Doomben Preview & Best Bets – 18/05/2024

Doomben Tips for Saturday, May 18

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

BEST BET 🏆

Race 5:  No.11  GRINGOTTS

Unbeaten in two starts this preparation, the Ciaron Maher-trained GRINGOTTS looks well placed here and ready to continue on his winning way in this contest. Last start, the well-bred Per Incanto gelding franked his first-up win by going back-to-back at Tamworth where he took out a 1400m Hcp in fine style. His consistency is his biggest weapon, boasting six wins and five minor placings from his 12 starts to date. Jamie Kah steers the ship here with the four-year-old stepping up to the mile trip for the second time, having already won his first attempt at the distance. In exceptionally good form, he looks the one to beat here.

NEXT BEST 🥈

Race 4:  No.2  SPIRIT RIDGE

The Annabel Neasham-trained SPIRIT RIDGE is second-up here and going on his best form, looks right in this contest. Last preparation, the Irish-sired gelding was in great touch finishing second in the Group 1 Metropolitan Hcp behind just fine until he weakened badly to finish down the track in the Caulfield Cup last year. Then last start, he resumed off a six-month absence and wasn’t disgraced when finishing fourth in the Listed Wagga Gold Cup over 2000m. That was a good warm-up for this event and he is joined by James McDonald for the second time. He is a two-time winner when third-up and will do no early here after drawing gate one. Already a two-time Group 3 winner, he can get the job done here.

BEST VALUE 💰 

Race 1:  No.6  RISING PACIFIC 

The Tony Gollan-trained RISING PACIFIC has been knocking on the door at his past three starts and now looks ready to win. Last start, the Preferment gelding came in as the bridesmaid again when he beat all but one home in a BM78 over the mile at Eagle Farm. Now four starts into this preparation, he should be at his peak for this contest and has Melbourne jockey Jamie Kah on board for the ride. Already a winner here and ideally drawn in gate four, a trouble-free run can see him saluting.