Add CategoryMITCH Freedman believes his smart three-year-old colt BRAVO TANGO (R8, No. 10, $3) won’t find the 1200m too short in the Group 3 Manfred Stakes at Caulfield on Saturday.
At his first run back from a spell, Bravo Tango rocketed home for third behind outstanding sprinters Nature Strip and Prezado over 1100m at Flemington.
THE EARLY OIL: CAULFIELD
“1200m isn’t a concern for him,” Freedman said. “It’s a nice step up from his first-up run.”
Freedman said his main worry was how Bravo Tango would handle Caulfield for the first time. “It can be a tricky track with it’s tight turns,” he said.
Freedman said the first-up run was what he expected from his colt, who opened at $3.20 and has firmed into $3 favourite for the Manfred Stakes.
BEST BET
SNITTY KITTY (R6, No. 3, $1.85)
Flying mare who wasn’t far from breaking the 1000m course record when she last appeared with a win in the Group 2 Caulfield Stakes. Her trainer Henry Dwyer said she’s improved this time in.
NEXT BEST
TWITCHY FRANK (R3, No. 2, $2.70)
Carries the same weight as she did last start at Flemington when she led throughout to win and record the fastest of four 1400m races on the program. From barrier two she should take catching again.
VALUE BET
ENNIS HILL (R2, No. 6, $5.50)
Blinkers go on first time on this filly who is rated highly by the Lindsay Park team. Her debut was sound running on strongly. Look for improvement.
BEST BETTING MOVE
I DID IT AGAIN (R8, No. 9)
He opened at $9.50 but constant support has seen him shorten into $4.20. The biggest bet has been $1000 win at $8.50.
PARIS ROCK (R3, No. 3) has firmed from $3.50 into $2.80.
THE TRAINER
TONY MCEVOY
ARISTOCRATIC MISS (R1, No. 4, $4.80)
“She’s better than her last start suggests. I rate her as a genuine winning chance.”
KINKY BOOM (R1, No. 5, $2.30)
“I rate her up there with my best. She’s had a big week with the trial on Monday and travelling over on Thursday. If she’s handled that she’ll be hard to beat.”
LOGAN RIVER (R2, No. 3, $5.50)
“I’ve got a good opinion of him and his two starts aren’t a genuine representation of his ability as one was on a wet track and then he didn’t handle the Sydney way. He’s got blinkers on first time and he’s ready to fire.”