Moruya Preview & Best Bets – 20/08/2023

Moruya Tips for Sunday, August 20

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

BEST BET 🏆

Race 3:  No.2  BLUE GROTTO  ($4 with Palmerbet)

The locally-trained BLUE GROTTO is in top-shelf form this preparation and looks set to bring up the hat-trick today. Last start, the Kaphero gelding came off a Class 1 victory at Goulburn when he made it two straight by taking out a Class 2 Hcp over 1000m at the Sapphire Coast. Nick Heywood was aboard on both occasions and has steered the five-year-old to all three career wins to date. This is his first look at the Moruya track but he has Heywood sticking with him and with a trouble-free run today, he can make it three on the trot in this contest.

NEXT BEST 🥈

Race 2:  No.3  JESSANDI  ($3.50 with Ladbrokes)

The Kerry Parker-trained JESSANDI has been thereabouts at her past couple and down in grade today, looks a serious contender in this contest. Last start, the Casino Prince mare was caught wide most of the way but still finished strongly to grab fourth prize in a BM64 Hcp over the mile at Newcastle, beaten just half a length on the line. Jess Del Frari has ridden the five-year-old to both career-wins to date and returns here for today’s assignment. Already a winner here, she draws well in gate six and up against easier company today, she looks in the mix for a win.

BEST VALUE 💰 

Race 6:  No.6  ICONIC DAME  ($4.40 with bet365)

Local galloper ICONIC DAME is third-up today and has shown enough to suggest she can give this contest a real shake. Last start, the Nicconi mare was second-up and made the podium when finishing third in a BM64 over 1200m at Kembla Grange. Slowly away, she settled mid-field and ran home well to grab the minor prize. Jean Van Overmeire has his second ride on the five-year-old today who looks set peak after two runs back. She gets the gun-run and all the favours from gate one here and should take beating.