A talented field of 15 runners have been confirmed to line up for this weekend’s Group 3 The Heath (1100m) at Caulfield Racecourse, offering punters exceptional value from a betting point of view and several key opportunities to place a winning bet.

Richie's Vibe is a leading chance for success in the 2014 The Heath. Photo: Steve Hart

Returning to racing in great form this time in, John Saddler-trained Vain Queen has opened as and maintained status as outright favourite for success in The Heath, currently available at odds of $3.50 at Ladbrokes.com.au ahead of Richie’s Vibe and Hard Stride; currently sharing the second line of betting at even $7 odds.

Will Vain Queen justify favouritism and win the 2014 The Heath, or will one of her talented rivals find the line in the clear?

1^st

Richie’s Vibe ($7)

Securing a commendable total of five wins and two minor places from just 13 competitive starts so far, Richie’s Vibe with enter the 2014 The Heath first-up however appears to be returning to racing in excellent condition having taken out a strong Gawler barrier trial last week. Performing well over his most recent preparation through the 2013 Spring Racing Carnival and early 2014 autumn, the Danerich gelding finished second in the Listed Testa Rossa Stakes (1200m) on September 29^th and continued to build in form and class on his way to impressive victories in the Listed MSS Security Stakes (1200m) and Group 2 Australia Stakes (1200m); the latter ahead of a smart field which included the likes of multiple Group 1 winner Moment Of Change. While allocated the relatively wide and awkward barrier 12, Richie’s Vibe has been confirmed to be partnered by jockey Michael Rodd and is well and truly worth consideration for a wager this weekend.

2^nd

Hard Stride ($7)

Carrying winning black type form into the 2014 The Heath after charging home to win the Listed Regal Roller Stakes (1200m) by two lengths last time out on August 16^th, Hard Stride has claimed three wins and nine minor places from 18 competitive starts. Currently amidst a long and busy 13 race preparation which spans back to an impressive win in the White Horse Truck & Bus Maiden (1005m) on January 12^th, the Street Sense gelding has continued to build in form on his way to an impressive run of seven-straight races without finishing worse than second. Confirmed to be partnered by jockey Damien Lane, Hard Stride offers punters great value for money at current odds, particularly via $2.55 to run a place.

3^rd

Lonhspresso ($7.50)

Despite beating only a single runner home in the Group 1 Tattersall’s Tiara (1400m) last time out on June 21^st, Lonhspresso is a proven performer on Victorian tracks and is definitely worth consideration for a bet in The Heath. Contesting a strong record of four wins and four minor places from just 12 competitive race starts, the Lonhro mare finished fourth in the All Victorian Sprint Series Open (1100m) on May 10^th before charging home to win the Listed Straight Six (1200m) on May 24^th. Finishing second in the Golden Topaz Open (1200m) in her only other start prior to the Tatt’s Tiara, Lonhspresso will leave from the ideal barrier 1 and arguably offers punters the best value for money in the 2014 The Heath.

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