NEXT UP

It's John Letts Cup Day in Adelaide on the weekend where a competitive field of 12 are engaged to tackle the 1 1⁄8 m Listed contest.

Likely due to a prizemoney increase, the feature this year has attracted a much deeper field to create one of the finer editions of the Cup (previously Tokyo City Cup), at least certainly in recent times. Perhaps, the straight-line justification for that argument is the fact that last year's winner Morty ($11), sits atop the weights as a $71+ chance.

Looking to keep the Cup in its home state are talented gallopers like race favourite Party Princess from the Andrew Gluyas yard, Pudding (R & C Jolly), and Silent Surrente (W Clarken & N O'Shea). They will be facing a fierce challenge from cross border rivals such as Phillip Stokes's consistent five-year-old Arran Bay, who comes through the time-honoured G3 Coongy Cup, and his former stablemate Watadeel; a recent addition to Annabel Neasham barn who sets up as this week's value play.

As forementioned, Watadeel has experienced a change of scenery in his 17-days between runs after closing off strongly at Caulfield to narrowly miss the frame. An impressive winner fresh, this four-year-old son of Dundeel hasn't enjoyed much luck of late, continuing to find himself tangled up in traffic at crucial stages of the race.

Treated to a much kinder gate this time and with how fast he's been finishing, the rise in trip looks to suit Watadeel right down the ground and with a sprinkle of luck I see him taking the strongest strides at the business end.

As for the bet365 best bet of the day, we look earlier in the card where I'm keen on the chances of G Richards & D Moyle's up-and-coming stable star Bristler.

Tasked with the challenge of knocking off firm public elect Sghirripa ($1.90), it won't be the first time the pair have locked horns – with the favourite saluting by 0.9L in Bristler's debut back in May. Bristler as to be expected took significant improvement from that hit out and went onto score two handsome wins to close his maiden campaign, shouldering heavy market support in both.

Cruising to the line under a vice grip hold from Lachlan Neindorf in his trial win here in readiness, it appears Bristler has taken all the right steps forward during his break.

Aside from the benefit of race experience, further confidence comes from Bristler meeting the favourite 1.5kgs better at the weights since the last time they met.

Expecting the ledger to be levelled come Saturday afternoon.

bet365 Say From SA

Best: Race 5 #3 Bristler @ $3.40*

Best each way: Race 9 #8 Watadeel @ $7.50/2.70*

*Odds correct at 2:00pm, 2/11/23