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Ballarat Betting Tips for August 18, 2026 - Saludar Can Salute Again

martin-pennington
Martin Pennington
Editor
Last updated: Mon 17 Aug 2026 05:48

Ballarat hosts a seven-race meet on August 18, featuring four benchmark and three maiden races on the synthetic track. The standout tip is Saludar (Race 4), expected to build on recent impressive form and thrive over a longer trip. Bertrand (Race 5) is marked as strong value on return from a spell, with solid jump-outs at Ballarat prior. The market mover is Shah Jahan (Race 6), shortening in odds following a recent win. Jockey Olivia East’s strong strike rate at the venue is also noted. Recommended selections: Saludar (win) and Bertrand (each way).

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  • Saludar (Race 4) is the standout best bet after a dominant recent win
  • Bertrand (Race 5) offers value on his return and has a favourable draw
  • Shah Jahan is attracting market support; jockey Olivia East has notable rides with a high strike rate
Ballarat tips - 18/08
Seven races make up Tuesday’s Ballarat Synthetic program. (Getty)

Ballarat hosts a seven-race program on Tuesday, August 18, with four benchmark events following three maidens.

The synthetic track is in action, with light rain expected on race day.

For product analysis, comparisons and ratings of Australia’s leading operators, explore our Bookmaker Reviews.

Ballarat Tips August 18


Best Bet:


Race 4 No. 8 Saludar

Plenty of ability was evident from Saludar in two starts during January, and he returned with a metropolitan fifth when starting favourite for a 1200m maiden at Sandown last month.

The gelding raced on a wet surface that day, with his rider reporting that the Soft 6 conditions were against him.

A switch to the synthetic track appeared to suit subsequently, with the son of Written Tycoon producing an impressive victory earlier this month.

Racing over 1200m, he put three-and-a-half lengths on his rivals in the style of a horse who should appreciate the rise in distance, while his prominent racing pattern should again be suitable from barrier eight.

Jordan Childs knows Saludar well after partnering him in all four previous starts, and the Grahame Begg-trained galloper is selected to follow up when tackling winners for the first time.

Value Bet:


Race 5 No. 4 Bertrand

A maiden victory came at start two for Bertrand, who scored over 1600m at Hanging Rock in January.

The gelding finished half a length clear on a Good 4 before following that performance with a runner-up finish at Horsham and ending his preparation with a respectable seventh in metropolitan company at Sandown in March.

While yet to experience the Ballarat synthetic in race conditions, he has completed two solid jump-outs at this venue ahead of his return.

The latest of those saw Bertrand finish third over 1100m, which should have him ready to fire first-up.

Coming from a stable that performs well at this venue and drawing favourably on the inside, the gelding rates as value to make a winning return from his spell.

Market Mover:


Race 6 No. 10 Shah Jahan

Ciaron Maher’s gelding recorded his first victory when getting home narrowly at Geelong late last month.

Racing on a wet surface, Shah Jahan saluted over 1100m and has since attracted support with John Allen booked to ride.

The youngster was available at $9.50 when markets opened with Ladbrokes and is now on the third line of betting at $4.80.

Stats Say:


Jockey Olivia East boasts a 33% strike rate from her 16 rides at Ballarat so far in 2026 and has two interesting mounts on Tuesday’s card.

Satoshi finished last-of-10 at Randwick-Kensington on debut in March, but has since been gelded and shapes as an interesting runner in Race 2.

East partnered her other mount, El Salto, to a third-place finish here a week ago, and the pair reunite for the final race on the program.

Verdict

Our Ballarat selections for Tuesday, August 18 are:

Best Bet1: Saludar To Win $2.30 at dabble - 4 Units
Best Bet2: Bertrand Each Way $8.00 at Ladbrokes Australia - 2 Units
Saludar
To Win
$2.30 - 4 Units
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Bertrand
Each Way
$8.00 - 2 Units
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