Pakenham Preview & Best Bets – 18/01/2024

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

Pakenham Tips 18/01/2024

BEST BET 🏆   

Race 1 No. 1 PLUS FOURS ($1.85) 

PLUS FOURS gets his chance in the opener at Pakenham. The Phillip Stokes-trained galloper has finished runner-up at Caulfield at his past two starts with the most recent of those coming in a BenchMark 70 behind Mrs Chrissie over the 1100m. He went 5.2 lengths faster than standard benchmark in that race, which is the best last start figure of any runner. The son of Cable Bay has chalked up his two career wins at Pakenham and had excuses on what was a mad leader track at his only other run here. Damian Lane rides and strikes at 24% when combining with the stable, providing a 37% profit on turnover for punters. 

NEXT BEST 🥈   

Race 7 No. 2  THE CLAIMANT ($3.60) 

THE CLAIMANT can go close in Race 7. Another from the Michael Kent yard, the five-year-old resumed in a BenchMark 70 on New Year’s Day at Flemington and was solid in the run home to place 3rd behind Magnupur. He was tried over longer trips at his last preparation but was unable to break through. His best performances have come over the mile with a win and two placings from four starts. A firmer in the early betting, the son of Helmet draws barrier 5 with Blaike McDougall to ride. 

BEST VALUE 💰   

Race 6 No. 10 HIGH SECURITY ($7) 

KISSED EARTH is worth a bit of thought in Race 6. The Michael Kent-trained galloper made her debut at Geelong on December 27 over the 1347m and stuck on well off what was a solid tempo to finish 5th behind Some Sheila. That experience should hold her in good stead for this and the daughter of Universal Ruler comes in with the best last start benchmark figures of any runner, while she draws to enjoy a nice sit from barrier 5.