Herald Sun racing writer Gilbert Gardiner gives his top selections for the Pakenham Synthetic meeting on Monday.
BEST BET
I AM VELVET (R8 No.12 – $2.50)
Given time after a winning debut at Pakenham last January. Locally trained, won two of three jumpouts leading into the first-up run and has Blake Shinn aboard. Ticks all around.
NEXT BEST
BLUE STRATUM (R1 No.1 – $2.50)
First-up after a long break but showed above average ability last campaign, with all three starts in stakes company. Touched off in a Group 3 at Flemington on debut, so fires fresh. SKELLIG ROCK (12) best of the unraced brigade.
BOX OFFICE (R3 No.9 – $2.70)
Two-year-old first-starter against the older horses, drawn well and Luke Nolen on for Peter Moody and Katherine Coleman a winning combination of late with the juveniles.
VALUE BET
FLYING ACE (R6 No.4 – $9)
Track and distance winner ready for the 1400m now fourth-up. Led and collared late last start in a 1000m race at Pakenham last start. Drawn to dictate the race on Monday.
THE JOCKEY
SKELLIG ROCK (R1 No.12 – $6), MELIDESH (R4 No.7 $2.80), POWERFUL TORQUE (R5, No.5 – $2.80), DISSELATION (R7 No.10 – $4.80), I AM VELVET (R8 No.12 – $2.50) and CROATIAN BELLE (R9 No.11 – $7).