Fourteen fillies and mares have been confirmed in a competitive field for Saturday’s Listed Gai Waterhouse Classic (1350m) at Ipswich Racecourse; offering punters exceptional value from a betting perspective and several key opportunities to place a winning wager.

Scarlet Billows represents good value in 2016 Gai Waterhouse Classic betting markets. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos

Serenade has returned to racing in competitive form this time and remains an outright $3.80 favourite in 2016 Gai Waterhouse Classic betting markets with leading online bookie Ladbrokes.com.au.

Producing a number of commendable efforts at black type level in 2015, Serenade returned this time for fifth in the Jack Elliot Handicap (1100m) on March 26^th before taking out the Hygain BM70 (1200m) a fortnight later.

Running a credible third in the Listed Nitschke Stakes (1400m) the Star Witness filly ran on for second in the Listed Bright Shadow Quality (1200m) last time out on May 21^st and should prove very tough to beat in the Gai Waterhouse Classic from barrier 3, with only 54kgs in tow.

Scarlet Billows is yet to herald much attention in 2016 Gai Waterhouse Classic betting markets, but remains sole occupant of the second line at a generous $4.20 quote.

Posting six wins and a further four minors through twenty-six career starts so far, the Street Boss mare returned this time for fifth in the Family Bakery Sprint (1100m) before a luckless run for seventh in the Group 1 William Reid Stakes (1200m).

Returning to winning form in the Gold Distaff (1400m) on April 16^th, Scarlet Billows failed to fire in the Group 1 Robert Sangster Stakes (1200m) and was clearly out of her depth when beating only one runner home in the Group 1 Doomben 10,000 (1350m) last start.

Scarlet Billows has been charged with overcoming a wide draw and a race-high 59kgs, but will relish a return to fillies and mares’ company at Ipswich.

Gai Waterhouse is offered a great opportunity to saddle the winner in her namesake event with Echo Gal, who arguably offers punters the best value for money at $5 odds for success this weekend, particularly after drawing barrier 4.

Trialling well in the lead-up to her competitive return, Echo Gal clearly required a run when tenth in the Group 1 BTC Cup (1200m) first-up on March 14^th.

Having run on for sixth in the Group 2 QTC Cup (1300m) last weekend, the Stratum mare will be partnered by Tegan Harrison in the Gai Waterhouse classic and should have no issue performing well with 56.5kgs.

Frill Seeking opened at 2016 Gai Waterhouse Classic odds of $7.50 but has subsequently received the greatest share of bets for success and has cut into a $7 quote, to register as clear market mover.

Open an account and bet with Ladbrokes.com.au to take advantage of the best 2016 Gai Waterhouse Classic odds!