Danielle Johnson’s Weekend Best Bets | Saturday 15 November

Brave effort last time sitting wide in the open in what has proven to be a strong form race yet only getting beaten two lengths. Just has to tick off the 1600 metre box but from his good draw maps to get a lovely economical run on speed and should be hard to beat. Opening odds $3.70.

Blew them away on the first day and weighted to win again being down on the minimum. Opening odds $2.20. Slipper Island does look the value in the race so have an each way saver in him at $8 and $2.50. He went a nice race on the first day and has beaten Australian Group 1 performer Pier and NZ Group 1 mare Tomodachi down the straight course at Trentham. He also looks luxuriously weighted at only 1.5kgs above the minimum.

ormer Cambridge galloper who looked a bit unlucky not to have won first up in the South when having to work through a tight gap at a vital stage in the straight. The winner Legally Binding was off and gone but once he was clear, Brave Spirit wound up strongly and was bridging the gap at the post. He meets that winner on 1.5kgs better terms here and with the price difference he looks a bet. Opening odds $7.50 and $2.70.

Looks very well priced here at the $7 opening quote. Multiple Group 1 winner who had an excuse last time pulling with cardiac arrhythmia. Horses can quickly bounce back from that. Nice each way bet.

Having a wild throw at the stumps here. Opening price $31 and $7. Outpaced in rating 75 grade last time on top of the ground fresh up however was doing her best work at the finish and her closing sectionals were sneakily good. Rise in trip suits as does the wet ground. Twice has been a winner on the course. I think she can run better than her price suggests.

Has looked the perfect New Zealand Cup horse since competing at the Riccarton Carnival last season. Lead up runs have been excellent and trained by a master who has them peaking on the right day. Hard to beat. Opening odds $4.