Ballarat plays host to a strong nine race card this Saturday, with the Listed Ballarat Cup the feature race of the day.
The track is currently rated a Good 4 and the rail is situated in the true position.
Word on the street is that punters could be in for an afternoon plagued with leader bias, so keep a keen eye on the first few races to see if that pattern plays out.
Both of my best bets will be suited by this predicted bias so if it's apparent, bet accordingly.
Ballarat Race 3 Tip #1 Shelby Cobra $1.80
This gelding was extremely impressive at Flemington last start. He defeated the talented Tommy Gold by 1 length in that clash, with a 2.2 length gap to third and 4.7 lengths back to fourth.
The top three from that race all have a bright future and I expect that form-line to hold up on Saturday.
He sticks at the 1400m (2:2-0-0) and gets the services of regular rider Mark Zahra, who jumps back aboard.
From barrier 5, Zahra can sit on-speed before producing the son of Toronado on turning for home and proving far too good.
He looks the best bet across the country and if he gets out beyond $2, I'll be betting again.
Ballarat Race 10 Tip #7 Yao Dash $4.40
There was solid support for this gelding when first-up, before he ran an admirable fourth down the Flemington straight.
He drops significantly in grade from a Listed race to a BM84 and only goes up 2kg for his troubles.
This horse could go one of two ways. He could produce an effort similar to what we saw second-up at his first prep, where he beat Funstar over 1300m at Randwick. Or, the horse could show that he's well and truly past his best and ready to be sent to a new home.
The money that came for him last start suggests he's doing well at home, so I'm happy to stick with him and trust the stable have him cherry ripe for this.
He'll jump, lead and if sound, will prove extremely hard to run down!