise in trip suits and should be able to sit just off the speed and present with a run at the right time.

(6) Berdibek is a massive threat and if he drew a gate I’d have probably had him on top. Is on the quick backup today after a valiant run when carrying 66kg (!) on a wet Rosehill track on Saturday. Did well to finish as close as he did there and won’t know himself dropping 12kg today. Before that he ran a good 2nd behind Stockman and has the proven class to be competitive here. Will just need a back to follow and with any luck he’ll be going close.

(11) Windermere the one I could make a case for at double figures. Has been a money spinner for connections, having only missed the trifecta four times in 17 starts. She has been super consistent this prep running 3rd in all three runs and comes into this after a good performance behind Zayydani and Walking Flying who are handy enough. Will roll forward and take some catching.

(8) Humbolt Current can win on his best form but just not sure how well he is going. Wouldn’t shock if he showed up and gave this a shake however.

Pretty confident one of the top two in the market will be winning.

Tip: (10) Purrfect Deal - $4.45 at SportsBetting

Also Backing: (6) Berdibek - $4.20 at Bet365

Value: (11) Windermere - $26 at Sportsbet

Betting Strategy: 2 unit WIN Purrfect Deal, 1.5 unit WIN Berdibek, 0.25 unit WIN Windermere

Race 8

Sir James Kirby Hcp (1000m)
4:35pm (AEDT)

Race 8 Sir James Kirby Hcp (1000m) 4:35pm (AEDT)
1. Oakfield Twilight (10) J: Unknown (58kg) T: D Lane
2. I've Gotta Nel (2) J: Unknown (57kg) T: B J Lockwood
3. Jule's Spirit (1) J: Luke Rolls (55.5kg) T: J D Shelton	3.9	4	3.9	4	3.85	3.9
4. Remlaps Gem (12) J: Christian Reith (55kg) T: S I Singleton	1.9	1.95	1.85	1.95	2	1.95
5. One Stryke (11) J: Ms Lauren Abbott (55kg) T: Lauren Abbott
6. Attila (6) J: Ashley Morgan (55kg) T: Ms S Grills	12	13	13	13	11.6	13
7. Patriot (13) J: Raymond Spokes (55kg) T: J A Sprague	31	31	34	34	35	34
8. Removal (9) J: Matthew Mcguren (55kg) T: J A Sylvester	27	31	21	21	31	34
9. Lord Tony (4) J: Ms Mikayla Weir (55kg) T: Troy O'neile	12	12	9	12	11.8	13
10. Redcore (5) J: Jon Grisedale (55kg) T: B D Bellamy	34	34	31	31	41	41
11. Under The Thumb (17) J: Jeff Penza (55kg) T: Ms S Grills	51	61	61	61	59	61
12. Pearl Roan (8) J: Andrew Gibbons (55kg) T: S J Hodge	12	11	7.5	13	10.6	10
13. Trust Me (14) J: Robbie Fradd (55kg) T: B A Partelle	34	34	41	41	39	41
14. Adamdeeant (15) J: Reece Jones (55kg) T: A P Ball	26	31	31	31	30	34
15. Capannello (18) J: Blaike Mcdougall (55kg) T: V B Jones	91	126	101	101	131	126
16. The Drake (3) J: Unknown (55kg) T: Ms J Graham
17. Phoenix River (7) J: Unknown (55kg) T: Fleur Blanch
18. Midweek Hussler (16) J: Unknown (55kg) T: T Fletcher

Odds Last Updated: July 8, 2021, 4:36pm (AEDT)

Billy Bestford

Billy has been an avid racing fan ever since he and a few mates started a punters club once they turned 18. Following the initial punters clubs, he was properly hooked after landing a nice collect on Admire Rakti in the 2014 Caulfield Cup and has had a soft spot for Japanese horses ever since. Is a massive fan of 'blinkers first time' and has been known to enjoy a 'Hail Mary' multi. Loves punting across metro Sydney and Melbourne every Saturday but isn't scared to venture West late in the day to find a Pikey special.