Stony Creek Preview & Best Bets – 09/01/2024

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

Stony Creek Tips 09/01/2024

BEST BET 🏆   

Race 8 No. 3 MACHINIST – ($3.60) 

MACHINIST can just about make it a hat-trick of wins when he steps out in Race 7. The four-year-old claimed his maiden at Mornington two starts ago before heading to Moe and winning by two lengths ahead of Moonlight Rustler in this grade on December 8 over the 1000m. He was posted wide that day but found plenty. The 3rd horse home has since brained them at Yarra Valley and the son of Lord Of The Sky comes in with the best last start benchmark figures of any runner. Logan Bates rides and claims the 3kg. He partnered him two starts ago and the pair save ground from the inside barrier. 

NEXT BEST 🥈   

Race 5 No. 3  VAN ROY-  ($5) 

VAN ROY can go close in Race 5. The well-travelled galloper was placed at his first three runs this preparation and was 3rd at Caulfield two starts ago before tackling a BenchMark 76 race at Morphettville on December 30 over the 1200m, finishing 5th behind Grinzinger Prince. He led in that race before fading late. This looks easier and he comes in with the best last start benchmark figures of any runner, while the five-year-old has the speed to cross from the wide barrier in the early stages.