Gawler Betting Tips, Best Bets & Odds for January 23

After he was a tragedy beaten on December 19 in a very messy watch for his supporters, this five-year-old made amends with a comfortable victory last start where they finally put him into the race early, so this gelding does have some versatility.

With enough speed engaged in this eight-horse field, jockey Kayla Crowther does have options from barrier four on the son of Toorak Toff, but off the fence and with some cover would be ideal, as he really can let down with a sharp turn of foot when conditions allow.

Taken Off is still a very lightly raced galloper with just the eight starts to his name and now they're getting him deeper into a campaign, is capable of going back-to-back on Saturday and with a low enough rating, is perhaps another that Phillip Stokes will take across to his Melbourne base at some stage.

Following four inconsistent efforts over his first two racing preparations, this three-year-old has been able to hold his form this time in which began with a first-up win at Murray Bridge, where he strode away in fine style despite the double figure starting price.

By Ready For Victory and out of a half-sister to the 1987 Golden Slipper winner Marauding, Ultimate Victory was sent out as favourite second-up at Gawler on December 19 where although he didn't salute, did come from last and wide to finish third in an otherwise leader-dominated affair.

Although not disgraced on the Boxing Day Card from Morphettville, he did appear to race a little flat on the seven-day turnaround and along with a little freshen-up here, has the blinkers now on and is well in at the weights after the 3kg claim of Stacey Metcalfe.

Despite being safely held, this mare to stuck to the task well fresh as runner-up behind a dominant winner in Our Deep Agenda and although wasn't terrible when holding her ground for a midfield finish following that, I suspect that first-up effort perhaps took the edge off her.

The experienced Barend Vorster, who was aboard for that first-up tilt, was back on Wicked Whitt for his third-up attempt at Strathalbyn, where after racing three-wide throughout, still made ground for a midfield finish and gave the impression that this extra journey may be worth another try.

Hard fit now and with the benefit of barrier one where the intent should be to kick-up early to keep track with the likely leader Tomb Raider, he should get every chance to sprint home late in an event that doesn't have a whole lot of speed on paper.