Bendigo Betting Tips for September 20, 2026 - Written Empire Takes Command

Martin Pennington

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Last updated: Fri 18 Sep 2026 13:11

Martin Pennington 1 hour ago

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Bendigo races Sunday, Sep 20 - eight-race program, Good 4 track conditions
Best bets: Written Empire (R2 win), Xtramagic & Zorb (each way), Viva Mauricio (value each way)
Horses chosen for strong form, favorable draw, and suitability to conditions

Eight races feature on Sunday's Bendigo program. (Getty)

Bendigo hosts an eight-race program on Sunday, September 20, with four maiden races featuring across the card.

Bendigo Tips September 20
Ladbrokes Mega Multi 3YO Maiden Plate Tips (Race 2)
BRB Electrical Fillies and Mares BM62 Handicap Tips (Race 5)
Fitzsimmons Racing BM66 Handicap Tips (Race 7)
Share Media BM66 Handicap Tips (Race 8)

The track is currently rated a Good 4, with dry conditions expected and the rail in the true position.

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Bendigo Tips September 20

Ladbrokes Mega Multi 3YO Maiden Plate Tips (Race 2)

Bendigo Best Bet - Race 2 No. 8 Written Empire

Written Empire gained plenty of jump-out experience in New Zealand and for his current connections before making his debut here earlier this month.

The colt produced a solid first-up effort over 1300m, finishing fourth and beaten only half a length on a wet surface.

He should have taken plenty from that first race-day experience, while the switch to Good ground is not expected to pose any issue.

The son of Written Tycoon has again drawn favourably and, having finished strongly on debut, the rise in distance looks a definite positive.

Ben, Will and JD Hayes have a promising three-year-old on their hands, and with Craig Williams retaining the ride, Written Empire looks well placed to break through at start two.

BRB Electrical Fillies and Mares BM62 Handicap Tips (Race 5)

Bendigo Next Best Bet - Race 5 No. 10 Xtramagic

A strong record at Bendigo gives Xtramagic plenty of appeal, with the mare having finished in the top three in all four previous starts at the venue.

The best of those performances came over this track-and-trip in June, when she won a Benchmark 0-56 on Soft ground by almost two lengths.

She has produced three solid efforts in defeat since, including a narrow loss at Murray Bridge at the start of this month.

A wide barrier should not be a major concern given Paul Preusker's mare is often ridden from midfield or with cover.

Fred Kersley reunites with the daughter of Xtravagant for the first time since their Bendigo victory in June, and with the forecast conditions no issue, Xtramagic looks capable of returning to winning form.

Fitzsimmons Racing BM66 Handicap Tips (Race 7)

Bendigo Value Bet - Race 7 No. 16 Viva Mauricio

Viva Mauricio broke through for his maiden victory first-up this preparation at Hawkesbury over 1300m.

The Chris Waller-trained gelding scored by just under half a length from barrier nine on wet ground before stepping into metropolitan company for his next three starts.

His best effort in that stronger grade came at Sandown last month, where he finished sixth and was beaten less than two lengths on another rain-affected surface.

Two runners behind him that day have since won, and Viva Mauricio has been freshened since that performance.

The drop back to a country-level meeting, lighter racing weight and inside draw all work in his favour, while the firmer ground is unlikely to pose an issue and makes him an appealing value chance.

Bendigo Roughie - Race 8 No. 5 Zorb

Two wins from as many starts this preparation have Zorb arriving at Bendigo in excellent form.

Both victories have come on synthetic surfaces, including his latest at Pakenham where he tracked the speed and scored by just under half a length over this distance.

He had already shown he could handle this grade by winning a Benchmark 66 over 1500m at Ballarat first-up, so the class of Sunday's assignment holds no concerns.

The switch back to turf should also suit, with the four-year-old having already won and placed on grass, including a maiden victory on Good ground at Kilmore last October.

Archie Alexander has enjoyed a strong record at Bendigo in 2026, and with Zorb freshened since his latest success and drawn well in barrier six, he looks capable of completing the hat-trick.