I’m forgiving of a last start failure in Sunday’s Jericho Cup while a former NSW-trained mare can go back-to-back in the race prior.

BEST BET

KAAKIT AKIT

Race 7 No. 7

Speedy mare that displayed good ability early on when in the care of Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott and returned with a strong victory at Dunkeld. She was 30 weeks between runs yet was able to get the job done on a heavy deck, but she’ll improve lengths getting back onto firm ground. Has form behind the likes of Joviality and Sixgun, given she’s come through the run well I expect Kaakit Akit to be in the finish.

NEXT BEST

WIL JOHN

Race 8 No. 1

Going to be forgiving of this bloke’s last start failure when hard in the market at Flemington on Cup day. The start prior was strong when first-up over 2400m and he’s an out and out stayer, so the brutal 4600m of the Jericho Cup won’t worry him. In better form than what he was 12 months ago when third in this race and can get the major end of the prize here.

PADDY MAC

Race 9 No. 2

Having his first run since January but he’s the one I want to be on at good odds. Will improve over further but he’s sprinted well over this trip in the past and from barrier six, he maps to get an ideal run midfield behind a decent tempo.

VALUE BET

NORDIC SYMPHONY

Race 4 No. 7

Has been contesting Country Cups at his last couple of runs, so looks well placed dropping back to a Benchmark 64 race. She’s rock hard fit for this and in an open race, she can give a good sight at the $26 currently on offer.

JOCKEY – BLAIKE MCDOUGALL

He’s been landing plenty of winners since making the switch down south and looks set for a big day at Warrnambool with a strong book of rides.

STAR KILLER (R1 No. 8 – $6), KADENA (R2 No. 14 $3.20), DEEP ENCOUNTER (R4 No. 8 – $6.50), DEE KEEPA (R6 No. 2 – $4), TYDEUS (R7 No. 5 – $8.50), MISTA RAZZLEDAZZLE (R9 No. 8 – $10)