Pakenham Preview & Best Bets - Thursday February 2
Gosford Preview & Best Bets – Thursday February 2
Gosford Tips 2/02/2023
Our form expert provides Gosford tips for today’s horse racing at Gosford Racecourse and gives his best bets.
BEST BET 🏆
Race 1: No.1 MISTER HEMSWORTH ($2.10 with TAB)
The Annabel Neasham-trained MISTER HEMSWORTH is third-up today and gives every indication he is the one to beat in this contest. Last start, the New Approach gelding made it consecutive podium finishes when he grabbed third prize in a Wyong Maiden over 1350m. Travelling wide all the way, he was beaten less than half a length as he covered the last 600m, 3.2 lengths slower than benchmark, the best last-start effort here. Drawn better today in gate four, he maps to settle closer to the fence (with cover) and has Brett Prebble on board for the first time. With a trouble-free run here, he should prove hard to hold out.
NEXT BEST 🥈
Race 4: No.1 VEGAS RAIDER ($2.60 with Ladbrokes)
Warwick Farm galloper VEGAS RAIDER makes his track debut today and is overdue for a win this preparation. Last start, the Invader gelding put on his best performance this time in when he beat all but one home in a BM72 Hcp over 1000m on his home track. He ran a new personal best that day, covering the trip, 3 lengths quicker than benchmark, also the best in this field by 3 lengths. This is a big drop in grade and he has to carry extra weight but Kerrin McEvoy sticks with him and he should prove hard to keep out in this contest.
BEST VALUE 💰
Race 8: No.10 DIAMOND HANDS ($7 with BlueBet)
It’s the moment of truth for the Bjorn Baker-trained DIAMOND HANDS today but he has the ability to take this one out. Last start, the Counterattack gelding was second-up and came from last to finish mid-field, beaten just over two lengths in a BM64, here over 1100m. Although missing the money that day, he ran the trip out, 3.2 lengths quicker than benchmark, the best in this field and a new personal best for him. He’s had no luck here in three visits and Rachal King is also looking for her first taste of success after three previous rides but third-up and fitter today, he can turn the corner in this company. In from $11 overnight, there is money for him and he still (currently) represents good value with the bagmen.
