There's no doubt the Peter Hardacre-trained Press Down has returned in career form this campaign, putting together two very strong performances at Group 3 level to begin the campaign he selects himself as this week's bet365 best bet.

The four-year-old ran an absolute belter at long odds when beaten 1.4L by subsequent Group 1 Goodwood winner Benedetta in the Group 3 RN Irwin Stakes. It comes as no surprise Press Down ran to a new career peak when earning himself the black type placing, running to 111 on the Racing and Sports scale, 12 pounds better than his previous best (99).

Sent around much shorter odds in the Group 3 John Hawkes Stakes (Formerly D C McKay Stakes), the four-year-old wasn't quite able to repeat his first-up effort but was far from disgraced when beaten a tick over 2L, running to his previous peak of 99 on the R&S scale.

The market only has a few twists between Press Down and in-form gelding Delightful Shecky who shoots for his fourth consecutive success. While his form is obviously irresistible, he will need to take another step forward. While he can only beat what's in front of him and he has done that stylishly throughout this prep, the four-year-old's last start and peak rating is 94 on the R&S scale – this leaving him a few lengths to find, obviously even more if we see the very best version of Press Down.

The other obvious danger is Karacasu from the smart R & C Jolly camp. There is no doubting this gelding's share of ability, finishing alongside Press Down two back in the John Hawkes but now meets our gelding 2.5kgs worse. I'm confident he shouldn't be turning the tables on us.

As for the value play we look to the last where Three Rings from the Cody Reardon team holds some interest at the price.

Only finishing a long neck away from race favourite Sachem a fortnight ago, Three Rings now meets the Clarken & O'Shea runner 2kgs better at the weights. It must be noted 2kg claimer Alana Livesey piloting creates the weight swing as she replaces Emily Finnegan.

Admittedly the four-year-old has not saluted in quite some time but his 12-month rating only sits 3 pounds less than the favourite's, 83 and 86 respectively on the R&S scale. At more than double the quote, Three Rings is worth a small investment.

bet365 Say From SA

Best: Race 9 #9 Press Down @ $3.50 with bet365*

Value: Race 10 #1 Three Rings @ $7.50/2.95 with bet365*

*Odds correct at 4pm, 23/5/24