Wagga Preview & Best Bets - Tuesday January 17
Oakbank Preview & Best Bets – Wednesday January 18
Our form expert provides Oakbank tips for today’s horse racing at Oakbank and gives his best bets.
Oakbank Tips 18/01/2023
BEST BET 🏆
Race 1 No. 2 GMORK – ($2.90)
Former Victorian trained galloper GMORK was sent around as a popular elect when racing here last week. The support had come off the back of an improved showing when racing second-up in a 1600 metre maiden at Strathalbyn. Todd Pannell gave him the run of the race during that maiden with Gmork finishing off late to run into the placings. We were happy to bet around Gmork at Oakbank then by following proven track specialist Always Sometimes. Gmork seemed to race on his wrong leg for much of that Strathalbyn run which had us thinking we could risk him here. He actually handled the downhill run beautifully, just had some trouble finding clear galloping room. The extra trip on Wednesday suits, and Gmork should be ready to show his best.
NEXT BEST 🥈
Race 4 No. 4 SASUN – ($8.50)
Barry & Ali Brook can land another win on their home track with the grand old galloper SASUN. We’ll go off his win against similar opposition two starts back when racing at Strathalbyn. Alana Livesey settled him well back off some good speed that day before edging into it as they raced up the side. Livesey had a handful of horse on turning as Sasun put paid to his opposition into the straight. Has had another run at Murray Bridge since and is now well weighted back to Oakbank.
BEST VALUE 💰
Race 5 No. 8 MAIDEN GRACE – ($12)
Pace without pressure may prove the key to success for MAIDEN GRACE who seemed to handle the downhill run here last start. The Port Lincoln trained mare was racing around Oakbank for the first time in her career and we’re happy to follow off the back of that run. Lizzie Annells hunted her out of the gates early as to be expected before allowing her to balance up into the straight and shooting for home. Maiden Grace appeared to have enough inside the furlong though kept finding to finish within a neck of the winner. The extra 50 metres in trip shouldn’t hurt as Lizzie can to allow Maiden Grace to establish her own rhythm out of the gates without pressure.
