Gippsland Funeral Services (Bm64)
Speed analysis and sectional breakdown for Race 8 at Sale
🏁Race Details
🏁Speed Map Visualisation
Predicted race positioning and tactical setup
⏱️Pace Analysis
The map points towards a moderate tempo, primarily dictated by the inside draw of the field's most natural leader, #11 Shezavixen. With Ben Melham aboard from barrier 1, the highest probability is that she takes up the running and attempts to control the race. The main query on the pace comes from the wide-drawn runners, but the testing Soft 7 track conditions are likely to discourage jockeys from burning too much fuel early.
🏃♂️Likely Positions In-Running
🥇Leaders
#11 Shezavixen is the standout leader from the inside gate and will almost certainly take up the running.
🏃On-Pace/Handy
#10 Royal Hill is drawn perfectly to secure the box seat trail behind the leader. #5 Another Nephew, #12 Tabor, and #13 Maxxi Bon will likely press forward from their wider draws to find positions in the first half of the field, potentially one off the rail with cover.
🏃♂️Midfield
The bulk of the field will settle here. #6 Salsita, #7 Taka Speed, #9 Fields Of Courage and #15 French Class all have racing patterns that see them land in the middle of the pack, likely three and four pairs back.
🐌Backmarkers
#4 Absolute Deel consistently settles at or near the rear of the field and is expected to be last or second last. #1 Colleagues also trends towards the back half and will likely be giving most of the field a start.
🛤️Rail Position Impact
With the rail out 6m for the entire circuit, the track will play somewhat tighter. This positioning often shifts racing away from the most worn inside section, which is particularly relevant on a Soft 7 track. It can sometimes favour horses racing on-pace, as those coming from behind may need to cover more ground by swinging wider on the home turn. An inside draw remains an advantage if the horse has the speed to hold its position, as it represents the shortest way home.
🌦️Track Condition & Weather
The official track rating of Soft 7 is a critical factor. This will make the 1740m a gruelling test of stamina. Horses with proven form on wet ground will have a significant advantage. The pace may be further moderated as jockeys look to conserve energy for the long, testing home straight. There is a high probability of a track bias developing, with jockeys likely searching for superior ground wider out in the straight, away from the potentially chopped-up section closer to the rail. This will advantage horses that can sustain a long run and disadvantage those who are one-paced grinders needing the shortest route.
📏Track & Distance Factors
The 1740m start at Sale provides a fair run of approximately 350m to the first turn, allowing horses time to find their positions. This distance is a true middle-distance test, especially on rain-affected ground. The long home straight (around 400m) offers an opportunity for backmarkers to make ground, but only if the pace is genuine enough to tire the leaders. On a Soft 7, stamina will be paramount, and horses that have to do extra work early will be found wanting late.
🏁Race Conditions Impact
As a BM64 Handicap, the race brings together a field of relatively evenly matched provincial-class horses. The handicap conditions are designed to level the playing field, and carrying top weight of 61.5kg like #1 Colleagues will be a tough task on the heavy going. Form can be inconsistent at this level, but established racing patterns are generally reliable. The key will be which horse is best suited by the combination of a moderate tempo and testing ground.
🧠Tactical Insight & Strategic Analysis
The race is likely to be a tactical affair controlled from the front by #11 Shezavixen. The moderate tempo will make it difficult for backmarkers to make up significant ground unless the leaders are suspect at the distance on wet ground. The race will likely develop into a sprint home from the 600m mark, where positioning and the ability to handle the Soft 7 conditions will be decisive. Jockeys will be aiming to get a trail into the race and present their mounts in the better going, likely down the centre of the track in the straight.
✅Most Advantaged
#10 Royal Hill (10) He maps to get the perfect run of the race. From barrier 4, he can settle directly behind the leader without spending any energy. His tactical speed ensures he holds that spot, and he has previously won and placed on soft ground. If Daniel Moor can have him relaxed in the run, he will be perfectly positioned to strike at the top of the straight with a full tank of fuel.
❌Most Disadvantaged
#13 Maxxi Bon (13) and #9 Fields Of Courage (15) are severely compromised by their wide barriers. On a testing Soft 7 track, the energy expended to either press forward or the ground lost by being posted wide is often insurmountable. They face the difficult choice of being caught deep without cover or restraining to the rear of the field, which would be contrary to their typical patterns and a difficult position to win from given the likely moderate pace.
💰Betting Considerations
The analysis strongly points towards horses drawn well with tactical speed. The map for #10 Royal Hill is close to perfect, making him a primary contender. The leader, #11 Shezavixen, gets control but is a query on genuinely wet ground and must be taken on trust. Horses that can handle the wet and settle midfield with cover, such as #7 Taka Speed (a last-start winner on Soft 7) or #12 Tabor, could represent value. They will get a nice tow into the race and can launch their runs down the middle of the track. The biggest risks are the backmarker #4 Absolute Deel, who will find it hard to make up the required ground if the pace is slow, and any of the runners drawn in the outside four barriers.
Important: A Note on AI Analysis
Our AI Speedmap Summaries are the result of extensive testing and data analysis. However, it's important to remember that AI models can sometimes make assumptions about horses, jockeys, or race conditions that may not be perfectly accurate.
Please use this information as a guide, not as definitive advice. As with any speed map, if the underlying pace prediction does not unfold as expected, the subsequent analysis may also be affected. Always combine this analysis with your own judgement and research.
🐎Individual Runner Analysis
Detailed breakdown of each horse's chances and tactical positioning
Colleagues
Absolute Deel
Another Nephew
Salsita
Taka Speed
Fields Of Courage
Royal Hill
Shezavixen
Tabor
Maxxi Bon
French Class
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