Benalla best bets & quaddie tips | Thursday, January 5, 2023
| What | Benalla Races |
| Where | Benalla Racing Club – Midland Hwy, Benalla VIC 3672 |
| When | Thursday, January 5, 2023 |
| First Race | 1:30pm AEDT |
Victorian horse racing heads to Benalla on Thursday afternoon where a competitive eight-race program is set down for decision. Close to perfect conditions are set to greet punters and competitors and despite the track coming up a Soft 5, we expect to be racing on a Good 4 at some point on raceday.
We kick off the day of racing at 1:30pm AEDT, where the rail is in the true position throughout.
Best Bet at Benalla: Fam Gorman
We do not need to wait too long Thursday for our best bet, as the Kevin Corstens-trained Fam Gorman is set to go around in the opening event over 2046m. The three-year-old gelding was last seen chasing home Amphactor on Werribee Cup Day on December 18 and in what looks to be a slightly easier maiden, he looks to be a great bet. He will roll forward under Jack Hill and look to settle just off the heels of the expected leaders Thistler and Xena’s Reward. If that is the case, this race looks perfectly set up for him to make his move on the turn and with a nice turn of foot, should be able to account for his rivals with a bit of ease in the opener.
Best Bet
Race 1 – 
#5 Fam Gorman (5)
3yo Gelding | T: Kevin Corstens | J: Jack Hill (58kg)
Next Best at Benalla: Emperor Of France
The Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr-trained Emperor France did enough first-up from a long spell to suggest over further second-up he would take some beating. He was having his first race start since May at Werribee on December 12 where he chased home Trodaire over the mile. He steps up the 2046m on Thursday and despite needing to lug 61.5kg, he looks to have a class on his rivals. He draws to gain every favour in running under Zac Spain from barrier one and should be allowed to stalk main market rival Cuffe’s Grange wherever it goes. Approaching the home turn, should Emperor Of France find clear air, he should prove too hard to hold out in the penultimate race of the day.
Next Best
Race 7 – 
#1 Emperor Of France (1)
3yo Gelding | T: Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr | J: Zac Spain (61.5kg)
Best Value at Benalla: Judiciary
We will be looking to kick off the quaddie with some value when the Patrick Keane-trained Judiciary looks to build on his dominant maiden victory at the track first-up from a five-month spell. The four-year-old gelding but 4.5 lengths on his rivals when giving them a start and a beating on December 17 and on face value, the “penny” has seemingly dropped. That was his first start on a firmer deck and he clearly appreciated it. He should get similar ground on Thursday and despite the awkward draw of barrier seven, look for Dean Holland to have him settled at the rear, building through his gears approaching the turn and flashing home late to bring up a second straight win.
Best Value
Race 5 – 
#8 Judiciary (7)
4yo Gelding | T: Patrick Keane | J: Dean Holland (57kg)
Thursday quaddie tips for Benalla races
Benalla quadrella selections
Thursday, January 5, 2023
- 1-2-5-6-9
- 1-2-5-7-8-9
- 1-2
- 5-6-8
Investment: $180 for 100%