Herald Sun and Racenet racing writer Gilbert Gardiner’s selections for the King’s Birthday meeting at Mornington.
BEST BET
SIOUX SPIRIT
R7 No. 8 $3.60
Won well on debut at Geelong then found one better at Flemington second-up. Down in grade and home track a big advantage.
NEXT BEST
THE JESTER’S SON
R3 No. 4 $3.80
Not missed a place, won twice, in seven starts. Cannot fault. Drawn well and finished runner-up at Mornington three starts back.
VALLEY KING
R4 No. 7 $4
Charged late out wide at Caulfield last start and just peaked on the run. Ended up fourth beaten 1.4 lengths. Not easy to make ground from the back in the field at Mornington but race fit and progressive.
VALUE BET
MIDNIGHT CHARM
R5 No. 4 $7
Ticks a lot boxes. Locally trained speedster has won two of three first-up assignments. Last campaign placed second-up first-up at Mornington behind subsequent Listed winner Lempicka.
Speedy gelding should jump, lead and go close to winning first-up on the home deck. Won two of three starts
THE JOCKEY
SHE’S GOT PIZZAZZ (R1 No. 2 $2.70), FAMOSO (R2 No. 4 $3.20), BRAVE MISS (R3 No. 7 $4.80), UNCONQUERABLE (R7 No. 10 $6.50) and PRETTY TAVI (R8 No. 6 $10).