Victorian racing is headlined on the weekend by the Ballarat Cup 2017, betting tips and the latest odds on the rich country clash detailed below.

Oncidium Ruler is the Races.com.au team’s tip to win Saturday’s Ballarat Cup 2017 in Victoria. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos.

It is one of the strongest editions of the Listed $300,000 Ballarat Cup (2200m) on Saturday in recent memory and plenty in the 13-horse field have claims at the title.

Current Ballarat Cup betting at Ladbrokes.com.au is led by Mr Garcia ($3) having his maiden start with Darren Weir.

The former Andreas Wohler-trained import won his Australian race debut on Oaks Day over 1800m at Flemington and comes back from 58kg to 54kg for this.

He certainly ticks plenty of boxes, quickening well late that day to suggest he’ll run the distance and continue to frank his strong European form.

Matt Cumani’s last start Queen Elizabeth Stakes runner-up Grey Lion ($6) and the Chris Waller-trained Antonio Giuseppe ($6) coming off a forgivable Crystal Mile loss are the dangers, before Second Bullet ($9.50) rounds out the single-figure chances in the Ballarat Cup odds for 2017.

So is it worth following the bookies’ advice or is there value to be had tipping a longer priced chance in the Ballarat Cup results on the weekend?

1^st

#10 Oncidium Ruler ($10)

Going for a bit of value and think the light weight (54kg) and gun gate (2) put apprentice Beau Merterns’ mount in contention for top prize. Michael Kent-trained Strategic six-year-old saluted over 2000m at Flemington on Emirates Stakes Day carrying 56.5kg and has winning form up to 2500m so can handle the 2200m and looks ready to peak third-up in an open race. Was only second-up last time in and it was a genuinely tough staying showdown, this could prove easier.

2^nd

#5 Grey Lion ($6)

Potential front runner in the locally-stabled import who comes off a lead-up second from November 11 at Flemington in the Group 3 Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2600m). Another typically brave place performance from this Galileo entire that day and is back down to 2200m for this. Could potentially turn it into an all-the-way staying contest with jockey Jordan Childs a chance to go forward from the favourable gate (3).

3^rd

#12 Knowable ($19)

Big odds on offer for Steve Richards’ in-form Hinchinbrook four-year-old coming off a trio of seconds in easier company. Last start was a quarter length off Oncidium Ruler at Flemington, a race we fancy the form out of to stack-up on Saturday. Wider draw here (12), but distance to overcome and Dean Yendall retains the ride. Could prove the value and be up on the pace crossing early.

Get in on our exclusive Ballarat Cup 2017 tips online now at the right spring racing odds through Ladbrokes.com.au.