Cranbourne hosts an eight-race program on Friday night and there should be a good crowd on track on the eve of the 2026 Cox Plate.
The weather is worth watching, with rain predicted from 8pm. At the time of writing, the track is rated a Good 4. The Ladbrokes 55 Second Challenge continues, and we start with a short-priced favourite in the opener as part of our three best bets for the evening.
Cranbourne Racing Tips – Friday 23 October 2026
| Race |
Best Bet |
Odds |
| Race 1 |
Angels Fury to Win |
$1.75 (4 units) |
| Race 6 |
Headbanger to Win |
$2.70 (2 units) |
| Race 7 |
Esmahli to Win |
$2.90 (2 units) |
Race 1 – The Valley @ Southside Cranbourne Handicap (1000m)
Friday, 6:15pm AEDT
Cranbourne Racecourse | 1000m
(1) Angels Fury is first up and chasing three consecutive wins for the in-form Maher stable. Both career wins have come on Soft ground, so if the rain arrives early she comes into play even more. In both wins she settled in the box seat and powered away from her rivals. From barrier five, Ethan Brown should be able to settle her handy again. The filly has won both Cranbourne jumpouts in recent weeks and should fire straight away.
(2) Lady Catalina finished fifth in the Group 3 Champagne Stakes at Caulfield last start and drops in class here. She was at big odds that day but was beaten only 2.4 lengths.
(3) Myyhro's Ruler looks suited by this distance after two unsuccessful runs in Group company. He may lead this field, as he did at Seymour last time when finishing second.
Our Cranbourne Race 1 Tip
Angels Fury to Win
$1.75 (4 units)
Race 6 – Ladbrokes 55 Second Challenge Heat 3 (955m)
Friday, 8:45pm AEDT
Cranbourne Racecourse | 955m
(7) Headbanger led and won at Pakenham on October 2 and receives 3.5kg of weight relief in this tougher race. Barrier three will suit Blake Shinn, and punters backing him will be hoping the rain stays away until after Race 6, as he is much better on dry ground. He has won at this track twice before, and Milos Filos, whom he beat last start, won well on Sunday. The experienced senior jockey is another advantage against several apprentices.
(1) You're Too Vain is first up but has trialled well. He will likely settle midfield and has previously won four times for Corey Parish. He goes well fresh.
(3) Saluted may need rain on the night but races over his favourite distance. He is consistent and can run on strongly over the final furlong. Logan Bates claims 1.5kg.
Our Cranbourne Race 6 Tip
Headbanger to Win
$2.70 (2 units)
Race 7 – Ladbrokes Cox Plate @ Flemington Handicap (1200m)
Friday, 9:15pm AEDT
Cranbourne Racecourse | 1200m
(1) Esmahli for Team Hayes has drawn well in barrier three. He ran on strongly for second last start at Flemington over this distance despite being beaten by six lengths. That race was much tougher than this, and he has already proven he can win over 1200m. He was beaten a head at Caulfield two starts ago. The only slight concern is that he is racing at Cranbourne for the first time. He has missed a placing only once in his career and should be running in the top three again.
(8) Insane Harry is a last-start Geelong winner after settling handy. He has drawn barrier four and is likely to settle in a similar position. Holly Durnan rides and has previously won aboard Harry.
(2) Imperial Award looks generously priced at $11.00, although barrier 12 may explain that. He is unbeaten on Soft tracks and may appreciate rain on the night. He remains unbeaten overall but faces his toughest assignment yet.
Our Cranbourne Race 7 Tip
Esmahli to Win
$2.90 (2 units)
Cranbourne Quaddie Tips
| Leg |
Selections |
| 1 |
1, 2, 3 |
| 2 |
1, 3, 7 |
| 3 |
1, 3, 8 |
| 4 |
2, 7, 9 |
Odds quoted at time of writing and subject to change. 18+ Gamble Responsibly.
