Horse racing returns to Hawkesbury this Thursday, with a tough seven race card ahead for punters.
The track is currently rated a Soft 6 and with sunshine forecast for the western Sydney region, look for an upgrade prior to the first race.
The rail is in the True position, so expect the winners to be coming from close to the pace and on the rail early, before evening out later in the day.
Josh steered punters into Picaro at Randwick Kensington on Wednesday, paying $6.50 top tote!
You can subscribe to free alerts every time he posts tips by following him here.
From the stewards
The runner which stands out for me in the stewards report is Hit The Rim in race 7.
The son of Unencumbered hasn't raced since September last year, but has since been gelded and had trials in preparation for this.
After a strong debut win over talented galloper Peak, he was then sent to town where he ran 4.3 lengths behind the promising Standout.
On that occasion, he was slow to begin before being crowded for room soon after. He had to be steadied when he was tightened for room in the straight and wasn't tested over the concluding stages.
The gelding has been given a great lead-up to this race following a 800m and 900m trial, and punters should expect a huge run at nice each way odds.
Jockey to follow
Koby Jennings has great starts at Hawkesbury.
Jennings has had 24 rides here in the past 12 months, winning 6 at a strike rate of 25%.
The hoop is booked for just one ride, which comes in race 1 on Haunting Spirit.
I've identified 3-races at Thursday's meeting that represent good betting opportunities. Below is my best bet on the card and my quaddie numbers.
For today's full tip package and runner comments, click here.
This Maher & Eustace runner gets his chance to crack his maiden in a much easier grade here.
He is returning from a 123-day break after kicking off his career with two runs, the first of which came in the Group 3 Breeders Plate at Randwick last Spring.
He ran 2.4 lengths fifth in that hit-out, finishing behind some good horses including the talented Waterhouse/Bott trained galloper Postcode.
In February, he then had his second career start at Doomben where he ran fourth behind star galloper Rothfire.
He's since been gelded and given the one trial in preparation for this first-up tilt, and gets big time hoop Glen Boss to ride.
He looks ideally placed under the set-weight conditions, carrying only 57kg.
From the draw, expect Bossy to go forward and sit prominently throughout the race before making the race his own in the straight.
I expect this galloper to look the winner a fair way from home and prove far too good for his rivals.
Race 4: 1
Race 5: 1, 3, 5, 8, 9
Race 6: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Race 7: 2, 3, 4, 5, 7