Balaklava Preview & Best Bets – 17/04/2024

Our form expert provides Balaklava tips for today’s horse racing at Balaklava Racecourse and gives his best bets.  

Balaklava Tips 17/04/2024

BEST BET 🏆   

Race 6 No. 9 HOOKED ON WEALTH ($6.50)

There should be enough pace going on up front for Jake Toeroek to get in somewhere on HOOKED ON WEALTH. The horse comes to Balaklava Racecourse third-up following two runs at higher grade in Murray Bridge. Raced back and wide off an even tempo before finishing off steadily for third over 1000m behind Startide. Slow into stride before making ground to follow the winner off a slow tempo at his next start over 900m. Egyptian Tycoon found plenty to the line while Hooked On Wealth battled on gamely back towards the inside. Hasn’t been beaten far against strong opposition and should get the race run to suit on Wednesday.

NEXT BEST 🥈   

Race 5 No. 3 PLAISIR ($4.80)

John Kissick goes to track and distance specialist PLAISIR as trainers John Hickmott and Carrina Riggs plot to turn the tables on Chosen Miss. We were on Plaisir in a return to form when the horse led everywhere except the line three starts ago. That race was also run over this track and trip with Chosen Miss following Plaisir into the straight. Plaisir came away from that mare only to succumb to the finishing burst of subsequent city winner Master Of Zerprise. Chosen Miss settled much further back as Plaisir attempted to lead all the way at their next meeting in Strathalbyn. She had him done inside the 100m with Plaisir kicking strongly to make her earn the win. Plaisir meets her 3kg better off while coming back to race on his favourite deck.

BEST VALUE 💰   

Race 4 No. 5 I TELL YA WHAT ($7)

Winkers go on first time to I TELL YA WHAT who can be dangerous this grade should Todd Pannell find some room. I Tell Ya What is a big bulky sort who we believe can continue to improve with racing. Comes into this third-up off two runs this time in over 1000m at Murray Bridge and 1200m in Gawler. I Tell Ya What caught the eye behind Toi Et Moi when getting back on resumption to close out with a fast last 600m. Pannell had no option but to get right back from the extreme outside alley at Gawler. Dodd led from start to finish off an even tempo on a leader dominated track. His mount became awkwardly placed on heels at the furlong while making steady ground out wide. Rise to 1300m looks ideal and I Tell Ya What can be dangerous should he find enough space to move.