Betcha has Vain Stakes tips and predictions for the Group 3 race at Caulfield on Saturday, which features a field of 9 quality thoroughbreds.
Vain Stakes odds at Betcha have Closer to Free best-backed to win, but it’s a wide-open 1100m race, so punters can find excellent value.
While most of the focus is on the favourite, Big Wigs is going under the radar at each-way odds.
The 3YO colt by Gold Standard won a big money race at Caulfield last start before spelling, and he doesn’t need time under his belt to show winning form this season.
He kicked off his career with two second placings at Morphettville and Sandown, which gave him enough strength to beat a tidy field in March, and something close to that run would be enough to win on Saturday.
He opened at $6 before firming to $5.50, and his odds could continue to firm on race day. He’s a bomb-proof colt with massive upside, so put him on top with Vain Stakes predictions.
| 4. Big Wigs (7) J: Lachlan Neindorf 56kg 221x T: Phillip & Tommy Stokes |
Punters were disappointed with the effort from Hard Kick fresh up, but he could bounce back with authority in the Vain Stakes.
The son of All Too Hard couldn’t have been more impressive when winning on debut at Flemington. He got the better of Zambales with ease, and Zambales went on to run some good races at the top level.
The long break between runs might have been his undoing last start, and we’re happy to give him another chance. He’ll likely appreciate Caulfield more than Flemington, and going around a turn helps those on speed.
The $5.50 price with Vain Stakes odds is worth including as an each-way bet.
| 3. Hard Kick (5) J: Damian Lane 57kg 1×6 T: Ben, Will & Jd Hayes |
Beware the Chris Waller-trained colt who has been specked at odds throughout the week.
The well-bred son of Wootton Bassett topped out at $15 before firming into $13, and although he has only one placing from two starts, he should have matured nicely into his 3YO season.
He ran second on debut at Rosehill behind the speedy Hidrix before finishing second-to-last behind Streisand. However, his recent trial placing looked good, and he could provide punters with some value with Vain Stakes tips.
He’s drawn the rails, so if he gets a sweet run behind the speed, he could come off their backs and let down late with a storming finish.
| 7. Confederation (1) J: Ben Melham 56kg 28x T: Chris Waller |
Punters get juicy odds with our Vain Stakes SRM, which includes our three selected runners.
We have Big Wigs Top 2, Hard Kick Top 3, and Confederation Top 4, which pays a whopping $19 at Betcha.
It’s an open betting field, and we’ve left the favourite out of our picks. However, we don’t see much value for Closer to Free, and punters can cash in with our Vain Stakes predictions for three runners who are at value odds.
| 3. Hard Kick (5) J: Damian Lane 57kg 1×6 T: Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | ||
| 7. Confederation (1) J: Ben Melham 56kg 28x T: Chris Waller | ||
| 4. Big Wigs (7) J: Lachlan Neindorf 56kg 221x T: Phillip & Tommy Stokes |