Selections – Palmerston North dogs, Sunday 23 December

It looks like a cracking day of racing at Palmerston North with some very even races.

I’ve provided a detailed preview of the Pick 6 for subscribers here – I’ll open up to everyone after race 7.

And don’t forget to enter the draw for 6 months of FREE ratings to everything.

Bet of the Day – Race 2 Bigtime Pearl (8)

It’s been a struggle to find a dog to bet with any confidence so I would tread carefully today.  Ideally we’re looking for a dog that is well boxed according to its style, with early box speed and a proven record over the distance.

Bigtime Pearl (8) is perhaps the closest to that – her one win at Palmerston North over the distance was from box 8 and a repeat performance would see her win this.  Nice each way value at $3.90.

I think there’s a few flags against the two other favourites – Bigtime Honey (4) and Bigtime Ivo (7).  The two runners who could be value in this race are Manimal (2) and Fancy Fifita (6).  Both map to get on the pace.  Fancy Fifita is at really nice money too and is actually top rated in the predictor but hasn’t race in two months and doesn’t have a great record in the green rug.

Almost – the speed map didn’t quite play out as we had hoped and Retail Mayhem spoilt the party.

Lay of the Day – Race 3 Bigtime Jetty (1)

I’m happy to back against Bigtime Jetty in race 3.  He’s currently paying just over $2 which I think is way to short.  He’s just had one start in C2 so up against better dogs.  I think she’s poorly drawn too – he’s yet to win inside box 4 and while his first few strides are straight or to the rails, he will then veer hard right and he’s caused carnage in previous races as a result.  He would need to jump and get a clear lead to justify that money.

If the start plays out like we think it will, there could be some nice value in what is otherwise an even race.

Yes, the race panned out pretty much as we expected and the favourite was a flop.  Hope you saved your money and possibly got some extra value.  

Rugs Challenge

As I mentioned, it looks an extremely open day’s racing and the rugs challenge is the same.  The Predictor has 6 rugs earning between 8 and 12 points so no recommended bet for the start of the day.  The rugs that look best positioned in the second half of the card are boxes 4 and 6 – depending on the results and the generosity of the bookies, there may be some value after a few races,