Ascot Preview & Best Bets - Wednesday, February 15
Strathalbyn Preview & Best Bets – Wednesday, February 15
Our form expert provides Strathalbyn tips for today’s horse racing at Strathalbyn and gives his best bets.
Strathalbyn Tips 15/02/2023
BEST BET 🏆
Race 5 No. 1 STAR ESPRESSO – ($2.80)
Sharp apprentice Felicity Atkinson will need to overcome a low-percentage draw to get STAR ESPRESSO over the line. Barrier one is often less than ideal on the tighter Strathalbyn circuit, however, may play a role in suiting Star Expresso here. She’s the obvious class in a midweek fillies and mares’ race and so has been tasked with lumping 60 kilos. Barend Vorster rode her at metro level two back when following En Francais into the run over 1400 metres. Star Expresso chased gamely in that race at Murray Bridge to finish second while En Francais impressed in town again over the weekend.
NEXT BEST 🥈
Race 7 No. 2 COMFORT GIRL – ($7)
Returning stayer COMFORT GIRL can often pull out a run while fresh and will give these plenty to think about late. Trainer Shayne Cahill has stable apprentice Caitlin Tootell gunning for her first winner, and she can land by descending upon them late. Comfort Girl appeared to be forward during a recent jumpout with two other horses here at Strathalbyn. Her best may be over further; however, Comfort Girl possesses a superior turn-of-foot. There’s not a lot of pace in this race so we would expect to see this field packing on turning. Comfort Girl might simply be close enough to win as Tootell brings her as the widest on straightening.
BEST VALUE 💰
Race 8 No. 7 GENERAL MINT – ($8)
We placed GENERAL MINT into the #SABlackbookers file earlier this prep and he has raced consistently since. Last start in town was perhaps the only real blemish to his record as General Mint just seemed to go through the motions a bit. He did find those city horses a bit too sharp for him over 1000 metres on the Parks track. That’s probably not his go at this point in his prep and he’ll appreciate the extra furlong back on his home deck. This is also easier than recent assignments, and General Mint can put in an improved showing while back in grade.
