3 minute read

Back to The Valley and back to weight-for-age for Imperatriz.

Group One racing continues in Melbourne on Saturday with the William Reid bringing the Newmarket trifecta and the Oakleigh Plate quinella.

That all sounds very nice and competitive and it can certainly be so, but the race is headlined by last year's winner Imperatriz who ran to 124 to do so, remaining unbeaten until last start in the Newmarket.

On ratings, her Newmarket run was good. Very good really, and just as good as what she'd been doing prior, she just bumped into one with a strong pull at the weights who showed up on the day.

She now meets said horse, Cylinder, at weight-for-age, and comes out clearly on top in that scenario. Really, any of her runs in the past year should win this race. She's back to The Valley which I think she goes best at and considering the started $1.60 to beat Private Eye in the Lightning, $1.80 here is probably pretty good shopping.

That said, it's the easy way out and for the best bet we'll instead look to her Tangerine teammate in Campionessa.

She won the Peter Young last time, beating a pair of Melbourne Cup winners, and rather than step up to the Australian Cup, Te Akau have placed her very well, dropping back to a mile in the Sunline Stakes.

Three of Campionessa's last four runs have been at a level good enough to win this and she's got a length or two on most of the established mares in this field. Roll On High is the three-year-old with the profile to challenge, but she's going to give the Kiwi a headstart and will need a new peak. The $3.50 with market leaders bet365 looks appealing.

Struggled to find a push for one at odds but the other horse I'm keenest to back on the card is Strawberry Rock in Race 3. This isn't a strong race and his past two starts have been very good.

I like backing horses at the top of the weights that already rate highest which is what he does, and if Melham can land him just a bit closer in the run, he should be too strong for them late.
 

THE bet365 MELBOURNE MAIL

Bet of the day: Race 5 #1 Campionnessa at $3.50 with bet365*

Also backing: Race 3 #1 Strawberry Rock at $3.50 with bet365*

*Odds correct at 12:45pm, 21/3/24

As usual, bet365 have a range of promotions for Saturday's racing and this week's Mega Boost is IMPERATRIZ to win the William Reid Stakes ($1.65 > $2.50)!

(Boost prices available from 10am Saturday– prices subject to change/singles only/max stakes apply/eligible customers only)

What are you really gambling with? For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.