The following is a selection of Australian racing tips for Saturday, October 6. The focus is on the Group 1 Turnbull Stakes (Race 5), Gilgai Stakes (Race 6), The Bart Cummings (Race 7), Edward Manifold Stakes (Race 8) and Blazer Stakes (Race 9) at Flemington, as well as the Roman Consul Stakes (Race 6), Group 1 Spring Champion Stakes (Race 7) and Angst Stakes (Race 8) at Randwick. Morphettville, Belmont and Doomben are also covered.
More tips and previews will be added as they become available.
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Best bets of the day
Flemington Race 5, No. 4 Kings Will Dream – PLACE
Flemington Race 7, No. 1 Avilius
Randwick Race 5, No. 11 Fierce Impact
Belmont
Race 3, No. 2 Electric Light – 4 stars
Doomben
Race 4, No. 9 Lulu Express – 4 stars
Race 7, No. 7 Pizonie – 4 stars
Race 9, No. 1 Jaminzah – 4 stars
Flemington
Race 4, No. 1 Not A Single Cent – each-way – 2 stars
Race 7, No. 1 Avilius – BEST BET – 4.5 stars
Race 8, No. 5 Amphitrite – 4 stars
Quaddie: 1, 2, 11 / 1, 2, 7, 11 / 2, 5, 11, 15 / 3, 5, 6
Race 2:
Yulong January (4.00) to win
Race 5:
1. Winx
2. Kings Will Dream
3. Grunt
4. Youngstar
Suggested Bet: Back Winx/Kings Will Dream Quinella
Race 7:
Back Avilius (2.30) to win but wait until closer to jump as I think we’ll see a better price
Race 9:
Savatiano (4.40) to win
Race 6:
BACK (WIN) – Perast for 2.5 units
Betfair – Feature Race Reports:
Race 5:
Betting Confidence: High
Back – #2 Winx; #4 Kings Will Dream
Lay – #1 Grunt
Race 6:
Betting Confidence: Low
Lay – #11 I Am Excited
Race 7:
Betting Confidence: Medium
Back – #9 Jaameh
Race 8:
Betting Confidence: Medium
Lay – #5 Amphitrite
Race 9:
Betting Confidence: Low
Back – #14 Leather’n’lace
Palmerbet – Horse Racing Tips & Previews:
Race 1: FORBIDDEN PALACE
Race 2: RANIER
Race 3: CRACK ME UP
Race 4: FAROOQ
Race 5: 1. WINX, 2. Kings Will Dream, 3. Jon Snow, 4. Youngstar
Race 6: FIRST AMONG EQUALS
Race 7: AVILIUS
Race 8: VERRY ELLEEGANT
Race 9: TULIP
Runners are listed in number order, not order of preference.
Race 5: 1 Grunt, 2 Winx, 4 Kings Will Dream, 5 Jon Snow
Race 6: 3 Perast, 10 Eduardo, 11 I Am Excited
Race 7: 1 Avilius, 6 Rising Red, 8 Northwest Passage, 11 Harrison
Race 8: 2 Krone, 4 Aristia, 5 Amphitrite, 11 Thousand Wishes
Race 9: 3 Invincibella, 5 Bella Martini, 6 Tulip, 9 Savatiano
Race 5:
2. Winx (5 stars)
7. Trap For Fools (4 stars)
6. Divine Unicorn (2 stars)
10. Youngstar (2 stars)
Race 6:
4. Dreamforce (3 stars)
7. First Among Equals (3 stars)
1. Dothraki (3 stars)
10. Eduardo (3 stars)
Race 7:
1. Avilius (5 stars)
6. Rising Red (4 stars)
9. Jaameh (3 stars)
5. Megablast (3 stars)
Race 8:
5. Amphitrite (3 stars)
2. Krone (3 stars)
1. Kinky Boom (3 stars)
15. Verry Elleegant (3 stars)
Race 9:
3. Invincibella (3 stars)
9. Savatiano (3 stars)
16. Shoko (3 stars)
6. Tulip (3 stars)
Unibet – Race Comments and Selections:
Race 5:
WINX (2) Will have to settle in the second half of the field from the wide barrier, but should just win with clear running. Onwards and upwards to another Cox Plate. KINGS WILL DREAM (4) May find it tricky from the inside draw but has a nice turn of foot. Deserves consideration in multiples bets. GRUNT (1) Seems to grow a leg when racing at Flemington. Likely to be challenging for the places. YOUNGSTAR (10) Reaching peak fitness levels now and will benefit at the weights. One for the trifectas and first fours.
Selections: 2 Winx, 4 Kings Will Dream, 1 Grunt, 10 Youngstar
Race 6:
I AM EXCITED (11) Flew home into 2nd two runs back at Caulfield and third up from a break. Jockey Kerrin Mcevoy riding for trainer David Pfieffer command respect. Capable of getting into the money. FIRST AMONG EQUALS (7) Third up today. Rattled home nicely into 2nd last start at this course and strong performer at this trip. Deserves consideration. BONS AWAY (9) Managed to run into 2nd three runs back at Caulfield and can go through the gears. Include. DOTHRAKI (1) Really dug deep when winning last run at this course and third up from a spell. One in a race with many chances.
Selections: 11 I Am Excited, 7 First Among Equals, 9 Bons Away, 1 Dothraki
Race 7:
AVILIUS (1) Winner last time at Randwick and should get going late. Unbeaten this preparation with 3 wins from 3 starts. Deserves favouritism. OUR VENICE BEACH (2) Third up from a spell. Placed 2nd two runs back at Moonee Valley. Stays under notice. YOGI (10) Good run when finishing 2nd two runs back at Moonee Valley. Will be trying to topple them late. Looks to have a good chance of placing. JAAMEH (9) Was first to greet the judge when winning last run at this course but up against stronger competition today. Going well this campaign winning 2 from 4 attempts. Place claims at least.
Selections: 1 Avilius, 2 Our Venice Beach, 10 Yogi, 9 Jaameh
Race 8:
AMPHITRITE (5) Very tidy this campaign winning 2 from as many attempts. Won narrowly last run here. Goes very close. VERRY ELLEEGANT (15) Solid effort when winning last start at Matamata and changes in trainer to Darren Weir. Right in the thick of it here and is a major player. KRONE (2) Stormed home when 3rd two runs back at Moonee Valley and can go through the gears. Open to improvement and is a strong chance again. ARISTIA (4) Flashed home late into 3rd two runs back at Moonee Valley and is on a quick back up. Does take a while to get into stride. Underrated.
Selections: 5 Amphitrite, 15 Verry Elleegant, 2 Krone, 4 Artistia
Race 9:
SAVATIANO (9) Really dug deep when winning two runs back at Wyong and likely to be well placed early. Has the ability to take this out. INVINCIBELLA (3) Fought on gamely when winning two runs back at Rosehill. Should get going late. Will go well here. BELLA MARTINI (5) Third up from a spell. Nice effort when winning three runs back at this track. Capable of getting into the money. PLATINUM ANGEL (13) Landed the spoils when winning three runs back at Caulfield and can go through the gears. One for the trifectas and first fours in this race
Selections: 9 Savatiano, 3 Invincibella, 5 Bella Martini, 13 Platinum Angel
Sportsbet – Race Comments and Selections:
Race 5:
Speed is irrelevant. WINX (like any great athlete) is superior when the speed is fast, but if they go slow, she outsprints them! A freak athlete she is!! GRUNT gets another go back at Flemington, he beat KINGS WILL DREAM here prior in fast-run 1600m and they both look like eating 2000m. YOUNGSTAR is promising and will be hitting the line out to 2000m today. JON SNOW battled hard in Makybe Diva Stks and is a trifecta hope also.
Selections: 2. Winx, 1. Grunt, 4. Kings Will Dream, 10. Youngstar
Race 6:
OSBORNE BULLS as referenced in the past, has G1 closing speed, I guess that was proven given he just recorded the fastest last 200m in G1 Rupert Clarke, however, now he is back at 1200m and drawn gate 1 (#notideal). DREAMFORCE is a poor man’s Santa Ana Lane, forever underrated, great recent jump out and has won his last four on dry. BONS AWAY flew home fresh and gets to 1200m, all wins have been at 1200. He was .7L off KEEN ARRAY (trialled well) this race last yr. QUILISTA may be set-alight here, she can win on her Oakleigh Plate run. EDUARDO is ready but weights against. I AM EXCITED has case
Selections: 4. Dreamforce, 9. Bons Away, 8. Quilista
Race 7:
SPEED looks good: 2, 7, 11, 12 can all be pushing the pace with 6, 8 & 13 handy. AVILIUS has been brilliant in three wins in Oz. The last time he was at a staying trip he was a 3.5L second to the world-class Cracksman. Never easy 58.5kg but happily on top. He beat Brimham Rocks last start and that horse was then beaten a lip in the G1 Metrop, a race where MIDTERM flew home off a modest tempo. Stablemate HARRISON beat Brimham Rocks at 2400m back in April at Bendigo so that ties in nicely. RISING RED and YOGI (ran on well this race last year) both look soooo ready to win.
Selections: 1. Avilius, 7. Midterm, 11. Harrison, 6. Rising Red
Race 8:
SPEED: 16, 12 from 8, 11 with 3, 5, 15 off those? KRONE covered a stack of ground at Caulfield second up yet kept closing and looks suited 1600m here at Flemington. ARISTIA backs up from Guineas Prelude, where she recorded the fastest last 200m of the race. Out to 1600m here on big track looks right up her alley! PIERRO BELLE jumps 1200m to 1600m off quick turnaround but was very good at MV. VERRY ELLEEGANT is a smart filly from NZ. She still does things wrong but will make a nice horse. AMPHITRITE won well here running last 600m near 4L above class average. YULONG METEOR a hope. Back in trip?
Selections: 2. Krone, 4. Aristia, 5. Amphitrite, 13. Pierro Belle
Race 9:
Tough! SPEED: 2,5,16 with 6,9,12up there. 8,11 next? SAVATIANO hardly had ideal run fresh yet beat Shumookh, that mare then won Golden Pendant in Sydney beating PRINCESS POSH and INVINCIBELLA, safe to say though, Invincibella goes very close there with any luck! Princess Posh beat Savatiano in Tibbie Stks Newcatsle but ‘Sava’ was very wide and ran enormous! BRING ME ROSES resumes, trialled well and beat home ALOISIA here in Vanity Stks fresh last prep. BELLA MARTINI made subsequent G2 winner I Am A Star work to beat her 2nd-up. GLOBAL GLAMOUR. TULIP, PLATINUM ANGEL & LA BELLA DIOSA chances.
Selections: 9. Savatiano, 3. Invincibella, 4. Bring Me Roses, 6. Tulip
Betfair – Race Analysis & Selections:
Race 5:
WINX has continued with her winning form this campaign and put them away with ease over the final 150m in the G1 George Main Stakes last stat over the mile. Up to the 2000m for this where she has a terrific record and you would expect her to prove too strong once again. KINGS WILL DREAM has been building nicely this campaign and just found one better when runner up in the Makybe Diva last start following a very narrow third in the Memsie. Should be running on but unlikely to get past Winx. GRUNT was disappointing in the Underwood but backs up quickly and goes well at Flemington.
1. Winx (5 stars)
2. Kings Will Dream (4 stars)
3. Grunt (4 stars)
Race 6:
OSBORNE BULLS just got the job done when winning the Regal Roller first up before running on to finish a close fifth in the Sir Rupert Clarke last start. Back to the 1200m where he has won 5/6 and if he brings his best he could be too good for these. EDUARDO has just the three starts to his name and returned pretty well when runner up over 1100m at Caulfield last start. Will push forward and be in this a long way. I AM EXCITED can never be ruled out and third up expect her to be ready to fire.
1. Osborne Bulls (5 stars)
2. I Am Excited (4 stars)
3. Eduardo (4 stars)
Race 7:
AVILIUS remains undefeated from his three Australian runs, the most recent in the Group 3 Kingston Town Stakes at Randwick. Goes up to the 2500m now and he will be getting to the line strongly once again. OUR VENICE BEACH returned with a second placing in his Australian debut at Moonee Valley and was good again in the Foundation Cup at Caulfield last start. Won his only start over this trip previously and expect him to be right in the finish of this. YOGI was disappointing at Morphettville last start but can bounce back and feature in the placings.
1. Avilius (5 stars)
2. Our Venice Beach (5 stars)
3. Yogi (4 stars)
Race 8:
KRONE is a very consistent type who missed the placings for the first time in seven starts when fourth in Listed company at Caulfield last time out. Just missed when resuming over 1200m the start prior and up the mile for the first time now can get the job done. AMPHITRITE has come back well this campaign with two wins and takes on tougher today. Open to further improvement and should relish the mile. VERRY ELLEEGANT was runner up on debut before winning her last two and is next best.
1. Krone (5 stars)
2. Amphitrite (4 stars)
3. Verry Elleegant (4 stars)
Race 9:
INVINCIBELLA returned in good order with a win in the Sheraco before just missing the placings when having no luck in the Golden Pendant last start. Placed in both previous runs at the course and third up over 1400m looks ready to win. BELLA MARTINI finished runner up to I Am A Star over this C/D last start and that form reads well for this. Building nicely this campaign and expect a strong showing. TULIP won with the big weight at Caulfield last start and will be prominent again.
1. Invincibella (5 stars)
2. Bella Martini (4 stars)
3. Tulip (4 stars)
Race 5:
WINX The Mighty Mare seems to have come back better than ever going on her two wins this preparation including a four-length win in the George Main Stakes at Randwick last start. Only bad luck can beat her and there will need to be plenty of that to lower her colours. KINGS WILL DREAM Is right on track for the Caulfield Cup in two weeks time after finishing runner-up in the Makybe Diva Stakes. Looks the one for the quinella. GRUNT Led when a beaten favourite in the Underwood last start after winning the Makybe Diva two back. Reckon Mark Zahra looks for a sit here and an improved showing is on the cards. JON SNOW Has been close-up in two runs this preparation including a third in the Makybe Diva last start. He’s ready to do something third-up.
Race 6:
OSBORNE BULLS Arguably found 1400m in Group I company a touch beyond him when fifth in the Rupert Clarke at Caulfield last start. Won the Regal Roller at Caulfield over the 1200m two back and expecting him to bounce back over the shorter journey. I AM EXCITED Is a consistent mare from the David Pfieffer yard and won three on the trot last preparation including the Listed Darby Munro at Rosehill. Has been close-up in her two runs this preparation at Caulfield and this looks her chance to return to the winner’s list down in the weights. PERAST Resumes on the back of a couple of solid trials at Gosford and Wyong and has won first-up previously. The Paul Perry Stable have tasted success on a number of occasions during the Melbourne Spring in past years and this one looks primed for a big run fresh. EDUARDO Was unbeaten in two runs in his first preparation with soft wins at Moe and Sandown Hillside before looking a half-run short when runner-up at Caulfield resuming last start. He’s right in play with the first-up run under his belt.
Race 7:
AVILIUS Is a Godolphin import who is unbeaten in his three Australian starts winning impressively on each occasion including the Kingston Town Stakes at Randwick last start. There is nothing to suggest he isn’t the one to beat again. RISING RED Won the Premier’s Cup at Doomben during the Winter Carnival and has returned in good order finishing runner-up both runs this time in including the Naturalism Stakes last start. Only has to run out the 2500m for the first time to be right in the finish. HARRISON Hasn’t been far from the winner all three runs this preparation culminating in a close second in the Ansett Classic at Mornington last start. He’s ready to do something peaking fourth-up. NORTHWEST PASSAGE Did a good job last start finishing less than three-lengths from the winner in the Naturalism after doing plenty of work in the run. He can get into the placings with a more favourable run in transit.
Race 8:
KRONE Has only missed a place once in her seven starts to date and already a listed winner getting the money in the Cinderella Stakes at Morphettville last preparation. Was placed in the Atlantic Jewel resuming at Moonee Valley two runs back before finishing fourth at Caulfield last start. Is looking for the mile now and is ready to win. AMPHITRITE Is a stablemate of our top pick from the Darren Weir yard and is chasing a hat trick of wins after successive victories at Sale and Flemington. Will be watching the betting closely to get a lead on the stablemates. THOUSAND WISHES Finished a close second on debut at Sale before going one better at Geelong last start. This is harder but she does have plenty of scope for improvement and goes in all the exotics. ARISTIA Looks suited getting out to the mile after making up good ground in the Thousand Guineas Prelude at Caulfield last start and is worth including in the wider exotics.
Race 9:
TULIP Was too good for a benchmark field at Caulfield last start overcoming a wide barrier draw and 60.5kg. It’s hard to find a reason to suggest she isn’t the one to beat again with 3.5kg less to carry and an ideal barrier. SAVATIANO Is a consistent Godolphin Mare with five wins and five runner-up finishes from her 13 starts to date. Won the Mona Lisa at Wyong resuming two runs back before finishing runner-up in the Tibbie at Newcastle last start and she rates as one of the key chances again. BELLA MARTINI Is close to a win after two solid runs this time in including a photo-finish second in the Let’s Elope this track and distance last start. She’s right in the mix third-up and worth noting she won at the same stage of her preparation last time in. INVINCIBELLA Is a Chris Waller-trained mare who won the Sheraco Stakes at Rosehill resuming two back before finishing fourth in the Golden Pendent at Rosehill last start and she is a must for the wider exotics.
Morphettville
Race 6, No. 6 Mr Hamilton – BEST BET – 4.5 stars
Randwick
Race 5, No. 11 Fierce Impact – 4 stars
Race 6, No. 4 Performer – 3.5 stars
Race 8, No. 1 Dixie Blossoms – 4 stars
Quaddie: 1, 3, 4 / 1, 2, 4, 5 / 1, 2, 5 / 4, 5, 6, 14
Palmerbet – Horse Racing Tips & Previews:
Race 1: ROYAL CELEBRATION
Race 2: SAXTON ROCK
Race 3: RAQEEQ
Race 4: ETYMOLOGY
Race 5: FIERCE IMPACT
Race 6: JONKER
Race 7: 1. FRANKELY AWESOME, 2. Thinkin’ Big, 3. Tarka, 4. Dealmaker
Race 8: DIXIE BLOSSOMS
Race 9: TCHAIKOVSKY
Unibet – From the Trader’s Desk:
Race 1, #3, YULONG JANUARY – best bet
Race 4, #6, SUPER TYCOON – value bet
Race 7, #4, ARAMAYO
Race 7, #1, THINKIN’ BIG – lay bet (bet against this horse with Betfair)
Palmerbet – Horse Racing Tips & Previews:
Race 7: 1. FRANKELY AWESOME, 2. Thinkin’ Big, 3. Tarka, 4. Dealmaker
Betfair – Feature Race Reports:
Race 6:
Betting Confidence: High
Back – #1 Sandbar
Race 7:
Betting Confidence: High
Back – #1 Thinkin’ Big
Race 8:
Betting Confidence: Medium
Back – #5 I Am Serious
Runners are listed in number order, not order of preference.
Race 6: 1 Sandbar, 2 Aylmerton, 4 Performer, 5 Ef Troop
Race 7: 1 Thinkin’ Big, 2 Tarka, 4 Aramayo, 12 Frankely Awesome
Race 8: 1 Dixie Blossoms, 2 Shumookh, 3 Princess Posh, 5 I Am Serious
Race 6:
1. Sandbar (5 stars)
10. Charge (3 stars)
8. Spin (2 stars)
5. Ef Troop (2 stars)
Race 7:
2. Tarka (3 stars)
1. Thinkin’ Big (3 stars)
4. Aramayo (3 stars)
6. Mickey Blue Eyes (2 stars)
Race 8:
5. I Am Serious (4 stars)
3. Princess Posh (3 stars)
8. Mandylion (3 stars)
2. Shumookh (3 stars)
Unibet – Race Comments and Selections:
Race 6:
SANDBAR (1) Really dug deep when winning three runs back at Rosehill and is dropping in grade. Should come to hand quickly. One of the main dangers. JONKER (3) Third up from a spell. Peaked on the run when 3rd last start at Rosehill. Must be considered. PERFORMER (4) Caught the eye when 3rd two runs back at Rosehill and will be hitting the line strongly. Expected to fight out the finish. AYLMERTON (2) Having second run back from a break. Won narrowly three runs back here and is hard to fault at this trip. Every chance today
Selections: 1 Sandbar, 3 Jonker, 4 Performer, 2 Aylmerton
Race 7:
THINKIN’ BIG (1) Classy colt who will make its own luck out in front. Will give the rest of the field something to chase down. ARAMAYO (4) Got back to winning ways last start with an impressive win at Newcastle. Will likely be having the last shot at them. DEAL MAKER (5) Form lines from last start read very well for this race. A win here would not surprise. FRANKELY AWESOME (12) Lightly raced filly who looks to have plenty of upside. This is a big jump in grade but can’t say she is without a hope.
Selections: 1 Thinkin’ Big, 4 Aramayo, 5 Deal Maker, 12 Frankely Awesome
Race 8:
I AM SERIOUS (5) Tidy effort when 3rd last time at the track and can save some energy from the alley. Will give a strong sight. DIXIE BLOSSOMS (1) Third up from a break. Proven at this track and distance with 2 wins from 4 runs. Will give a big sight. SHUMOOKH (2) Game effort to win last start at Rosehill and third up today. Will be pushing for a forward position early. Should take beating. PRINCESS POSH (3) Chimed in with a win two runs back at Newcastle. Has won or placed 7 out of 10 attempts this preparation. Could run into the money
Selections: 5 I Am Serious, 1 Dixie Blossoms, 2 Shumookh, 3 Princess Posh
Sportsbet – Race Comments and Selections:
Race 6:
3, 5 and 11 to scoot and more than likely spread this field out. JONKER was honourable in defeat behind Lean Mean Machine and Graff 4 weeks ago and can be expected to be ridden out front again here. Measured up nicely in what was his first go on Heavy ground. Behind him that day was SANDBAR who then was only beaten 1.5L in the Golden Rose. Look for a couple of pairs back on the inside and I fancy he’ll be strong at the finish if he sees clear soon enough. AYLMERTON switches back from a worthy return in Melbourne. Jumping cleanly would help him. A fresh SESAR (with The Autumn Sun/Zousain form on Heavy) adds interest!
Selections: 3. Jonker, 2. Aylmerton, 1. Sandbar, 9. Sesar
Race 7:
THINKIN’ BIG our very likely leader and there does seem a bit of toughness about him. Took on that race with 8 weeks between starts (he had trialled x 2) and was still able to respond strongly. Already well proven on Soft and Heavy, he is even being offered up as a chance to contest the Melbourne Cup and I for one would love for that to pan out. Very hard to get past. TARKA was held at bay last time but has shown a good level of honesty himself (and won on Heavy). ARAMAYO comes from a different angle but is calling out for this distance now and seems to have a bit more dash about him. How he handles wet is obviously crucial.
Selections: 4. Aramayo, 1. Thinkin’ Big, 2. Tarka, 5. Dealmaker
Race 8:
3 and 6 both accepted earlier. 8 and 2 are the clear-cut leading pair. There are several mares in the race with strong Heavy track credentials than SHUMOOKH but she is a high-grade girl and still on the up in her campaign. Placed all three here at Randwick and her defeats have been to D’Argento, Alizee and Shoals! Up to 57 means she meets PRINCESS POSH worse off (2kg) for only half a length but I have faith she will kick on again. I AM SERIOUS ended last prep with a Heavy track win at this track and trip. She’s obviously come back well. MANDYLION jumps up from Benchmark company but loves the wet.
Selections: 2. Shumookh, 5. I Am Serious, 3. Princess Posh, 8. Mandylion
Betfair – Race Analysis & Selections:
Race 6:
Easily one of the main highlights of the afternoon with this year’s Group 2 Roman Consul. SANDBAR comfortably brings the best form into this race, having finished fourth in the Group 1 Golden Rose Stakes last start. Should be right at his top racing fourth up and has drawn to get a lovely run. Hard to beat. JONKER was very good behind Lean Mean Machine last start and like the fact he comes here on the fresh side. Will press forward and be in this for a long way. SESAR a big watch fresh with the blinkers on for the first time.
1. Sandbar (5 stars)
2. Jonker (4 stars)
3. Sesar (4 stars)
Race 7:
The main highlight of the afternoon with this year’s Group 1 Spring Champion Stakes. ARAMAYO took a good step forward at Newcastle last start when far too good in the Group 3 Spring Stakes. Wasn’t suited by the race-shape on that occasion and hence his performance coming from towards the rear to win, was very very good. On an upward spiral and should prove hard to beat. DEALMAKER missed the Gloaming Stakes, which is a slight concern, but no doubting his talent and he looms as a major threat with Oliver aboard. TARKA gets the blinkers on for the first time and appears the next in line.
1. Aramayo (5 stars)
2. Dealmaker (4 stars)
3. Tarka (4 stars)
Race 8:
Good competitive mares’ event with nine set to line up in this year’s Group 3 Angst Stakes. I AM SERIOUS has been very good in all three starts this time in, bumping into Avilius at her last two. Love the set up back to a mile and she is sure to relish the wet conditions. Have to respect the booking of McDonald and she should take a power of beating. SHUMOOKH was very good on-speed when kicking back to win the Golden Pendant last start and obviously commands respect off the back of that win. DIXIE BLOSSOMS the next in line racing third up.
1. I Am Serious (5 stars)
2. Shumookh (4 stars)
3. Dixie Blossoms (4 stars)
Race 6:
SANDBAR Won the Rosebud at Rosehill three runs back and hasn’t been far away in the Run To The Rose and Golden Rose at last two starts. Looks suited back to 1200m with the advantage of the inside gate. PERFORMER Was solid when third in the San Domenico resuming two back before struggling in the Run To The Rose on a heavy track. Has been given four-weeks to get over the run and has trialled in the interim. Is worth another chance. EF TROOP Had excuses in the Danehill Stakes at Flemington when well backed last start after having no luck at Doomben resuming two back. Only needs even luck in running to be in the finish. AYLMERTON Didn’t fire in the McNeil Stakes at Caulfield resuming last start when a firmer in betting. Won two from three in his first preparation including the Todman Stakes this track and distance and a sharp improvement wouldn’t surprise.
Race 7:
THINKIN’ BIG Made it three wins from four starts leading all the way to win the Gloaming resuming from an eight-week let-up last start. Looks to have some upside at the staying caper and will take plenty of running down. FRANKELY AWESOME Puts an unbeaten record on the line after two soft wins on country tracks. This is her acid test but have to respect the Kris Lees stable’s ability to find the right races for their horses. TARKA Won three on the trot including the Stan Fox at Rosehill before working home nicely when runner-up in the Gloaming Stakes. The extra 200m and a set of blinkers for the first time gives him the chance to reverse the result on Thinkin’ Big. ARAMAYO Has won two of last four and was an impressive winner of the Spring Stakes at Newcastle last start. Looks suited out to 2000m and is a genuine winning chance.
Race 8:
I AM SERIOUS Has only missed a place once in 14-starts and has returned to the winner’s stall on seven occasions. Has been placed in each of her three runs this time in including a third in the Kingston Town Stakes last start over 2000m. This looks her race back to the mile with the advantage of the inside gate. SHUMOOKH Defied the challengers in the straight to hold on and win the Golden Pendent at Rosehill last start. Only has to run out the mile for the first time to be right in the finish. DIXIE BLOSSOMS Was placed in the Tramway resuming two back before finishing on the placegetters heels in the Golden Pendent last start. Has won two races over the Randwick mile and she is right in the mix peaking third-up. PRINCESS POSH Is still to be proven beyond 1400m but is racing well winning the Tibbie at Newcastle two runs back and is worth including in the wider exotics.