Shepparton – Tuesday, 3 February 2026
Race 1:
OVERVIEW: SKYFALL BENCHMARK (5) has come back very well in his two starts this campaign, overcoming a poor start first-up before leading and only getting caught late last time out. He should press forward again in search of the top, and with added fitness will prove hard to run down.
INTERPRETATION (1) is another in good form. He will show speed early but looks likely to take cover as per his usual pattern and find leaders back, from where he will be right in the finish. EMMA ROX (8) is reliant on how the map unfolds in front of her, but she is in career-best form. FLOJOS BEST (4) is consistently running better times than her numerical form suggests and, with the right cover, is a chance in an even race.
SELECTIONS: SKYFALL BENCHMARK (5), INTERPRETATION (1), EMMA ROX (8), FLOJOS BEST (4)
Race 2:
OVERVIEW: VERY TEMPTING (2) was quite good last time out at big odds when drawn on the back row and working home well. He now strikes a winnable race and has shown gate speed when drawn similarly to get into the right position. His draw is favourable in what looks a tricky affair.
JOEYS HANGOVER (4) is a veteran who draws better here, allowing him to map closer and improve on recent form. MYNAMEISRUBY (7) is the best credentialled horse in the race but has a very difficult map to overcome. NORTHERN TERROR (9) can punch through from the back row and is another who can improve in this moderate lineup.
SELECTIONS: VERY TEMPTING (2), JOEYS HANGOVER (4), MYNAMEISRUBY (7), NORTHERN TERROR (9)
Race 3:
OVERVIEW: WITH IN REASON (9) gets a really nice setup here back to a suitable grade and looks the beneficiary of a front line where several will be contesting the lead. When they come up for air, expect him to move around and use his strength and stamina late.
KARUMA KEV (8) shapes as the clear danger and is a similar grinding type, although he does face a slight map disadvantage compared to the top pick. MADAM REACTOR (5) finds herself back in a suitable race and is a fast beginner, with the key to her chances being how much work she must do early. KRAKEY (4) is another who will throw himself into the speed battle and is going well in slightly easier company.
BACK: WITH IN REASON (9) – 2.5 units (win)
SELECTIONS: WITH IN REASON (9), KARUMA KEV (8), MADAM REACTOR (5), KRAKEY (4)
Race 4:
OVERVIEW: ALDEBARAN BUDDY (4) is a quick beginner who will press forward and look for the lead here. His last couple of runs have been very good, and the booking of James Herbertson is a massive plus.
SKY LINDY (3) was very good at her first run for the new stable last time out, showing speed and manners while running time good enough to win this. A repeat performance will see her hard to beat. DREAMS OF LOVE (2) was quite good for the new stable at Melton last time and can get closer again from the favourable draw. MADGE EGAN (1) isn’t a quick beginner and will get crossed early, but if she doesn’t get too buried, she’s going well enough to finish strongly.
BACK: ALDEBARAN BUDDY (4) – 2 units (win)
SELECTIONS: ALDEBARAN BUDDY (4), SKY LINDY (3), DREAMS OF LOVE (2), MADGE EGAN (1)
Race 5:
OVERVIEW: RENO ACE (2) has his first start for trainer Craig Turnbull, whose stable has been in very good form, particularly at this track. He won a trial here by a big margin when leading all the way, indicating he’s primed for a first-up assault.
BOUY (3) gets a better draw and setup to improve on recent form, having won in quick time late last year which is a solid benchmark. STYLISTIK (5) has often shown ability but his manners or tendency to over-race have let him down. He did, however, produce a career-best run to win last time with the same driver. IMA TIGGY TIGER (6) has been racing well of late, although the draw presents a challenge.
BACK: RENO ACE (2) – 3.5 units (win)
SELECTIONS: RENO ACE (2), BOUY (3), STYLISTIK (5), IMA TIGGY TIGER (6)
Race 6:
OVERVIEW: BILL (8) stepped out for his first run for the Lisa Pitt stable at Bendigo last time and ran very well, not getting clear until late and finding the line strongly. This looks an easier assignment and, despite being the sole horse off the back row, he shouldn’t map too far off them to strike at the right time.
LIKE NO OTHER (2) is a first starter who comes here off a good trial win and can be right in the finish from the favourable draw. BUNGY (7) is another who has trialled well but has a difficult draw to contend with on debut. LUVN MARY (3) is first up, has trialled soundly, and comes from a stable that always warrants respect.
BACK: BILL (8) – 2 units (win)
SELECTIONS: BILL (8), LIKE NO OTHER (2), BUNGY (7), LUVN MARY (3)
10-UNIT GAME PLAN
R3 #9 WITH IN REASON – 2.5 units (win)
R4 #4 ALDEBARAN BUDDY – 2 units (win)
R5 #2 RENO ACE – 3.5 units (win)
R6 #8 BILL – 2 units (win)
EARLY QUADDIE
1,4,5,8,11/2,3,7,9,10/5,8,9/3,4
QUADDIE
8,9/1,2,3,4/2,3,5/2,3,7,8
For all your harness form in one place go to goodform.thetrots.com.au
** A betting unit is typically a percentage of the total bankroll or the amount of money you are willing to risk on a particular bet – for example 1 unit is 10% of your bankroll, therefore a $100 bankroll 1 unit equals $10
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