Gunnedah Tips Monday July 4
Grafton Tips Tuesday July 5
Grafton Tips 05/07/2022
Our form expert previews Tuesday’s meeting at Grafton Racecourse and gives his best bets.
BEST BET 🏆
Race 4: No. 5 BOLD CONTENDER ($3.80 Ladbrokes)
Local galloper BOLD CONTENDER lines up here shooting for a hat-trick and eying-off a start in next week’s cp, looks the one to beat again today. Last start, the Ocean Park gelding made light work of a BM66 Hcp at Coffs Harbour when he took out the 2015m contest by more than two lengths over the line. With Ben Looker aboard, he came from last to collect the chocolates that day, looking impressive as he won with plenty to spare. He ran the last 600m, 2.6 lengths quicker than benchmark, the best in this field and posted the fastest final 800m to 200m sectionals for the race as well. Ben Looker sticks with him for today’s challenge and given a trouble-free run, he can take this Prelude out.
NEXT BEST 🥈
Race 7: No. 6 FIGHTING MAGNUS ($2.80 Ladbrokes)
Coffs Harbour visitor FIGHTING MAGNUS sees the Grafton track for the first time today and second-up looks in the mix for victory. Last start, the Fighting Sun gelding came off an 11-week break and clearly in need of the run, finished mid-field in a Highway Class 2 over 1400m at Randwick. Whilst never looking likely (against the more seasonal runners), he still hit the line well, doing his best work over the final 100 metres. From nine career starts, he has found the podium on six occasions and looks a promising type. Placed second-up previously, he can score a Guineas start with a good run here and fitter today, he looks a genuine winning chance in this line-up.
BEST VALUE 💰
Race 6: No. 3 PUERTO RICO ($3 Neds)
Brett Cavanough saddles-up PUERTO RICO here who returns after a medical set-back last start and if he is on his game today, looks the one to beat. On a Heavy 8 at Muswellbrook last start, the Dream Ahead gelding was second-up off a lengthy 21-week absence when he took on a Class 2 at Muswellbrook over the 1450m trip. Leading and looking good on straightening, he quickly shortened stride and finished last of the ten runners, 12 lengths from the winner. He was diagnosed with cardiac arrythmia after the race. He has trialled at Scone since, finishing third. The bagmen are taking no chances with him, listing him as favourite for this race. If he has overcome his problems, he should be fighting fit for this with the two runs behind him now and a winner third-up las preparation, he may take catching today.
