Ratmail - Racing Tips & Analysis, 2nd July | Thebigtip

G’day punters!
 
Welcome to this week’s edition of Ratmail. This weekend sees us travel to the Valley, Rosehill Gardens, the Sunshine Coast and Belmont for a scattered array of tips. But first, let’s take a look back at what happened last week...
 
THE REVIEW

Well it wasn’t one of Ratmail’s finest days out with only 1 winner and an each way placing from 6 tips. Fortunately, the winner (Doubtful Jack) was labelled my bet of the day and cruised to an easy victory. He never even looked like being challenged! Briefed was the other money maker running a strong 3rd. He looked gone with 150m to go but then absolutely flew the last 150m to finish within a length of the winner. He was a dead set good thing beaten.
Of the rest, First Command dropped out to finish 12th, putting in the worst performance of his career. I haven’t heard the news but I presume something went amiss? Set For Fame had her chances but didn’t let down like we’d hoped. Should’ve stuck with Melito! What a super horse. Just wait til her conqueror More Joyous comes back to the track... Keano was very heavily backed on track but disappointed again. He’s becoming a bit of a money eater. Finally, Cheronbutch battled on for 4th but really didn’t let down like his past couple. His trainer insists he’s better on firm ground, regardless of his excellent wet track firm. Maybe that’s the excuse?

**Weekend Observation:  HAY LIST = FREAK.

Right, let’s get down to business and find some winners. Here’s a summary of this week’s best bets...
 
THE PREVIEW

Moonee Valley Race 6 – 2500m
There’s a horse in this race who is quickly becoming a superstar. Can you guess who it is? BLACK AND BENT (2) has won his last 6 on the trot and will make it 7 today. His form over the jumps and on the flat has been absolutely flawless of late taking home the easiest of victories. He can handle all tracks, gets stronger as the race goes on, stays out of trouble, and most importantly he wants to win! Whack me if I sound crazy here but on his recent form, there is no reason to suggest this horse couldn’t be aimed at a Melbourne Cup preparation. If not this year, then possibly next. There are very few horses that can run the last 400m of a 2-mile race like this bloke. $2.25 is generous and I’ll take it all day. LIGHT VISION (1) is the danger for mine. I really liked his last start, and if Rodd can have him dictating the pace again he might be hard to run down. On his best form, he’s definitely good enough for this.

**Back BLACK AND BENT (2) to win.
 
Moonee Valley Race 7 – 1500m
GHOSTMILK (2) proved me wrong last time she went around (I’d suggested she may have been overrated), but I won’t be fooled twice. She went on for the easiest of victories and I suspect she can do the same here today. Jake Noonan goes on board with the 3kg claim to drop her to 54.5kg, only 1.5 over the minimum. There isn’t a whole lot of stunning talent in this field and she seems to just be hitting her straps. Expect her to do the job today at short odds. JUSTSAY SUMTHINK (7) is probably the danger for mine at around $12, and a good one for the multiples. She ran 4th last time to our favourite but drops a couple of kg’s after the claim. As long as the track is wet, she should figure in the finish.

**Back GHOSTMILK (2) to win.
 
Rosehill Race 6 – 1400m
Underrated mare ILLUMINATES (3) gets in nicely here with 56.5kg and I think she can turn her form around to give us a good result at nice odds of $8. It was only 4 starts ago in April that this horse finished 2nd in a Group 1 WFA behind our soon-to-be ‘horse of the year’, Typhoon Tracy. If she can run even close to that form then she can win this easily. If the field stays at 8 runners then take her each way. If there’s a scratching then take the win. The rest of the field is quite even so I’d be searching for good value in this race.

**Back ILLUMINATES (3) each way.