Gawler Preview & Best Bets – Saturday 20 January 

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

Gawler Tips 20/01/2024

BEST BET 🏆   

Race 5 No. 6 ROCKSTAR MEGGSY – ($3.70) 

Trainer Jon O’Connor removed the blinkers from ROCKSTAR MEGGSY who put herself into a more forward position during a recent barrier trial. She drew poorly for her first-up assignment over 1000 metres on the Parks track. Jason Holder eventually managed to find cover towards the rear of the field before peeling as the widest on straightening. Rockstar Meggsy rattled home along the outer part of the track to miss out in a photo. They ran quickly through the early part while also running home with a sharp last 600 metres. Rockstar Meggsy settled handier off an even tempo when racing second-up over this trip at Murray bridge. Bolted in for a soft win that day and has drawn ideally while we believe this race will be run at a similar tempo.

NEXT BEST 🥈   

Race 8 No. 1 MIGHTY SAPPHIRE – ($3.20)

Local training duo Aaron Bain & Ned Taylor are chasing a hattrick of wins with MIGHTY SAPPHIRE who is a recent acquisition to their stable. Settled towards the back of midfield as Jacob Opperman gave him a peach of a ride to burst between horses into the straight and win. They ran okay time for that midweek metro race at Morphettville before stepping up to Saturday grade last time. Opperman had the race run to suit as he again allowed Mighty Sapphire to settle back in the field. He brought his mount to the outer part of the track where Mighty Sapphire let down to run a fast last 600m and win again. Mighty Sapphire has drawn low on Saturday and will be hard to hold out should Opperman find clear air into the straight.

BEST VALUE 💰   

Race 3 No. 1 APACHE STAR – ($5.50) 

Phillip Stokes went close to landing a first-up win with APACHE STAR who had a stop-start campaign last prep. Apache Star found a comfortable lead without any pressure as Kayla Crowther allowed him to run along at a good clip. The stablemate Kermie got it just as easy in following him throughout. She did have the benefit of a run under her belt and clearly enjoyed having a bunny to chase. Apache Stat made her earn the win when he dug deep once headed inside the 100m to almost nail Kermie on the line. Apache Star went into the #SABlackbookers file on the back of that run and has since put two straight wins together. Led in track record time before knocking up during his latest run at Gifford Hill. Far better suited here around Gawler and will give them something to chase.