Sandown Preview & Best Bets - Wednesday July 19
Gawler Wednesday 19 July
Our form expert provides Gawler tips for today’s horse racing at Gawler Racecourse and gives his best bets.
Gawler 19/07/2023
BEST BET 🏆
Race 5 No. 6 EMINENCIA – ($5.25)
Jason Holder will have to overcome a tricky wide draw to win at Gawler Racecourse on Wednesday aboard EMINENCIA. The pressure doesn’t look all that hot on paper while training duo Gary & Dean Alexander will be hopeful that Eminencia can step away cleanly. Their mare does have a habit of being slightly slow once hitting the ground before being able to muster into a position. Eminencia seemed to handle the tight turning Parks track when resuming over 1250 metres two starts ago. She led well into the straight before condition gave out to finish less than four lengths off the winner. Comes out of a strong form race with her next start when inclined to hang badly up the Gifford Hill straight. Should be ready to peak now at her third run and prove hard to get past should Holder be able get rolling early.
NEXT BEST 🥈
Race 2 No. 10 VELVET STAR – ($16.20)
Race fitness could prove the deciding factor as local sprinter VELVET STAR sets out to upset the odds-on favourite Sixteen Candles. Velvet Start had been forward in winning two barrier trials while recording respectable time at Murray Bridge. Velvet Star appeared to be the only pace on paper when resuming and she did lead the field in a merry dance. Only the highly fancied Wally West could make the successful chase and the pair left a margin back to the rest. The mare could not find the front from an awkward gate here last time and will pay to forgive. Should roll forward from the inside gate on Wednesday and can improve with those two runs under her belt.
BEST VALUE 💰
Race 3 No. 1 EXALTED KATE ($10)
Top apprentice Codi Jordan may just announce her arrival in SA on Wednesday aboard the Jon O’Connor trained EXALTED KATE. This race looks to set up well for Exalted Kate and Jordan is not one to miss out when there’s half an opportunity about. Codi partnered the mare as she took her first race ride in her adoptive state three weeks ago as Exalted Kate finished third at Balaklava. The pair were forced to take the field up to the tearaway leader who ran them along over 1300 metres. Exalted Kate did have enough late and still managed to battle away for a minor placing. Looks good pressure up front here again and Exalted Kate should gain the gun-run in behind that speed early.
