Horse racing tips: Pakenham best bets, preview for Thursday March 16

Trainer Phillip Stokes will again be hard to beat on his home track at Thursday’s Pakenham meeting. Picture: Racing Photos via Getty Images

News Corp form analyst Brad Waters looks at Thursday night's Pakenham meeting.

BEST BET

FAGIN (Race 5 No.5 – $4.20)

Looks ready for 1600m after two excellent efforts over 1400m to start his career. He's a promising type that can break through this time.

NEXT BEST

DANCINGINTHEDARK (Race 6 No.8 – $6.50)

The talented mare just got too far back when not far away at her first run for five weeks last time. She'll be fitter and can bounce back this time.

QUEEN TA VISTA (Race 7 No.5 – $4.80)

Queen Ta Vista led and scored well in good time when up to 1600m at her second run and should be tough to run down again despite stepping up in class at Pakenham.

VALUE BET

The Geelong-trained mare was sound in both runs last time in and has had more time to develop. She sharply improved in her last jumpout and could pinch a fresh win.

THE JOCKEY

ZAC SPAIN

Zac Spain has a solid book of five rides at Pakenham on Thursday. OCTRAIN (Race 1 No.4 – $15), JILLETTE (Race 2 No.2 – $23), MOOTESSA (Race 3 No.11 – $21), UNCLE DONNY (Race 5 No.8 – $11), QUEEN TA VISTA (Race 7 No.5 – $2.40).