AU - Bendigo - Race 9

Thoroughbred

14 Runners

OPEN

Turf

GOOD 4

142.9K

VIEW

R10

Verdict

Cracking edition of the Golden Mile, and the betting will be a huge factor with ZAHRANN (5), an import now with Ciaron Maher. He was last seen starting $6.50 in a G1 Irish Champion Stakes won by a very, very good horse in Delacroix. Zahrann was well beaten there but his G3 win prior was soft against some handy ones. Four trials suggests intent and if he brings that form, expect him to go close. AL DUCA (6) is the fit, in form horse who will take a power of beating. He's been tough at his past two victories, winning the Listed Anniversary Vase on wet ground at Caulfield last time. He'll push on and give a huge sight. VON HAUKE (2) and HUGHES (3) come through the G3 Victoria Handicap. Hughes won that in good time but the track was playing very fast that day. Von Hauke was first up and got home very well, love him getting to a mile second up. ENXUTO (8) is fresh into this having struggled on soft ground in Sydney last time. He needs another win but he's absolutely good enough.

numberFire Picks

Horse Stats

#/Silk	Horse#/Horse	Power Rating	High Speed	Win %	Top 3%	Win Prob	Odds
5	Resuming after a eight months break. Finished off last preparation second last of 8 at Leopardstown in the G1 Irish Champion September 13 over 1 ¼m, 10 len behind Delacroix carrying 129lbs at $6.50. On debut second of 12 at Navan April 8 2025 over 1m, a head behind Mississippi River with 132lbs at $6. Boasts outstanding form lines overseas, keep very safe. 1st Pick 5 Zahrann Jockey: Thomas Stockdale Trainer: Ciaron Maher J: Thomas Stockdale T: Ciaron Maher	88	-	-	-	12%	15/2
Analysis Resuming after a eight months break. Finished off last preparation second last of 8 at Leopardstown in the G1 Irish Champion September 13 over 1 ¼m, 10 len behind Delacroix carrying 129lbs at $6.50. On debut second of 12 at Navan April 8 2025 over 1m, a head behind Mississippi River with 132lbs at $6. Boasts outstanding form lines overseas, keep very safe.
6	Racing well recently. At the latest run favourite, won by a head at Caulfield LR Anniv Vase April 11 over 1m on a soft track defeating Taken carrying 119lbs at $3.50. Before that favourite, won by a long-neck at Flemington Hcp March 28 over 1m in soft going defeating Taken carrying 119lbs at $3.90. Flying, will cross and give a huge sight again. 2nd Pick 6 Al Duca Jockey: Declan Bates Trainer: Anthony & Sam Freedman J: Declan Bates T: Anthony & Sam Freedman	142	-	-	-	19%	9/2
Analysis Racing well recently. At the latest run favourite, won by a head at Caulfield LR Anniv Vase April 11 over 1m on a soft track defeating Taken carrying 119lbs at $3.50. Before that favourite, won by a long-neck at Flemington Hcp March 28 over 1m in soft going defeating Taken carrying 119lbs at $3.90. Flying, will cross and give a huge sight again.
2	Second-up. First-up after five months 5th of 15 at Caulfield in the G3 Vic Hcp on April 4 over 7f, 3 len behind Hughes with 127lbs at $26. Previously second-up from last on the turn 7th of 12 at Sandown-Hillside in the G3 Sand Stks on September 27 over 7 ½f, 4 len behind Evaporate carrying 119lbs at $31. Charged home fresh and that sets him up well for this. 3rd Pick 2 Von Hauke Jockey: Harry Coffey Trainer: Cliff Brown J: Harry Coffey T: Cliff Brown	102	-	-	-	9%	11/1
Analysis Second-up. First-up after five months 5th of 15 at Caulfield in the G3 Vic Hcp on April 4 over 7f, 3 len behind Hughes with 127lbs at $26. Previously second-up from last on the turn 7th of 12 at Sandown-Hillside in the G3 Sand Stks on September 27 over 7 ½f, 4 len behind Evaporate carrying 119lbs at $31. Charged home fresh and that sets him up well for this.

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Horse Racing Basic Terms

Scratch

A horse is a scratch when injury or other necessity causes it to be withdrawn from the race.

Fractions

The times recorded during the race; with timing starting just past the gate or when the gates open, then parroted for the quarter, half, three-quarters etc. Used as an indication of ability and speed.

Furlong

One furlong is an eighth of a mile.