Track: Good  Weather: Fine

A race over 1600 metres that sees the market headed by Cherry Tortoni. It has been racing well without luck and has been steadily backed. Next in the market is Ironclad from the Will Clarken stable and Jamie Kah maintains the ride coming off an impressive last-start win. I Am Superman mustn’t be underestimated despite the big weight while Riodini and Holbein will be up on the speed and both are sure to take some catching.

1. I Am Superman (5)

Brings in class and quality. Has the top weight but simply looks well placed and will be getting the run of the race from barrier 5. Huge chance and will be able to stalk the leaders from the get-go. I like it.

2. Nancho (1)

Hard to get a gauge on the form so I would want to see a market push first.

3. Zayydani (2)

Hasn’t done much wrong and certainly looks in the mix here. Each-way chance.

4. Hi Stranger (7)

Does love racing at Bendigo and over this distance. Ticks a few boxes and can be in the finish with the right run in transit.

5. Ironclad (4)

Demands respect off a very good return. Ticks plenty of boxes and is 7 career wins from 16 starts. Maps well and will be in the finish.

6. King Magnus (20)

Needs luck but this is a drastic drop in grade. Terrible draw but a peach from King and it can win.

7. Crosshaven (16)

Placed behind a smart one and that reads well for this. Will need some luck from the draw but likely to race on the speed outside Riodini and can be in this for a long way.

8. Riodini (12)

Is one-dimensional and can only win when leading but Newitt is an exceptional front-running jockey and he looks like a suitable booking. No wins from 8 goes at 1600 is a concern but has claims.

9. Rock (15)

The get back run on pattern is tricky to catch and hasn’t shown much of late. Its old form goes close but would want to see a market push.

10. Lim’s Cruiser (10)

Honest and brings in some solid Tasmanian form. Would like to see a market push but couldn’t have in my numbers.

11. Cape Of Good Hope (11)

Can’t have.

12. Mahamedeis (14)

Not hopeless at odds but hasn’t seen a win for some time. Does improve 2nd up and wouldn’t shock to run into a place.

13. Mandela Effect (13)

Not much between Mandela Effect and Lim’s Cruiser last run. Doesn’t look the form for mine but not entirely out of this.

14. Cherry Tortoni (18)

Comes up favorite and with even luck in running it should be extremely hard to beat. However, I have a few knocks. There have been many times punters have been let down after it has been very well backed. In fact, the last 9 times it has run below $5 it has only won twice. Rolled at prices of $3, $3.50, $3.60, $4.60 and $4.20. It is clearly the one to beat but will need absolute special from barrier 18 and will also get back in the run. I am giving it respect but I think others present better value and from the near carpark and the fact it has been beaten when respect in the market so many times I think it looks skinny enough odds.

15. Lunar Fox (6)

Hard to catch but can pop up and win at odds. Not for mine but certainly wouldn’t shock at $81!

16. Holbein (9)

Lands on the speed and loves to find the line. 1600 is suitable for Holbein and it is racing in good fashion. Some hope.

17. Cormorant (3)

Might be looking for further but could run well. The market will be a guide.

18. Tooradin (17)  – SCRATCHED

19. Esti Feny (19)

Can’t have.

20. Milford (8)

Only on the one career win but brings in some handy form lines so it does look some hope.

The following are the top 4 selections for this years race.

Bryce’s Tips	Jo’s Tips	Lewis’ Tips
1 I Am Superman	5 Ironclad	1 I Am Superman
7 Crosshaven	14 Cherry Tortoni	7 Crosshaven
5 Ironclad	7 Crosshaven	5 Ironclad
6 King Magnus	3 Zayydani	4 Hi Stranger