Second Bullet gets a second chance beyond 2000m at Caulfield this weekend and in the form that he is in he goes there as the horse to beat.
There might be some doubts about Second Bullet stretching out in trip – he has done it just the once and he could only finish a well held sixth over 2500m at the Valley last May.
However, further inspection of that performance shows that it was hardly a conclusive case against him staying beyond his best performed distance of 2000m.
Second Bullet settled well back in a race that was run at an absolute dawdle. So much so that they sprinted home the last 600m faster than the closing splits of all the 1500m and 1600m races on the card – in other words, he was never in a position to land a glove on those up ahead and he hit the line perfectly well given the scenario.
Given the form that he has found himself in this summer he makes plenty of appeal on Saturday.
Signoff is a terrific talent but 42 days on from his first up win, giving these weight up to 2400m, he faces no easy task and we’d prefer to take a risk with him.
The likes of Luques and Danjeu have been racing well but they will struggle to go with Second Bullet if he turns up and runs to his current ratings level over this trip.
Given there is at least as much evidence to suggest that Second Bullet will run to his level as there is to say that he won’t and he makes plenty of appeal at his current price over at TopBetta
The Manfred is a really interesting race heading into the autumn but with eight of them first up from a break it should probably be marked down as a low-confidence race.
Golden Spin is fit and in fine form, and looks sure to give the first-uppers plenty to think about, but the likely odds on offer steer us towards an each way play on the enigmatic Ready For Victory.
R4V was unable to win in the spring time, and he let some good opportunities slip with what at times looks a less than perfect attitude, but away from his racing manners (or lack thereof) there is a good engine and one that on past deeds is the equal of anything in the race.
We think there is enough juice in the price relative to rating to take the chance on him here in a race that would be well within his range if he brings his game face.
THE MELBOURNE MAIL
Bet Of The Day: Race 2 #3 Second Bullet @ $3.20
Each Way Play: Race 8 #4 Ready For Victory @ 8.00
