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We'll almost certainly be racing on a firm surface (Good 4 at publish), while the rail will be set out eight metres around the entire course.
Check out my selections for every race at Ballarat this week below.
RACE 1 - 3:05PM: Porter Plant BM64 Handicap (1600m)
Igotcha is second up and primed to strike.
The Ciaron Maher-trained mare won on debut at Sandown back in July and when to the paddock following a fair effort in a harder race, while I thought that her fresh performance to fill the minors last month, beaten only a length, was excellent.
She strips fitter and can continue her rise through the grades.
RACE 2 - 3:40PM: The Courier Maiden Plate (1000m)
Grouse Mountain only just missed on debut and can go one better on Wednesday.
The Vancouver filly attracted some interest in betting prior to the Seymour maiden and hit the line to finish a head second behind Magwazi.
With improvement for that experience, she can win this.
RACE 3 - 4:15PM: Whitford Liquid Waste Maiden Plate (1200m)
Sanzeno turned in a lovely trial performance in the lead up to Wednesday's return and can break his maiden.
The Trapeze Artist gelding made just two appearances at the races during his debut performance and failed to make an impression, but his recent trial hinted at big improvement.
He can use this race as a springboard into something bigger and better.
RACE 4 - 4:50PM: Veolia 3YO Fillies Maiden Plate (1400m)
Another open race with several winning chances engaged, including Gypsy Beauty.
Gypsy Beauty has only made one competitive appearance at the races so far, finishing off fairly for fifth in a 1200m maiden at Sandown a fortnight ago.
She's another that should take plenty of benefit from that experience and with luck from the wider draw today, I think she'll be in the finish.
RACE 5 - 5:25PM: Power FM Class 1 Handicap (1100m)
I thought that Mount Olympus looked a bit of value in this Class 1 sprint ($8.50 at publish).
The Invader gelding hasn't been seen at the races since September, but he was a consistent performer last time in, breaking his maiden here and finding form around some above-average gallopers.
A recent trial adds further confidence, and we can have an each way play at the price.
RACE 6 - 6PM: Hygain Winners Choice BM64 Handicap (1200m)
I'm siding with the first-up Girl in Race 6 at Ballarat on Wednesday.
Girl returned some eye-catching performances during her winter and spring preparation last year, winning a decent Class 1 race at Geelong and proving that she isn't out of her depth in metro company.
She's had a couple of jumpouts ahead of this race and it looks an ideal launchpad.
RACE 7 - 6:30PM: Ballarat BM58 Handicap (1400m)
Open race with a case to be made for many of them, and I thought that Boho Miss could return another nice performance.
Boho Miss returned to action with a nice effort in BM58 company, finishing just over a head behind the winner, while she only just missed in another tight finish at Benalla last time.
I like that she's been kept up to the mark with a trial since that last race and she should receive every chance from an inside draw.
RACE 8 - 7PM: Hygain Winners Choice BM70 Handicap (1400m)
Kings Consort looks the value engaged in that last at Ballarat on Wednesday, in my opinion ($7 at publish).
It has been a short while since the four-year-old son of Ilovethiscity has saluted, but he returned to action at Sandown a fortnight ago and displayed a lovely turn of foot to fill the minors.
He's a winner at this point of his preparation previously, and his best would see him far too good for the lion's share of these rivals.
