NEXT UP

Going to stick with Canberra Legend for the best of the day. He drifted in betting at his Australian debut and did it tough, sitting wide and eventually working around them to sit outside the leader. He ran seventh but wasn't beaten far and looks to get a better run from barrier five here.

Despite the tough run, he still ran to form, rating 108 with Timeform, which was his overseas peak. That can be viewed two ways- either that's about as good as he goes, or that he was able to run to that despite having things against means he can elevate now.

I'm happy to back in the latter and getting to the 1 7⁄16 m on the big track at Newcastle looks a much better scenario for him. He remains down with 117lbs, meeting a few out of his last start better at the weights, and should have more improvement to come.

He's about the same price he was first up but I think he can improve at least two lengths which would go a long way to getting him home.

For the value play I'm looking at the feature, the $1 Million Hunter and I'm tipping Opal Ridge can bounce back here.

She was very good in second in The Kosciuszko first up before just an even effort in The Invitation but still not beaten far and I think the form out of that race has stood up strongly.

She carried the full penalty there with 130lbs, the same as the winner Espiona, and now drops down to 117lbs on the big track, drawn out wider which I like. We saw a similar scenario in the Listed Luskin Star (1300m) at Scone in the Autumn where she posted a very fast time and strong figure. I think she's capable of running to that level here and at the weights, she should be very hard to hold out.
 

bet365 SYDNEY SPECIALS

Bet of the day: Race 6 #9 Canberra Legend at $4.40 with bet365*

Each-way play: Race 8 #14 Opal Ridge at $10/3.25 with bet365*

*Odds correct as of 12:45pm, 16/11/23

And if bet365 leading the market for both of the Sydney Specials this week wasn't enough, they also have a range of specials this Saturday for The Hunter meeting at Newcastle:

bet365's  25% winnings Boost token race this Saturday will be the Hunter (Race 8 Newcastle)

Jockey Mega Boost– Nash Rawiller to ride 2+ winners at Newcastle(Saturday) – was $2.30 boosted to $4.00 (boost prices available from 10am Saturday – prices subject to change/singles only/max stakes apply/eligible customers only)

Horse Mega Boost – Race 1 Newcastle– Market Magic to win – was $2.00 boosted to $2.60 (boost prices available from 10am Saturday – prices subject to change/singles only/max stakes apply/eligible customers only)

Horse Mega Boost – Race 5 Newcastle– I'mintowin to win – was $2.20 boosted to $2.80 (boost prices available from 10am Saturday – prices subject to change/singles only/max stakes apply/eligible customers only)