Mackay Preview & Best Bets – Tuesday August 23
Mackay Tips 23/08/2022
Our form expert provides Mackay tips for today’s horse racing at Mackay Racecourse and gives his best bets.
BEST BET 🏆
Race 6: No.3 AHOOSHU ($1.80 with Neds)
Rockhampton galloper AHOOSHU is a three-time winner here and lines-up today looking the best on the program. Last start, the Better Than Ready gelding found one just a little stronger on the day when he finished second in Open company over 1100m on his home track. He ran that out, 1.2 lengths slower than benchmark, more than 6 lengths better than his rivals in this event. He has drawn the outside gate (9) today but has the early gate speed to overcome that and maps to settle on-speed. Chris Whiteley has been aboard for five of his eight career victories and has the job again today. He looks the goods here and will take a ton of beating.
NEXT BEST 🥈
Race 4: No.3 WILD WIND ($2.50 with bet365)
Mt. Isa galloper WILD WIND makes the 1,200klm trek to Mackay today and boasting a solid track record, looks right in the mix in this company. Last start, the I Am Invincible gelding travelled to Townsville where he was resuming off a lengthy five-month break and just missed the glory when he beat all but one to the line in a Class 3 Hcp over the 1000m sprint. He covered the trip, 3 lengths slower than benchmark, still the best here. Nathan Thomas was aboard that day and boasting four podium finishes from five previous rides, sticks with the five-year-old here. Ideally drawn in gate two, he maps to settle just behind the speed (possibly box-seating) and fitter for that Townsville run, should prove hard to hold out today.
BEST VALUE 💰
Race 5: No.8 SHALUNA ($3.00 with Ladbrokes)
The Clinton Taylor-trained SHALUNA is a track specialist who looks ideally placed here and will take beating today. Last start, the Shalaa mare came off a good win at Rockhampton when she beat all but one home in a BM55 Hcp, here over 1100m. She covered that trip, 5.2 lengths slower than benchmark, still the best in this field. Tahlia Fenlon has had success with her previously and has the reins again today. Ideally drawn in gate two, the mare maps to settle on speed. She is yet to miss a podium finish here after three starts at the track and gets every chance again today to keep that record intact.