Rochester looks ready to reward punters at the Valley

BETTORS at the Valley need to keep a careful eye on the local odds board when the action commences at 11.40am.

With the end of the season fast closing in, and many gallopers in need of earning their corn before the long summer break, expect plenty of gambles to materialize before the gates open in numerous contests.

While the likes of last-start course and distance winner Rosewood Fleetwood in the 11-furlong Ice House Street Handicap (11.40am), and recent victor Vivacious Win in division two of the Morrison Hill Road Handicap (1.10pm) over the extended mile look obvious choices, their hefty penalties temper enthusiasm.

The once-raced and exciting galloper Endurance Express is worth close attention in the six-furlong Leighton Road Handicap (3.15pm), but his lack of experience could find him out.

It is a similar story with lightly raced Central Bank, who looks destined to step up in class in the future, but is taking on some experienced sprint specialists in the five-furlong Des Voeux Road Central Handicap (2.45pm) and may be found wanting in the closing stages.

One horse, however, who appears to have everything going for him is CASA ROCHESTER in division one of the Morrison Hill Road Handicap (12.40pm) over the extended mile.

Guaranteed to be fresh and well after only three runs this season, the five-year-old is down in class again having won in this company last season.

Having finally drawn a good gate in four, and with pilot Hugh Bowman, who rode him to victory seven starts ago, back in the saddle for the first time, it all looks set to add up to another victory.