16/7/20 Best horse racing tips today

Gosford hosts a strong wide open eight-race card on Thursday, which offers plenty of value for punters.

The track is currently rated a Heavy 8 and fine weather is forecast for the central coast region. 

The rail is in the 3m position from the 1100m to the winning post and true for the remainder of the circuit.

At this set-up, expect on-pace runners to hold an advantage early before the inside starts to chop out later in the day. 

From the stewards

The horse that stands out in the pre-steward's report is Controlthewitness, who lines up in race 5.  

The Star Witness gelding ran a very solid race last start at Newcastle, finishing 1.7 length third.

He was slow to begin in that clash, before being held up rounding the home turn and in the early stages of the home straight.

With even luck in the run, I expect him to be right in the finish today. 

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Jockey to follow

Brenton Avdulla has great stats at Gosford.

In the past 12 months, Avdulla has ridden here 33 times for 8 wins at a 24% strike rate.

The gun hoop has 3 rides today, with his best chance coming in race 5 on Azarmin.

I've identified 3-races on today's card that represent good betting opportunities.

Below is my best bet and quaddie numbers. For my full tip package and runner comments, click here.

Gosford Race 8 Tip #3 Fantasy Eagle $3.25

The Zacinto gelding was mighty impressive at Taree last start and looks set to make it back-to-back wins here.

He sat just off behind the pace in the 1200m event, before surging past the well-fancied Cool Missile.

He's well in at the weights after the 3kg claim of Stacey Metcalfe, carrying only 56kg. The gelding remains at the 1200m, a distance he clearly likes (3:2-1-0) and from barrier 4 he should get every possible chance.

Expect Metcalfe to be positive from the gates to stalk the leaders, before peeling off them and flying hard in the straight.

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