Bendigo Racing Club gets a rare chance to host Saturday racing this weekend with the Bendigo Guineas and the Golden Mile the features. Race one starts at 11:45am (AEST) with the last of the program concluding a touch after 4:55pm (AEST). After a small win midweek, we are keen to get some more winners with three best bets below. The Speed Machine (race two) is unbeaten in all trials and races and he is our first play of the day. Runners will race on a Good4 track with Fine weather predicted.
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Bendigo Racing Tips: Saturday, May 2nd 2026
Race 2: Ladbrokes VOBIS Goldrush 1100m - 12:15pm (AEST)
(2) The Speed Machine led all of the way for a first up win at Morphettville in March and backed that up with another all the way win at his second start at Mornington on April 18.. Both of those tracks were Dry on those occasions and I can't see any reason why Thomas Stockdale can't take him to the front again and control things. The only real query may be that Bendigo has a long straight whereas Mornington has a short straight so other runners may have more time to catch him over the final 200 meters.
(8) Shamakita has drawn very wide in 13 but must have a chance in the capable hands of Philip Stokes, who is in good form, and Beau Mertens who is on top.
(6) Marffiano is a first starter for the Hayes team and he did come 3rd in a recent Caulfield Heath barrier trial.
(2) The Speed Machine WIN
$2.15 (3 units)
Race 5: Catanachs Bendigo Gold Bracelet 1400m - 1:55pm (AEST)
(2) Merrigold backs up after a 4th at Flemington on Anzac Day over the same distance. He ran on very well on that occasion with Luke Cartwright on board and Cartwright takes the reins again. Marigold is racing very consistently at present for John Sadler and he did carry 60kg to win at Caulfield two starts back when he also ran on very well on a dry track. He drew very wide last time at Flemington (11) but at least he comes in a few of places to (8) in this one.
(6) Lady Jones is down in class and she's down in weight for this race. She has won over this track and distance previously and she does go very well on Good tracks (5 wins).
(9) Shister Shay led from start to the 200m mark at Caulfield but got tired late to run 5th over 1400m. Then she backed that up with a 2nd after trying to lead all of the way again at Lakeside on April 6.
(2) Merrigold WIN
$3.80 (2 units)
Race 6: Fitzsimmons Racing Handicap 1300m - 2:30pm (AEST)
(10) Duchess Zou was favourite at Cranbourne (4th) when returning from a spell but backed that up with a very good 2nd at Caulfield three weeks later. She stayed at the 1200m and went to Mornington after that and ran a very good 2nd, beaten half a length. In her career she has never finished further back then 4th and she is knocking on the door for another victory. Up to 1300m now.
(14) Xarpo has drawn well in barrier 2 and drops 7.5 kg for this one. Very consistent mare who did win first up at Caulfield Heath this prep. It was a poor run last start when 3rd and a beaten favourite. Should be in the finish again.
(2) La De Sha Goes well with Jordan Radley on top and gets a 3kg claim here. Won well at Cranbourne in February but did get back a long way Caulfield last start when 10th so that is a forgive run.
(10) Duchess Zou WIN
$3.30 (2 units)
Quaddie Tips
Leg one: 2, 9, 11, 12, 15
Leg two: 7, 11, 15
Leg three: 6, 8, 11
Leg four: 10, 12
