We head to Caulfield for the final Saturday of the season.
The Bletchingly Stakes signs off on season 2024/25 at Caulfield on Saturday and we've got two bets at each way odds to send it off in style.
Winter hero Jimmy The Bear couldn't resist going again and testing the waters at a mile and a half but at prices even shorter than last start at 2000m, we'll leave Jimmy this week and instead look to Race 6 for the best of the day.
Mystic Reign is an unbeaten filly (tick) for the Grahame Begg yard (tick) having improved her rating substantially every time she's stepped out (tick). She's also a leader who boasts the equal highest peak RAS rating in the field.
Plenty to like but to drill down further on her rating, she hit a mark of 103 when last seen at Flemington and then was tipped out, which Begg is very good at doing with an eye to the future.
This is a fairly open race but I don't think there are any stars and while she does have to carry the 58kg (and I'd have preferred J Childs), I think her profile is very attractive here.
Expecting she gets outside the leader on a day where the wider lanes could suit and that looks an ideal spot for her to pick up where she left off.
We'll roll back earlier in the card to Race 2 where another progressive filly resumes in the form of Gala Queen for the Stokes yard.
She did plenty of good things last time in, unlucky not to win the Future Stars Series Final at Pakenham before atoning with a strong Listed win in Adelaide, heavily backed to do so.
That was over 1600m so the 1100m here is the obvious knock but she does have a pretty sharp turn of foot and I wouldn't be surprised if she does end up being more suited at 1200-1400m than a mile going forward.
Some nice types to beat but none with a rating in the locker of Gala Queen and 5/1 being shopped looks a good gamble.
The Melbourne Mail
Bet of the day: Race 6 #4 Mystic Reign at $7.50
Also backing: Race 2 #7 Gala Queen at $6.00
