The following is a survey of Australian horse racing tips for Saturday, October 2. The focus is on the race cards at Flemington and Randwick. The four Group 1 races on the day are the Turnbull Stakes (Race 7) at Flemington, plus the Flight Stakes (Race 7), Epsom (Race 8) and Metropolitan (Race 9) at Randwick.
More tips will be added as they become available.
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Flemington Race 1: 7. Robusto
Flemington Race 2: 7. Hitotsu and 8. Gunstock
Flemington Race 3: 2. Elusive Express and 12. Glint Of Hope
Flemington Race 4: 1. Zoutori and 3. Kemalpasa
Flemington Race 5: 1. Ingratiating and 4. Ranch Hand
Flemington Race 6: 3. Mystic Journey, saving on 9. Annavisto
Flemington Race 8: 10. Sheraz, saving on 11. Grand Promenade
Flemington Race 9: 1. Aysar, saving on 9. Tavidance
Randwick Race 2: 2. Coolangatta
Randwick Race 3: 13. Victory Moments and 4. Kibou
Randwick Race 5: 1. Think It Over
Randwick Race 8: 9. Riodini
Flemington
Race 1:
CAVALLO RAMPANTE (9) Menari 2yo having first race appearance for trainer Ciaron Maher and David Eustace. Respect the betting. ROBUSTO (7) Churchill 2yo on debut for trainer Chris Waller. Well respected contender. RAMPANT LION (6) Frankel 2yo trained by Peter G Moody on debut. Should give this a shake. GET IN THE SPIRIT (10) Initial appearance for Michael Kent Jnr & Mick Price 2yo by Spirit Of Boom. Stands out as good value.
Race 2:
GUNSTOCK (8) Second up. Good win last time at Cranbourne but facing a stronger class. Main hope. HITOTSU (7) Having second run back from a break. Did a good job when winning last time at Donald and has good closing speed. Suited. TUTUKAKA (1) Won with a leg in the air two runs back at Eagle Farm and second up from a spell. Should enjoy a cosy run off the pace. Can threaten if right today. EL PATRONESS (14) Ran well when 3rd last start at Sandown and carrying less weight this time. Worth an each way bet in this.
Race 3:
ELUSIVE EXPRESS (2) Third up today. Landed the spoils when winning three runs back at Cranbourne and can find a nice position from the draw. Respect in this company. YEARNING (1) Game effort to win last start at Newcastle and gets some weight relief. Likely to get a nice run behind the speed. Market may be ultimate guide. MOKULUA (7) Placed 2nd two runs back at Randwick. Consider an each way bet. GLINT OF HOPE (12) Stormed home when 3rd last start at Cranbourne but facing a stronger grade today. Maybe for the trifectas and a marginal hope.
Race 4:
ZOUTORI (1) Having second run back from a break. Solid effort when 4th last time at this track and should get going late. Looks a winning hope. AWAY GAME (6) Fought on gamely when winning three runs back at Eagle Farm but carrying more weight than last time. Will be trying to topple them late. Ready to win. KEMALPASA (3) Handy enough when winning three runs back at Morphettville and shows good early pace. Respect in this company. SPLINTEX (2) Goes well third up with 3 wins from 4 starts. Won narrowly last run here and expecting to settle positively. Winning chance in this line up.
Race 5:
INGRATIATING (1) Having third run back from a spell. Left nothing to chance when winning two runs back at Caulfield but facing a stronger class. Hard to dismiss. RANCH HAND (4) Got the upper hand late when winning last time at this track and expected to be flashing home. Keep in mind. GENERAL BEAU (2) Did enough to win last time at Caulfield but racing in stronger company today. Should race on the speed. Massive hope. GIMMIE PAR (12) Won narrowly last run at Caulfield and likely to race off the speed. Chance in this field so include in exotics.
Race 6:
MYSTIC JOURNEY (3) Proven record when second up with 3 wins from 6 attempts. Ran on strongly when 2nd last time at this course. Will be in the finish. ANNAVISTO (9) Fought on well to win last start at Caulfield and shows good early pace. Must respect. INSTANT CELEBRITY (2) Put in a competitive run when placing 3rd two runs back at Caulfield and always seems to find the line well. Should be very competitive and is a genuine threat. ODEUM (1) Had a break from racing and returns to competition. Kept running on late when 2nd two runs back at Eagle Farm and should race just behind the speed. Has to be included.
Race 7:
VERRY ELLEEGANT (4) Third up specialist with 5 wins from 6 runs. Won last time at Randwick and will be well suited at the distance. Going the right way and will give the others something to chase today. INCENTIVISE (3) Game effort to win last start at this track and shows good early pace. Making headway every start and rates strongly. SIR DRAGONET (1) Having second run back from a break. Put in a competitive run when placing 3rd last run here and looks well placed in this grade. Worth an each way bet in this. COLETTE (8) Got going late when 5th last run at this track and should get going late. Chance for exotics punters.
Race 8:
GRAND PROMENADE (11) Won by a huge margin three runs back at the track. Tracking very well this preparation. Goes close. SHERAZ (10) Had a comfortable win last time at Chantilly but fresh after a break. Expecting to settle just off the pace. Minor prospects. TRALEE ROSE (13) Ran 3rd last time at Caulfield. Third up. Solid each way claims. PONDUS (4) Looked good when 2nd last start at Curragh and suited by the weight drop. Racing fresh after a break. Won’t be far away and represents an each way player.
Race 9:
AYSAR (1) Was 1L behind the winner at Caulfield last start on a good surface and going up in weight. Has to be included. TAVIDANCE (9) Had a break from racing and returns to competition. Had a comfortable win three runs back at Pakenham and suited by the weight drop. Winning chance in what appears a suitable race. GAULOIS (3) Nice run placing 2nd two runs back at Kembla Grange. Should get a lovely cart into it from just behind the pace. Can’t be left out of trifectas. JUST FOLK (14) Fought on well to win three runs back at Murray Bridge and goes down in weight. Drawn to sit just in behind the speed. Keep it safe and include in any exotic bets.
Race 1: Robusto
Race 2: Hitotsu
Race 3: Elusive Express
Race 4: Zoutori
Race 5: Bruckner
Race 6: Odeum and Instant Celebrity
Race 7: Verry Elleegant
Race 8: Sheraz
Race 9: Aysar
Race 2: 7. Hitotsu, 8. Gunstock
Race 3: 2. Elusive Express, 9. Caliper, 7. Mokulua
Race 4: 1. Zoutori, 3. Kemalpasa
Race 5: 1. Ingratiating
Race 6: 9. Annavisto, 3. Mystic Journey, 2. Instant Celebrity, 10. Snickerdoodledandy, 1. Odeum
Race 7: 3. Incentivise
Race 8: 5. Amade
Race 9: 5. Morvada
Race 2: 1. Tutukaka, 8. Gunstock, 7. Hitotsu
Race 3: 11. Daisies, 12. Glint Of Hope, 7. Mokulua
Race 4: 3. Kemalpasa
Race 5: 4. Ranch Hand, 1. Ingratiating, 12. Gimmie Par, 9. Forbes
Race 6: 9. Annavisto, 11. Vanna Girl, 17. Pride Of Jenni
Race 7: 3. Incentivise, 4. Verry Elleegant, 8. Colette, 1. Sir Dragonet
Race 8: 10. Sheraz
Race 9: 1. Aysar, 10. Justacanta
Race 1:
10. Get In The Spirit, 6. Rampant Lion, 7. Robusto, 9. Cavallo Rampante, 1. Black Tahitian
Race 2:
8. Gunstock, 5. Euro Dandy, 7. Hitotsu, 10. Tiz Magic, 9. Turn It Up Tommy
Race 3:
12. Glint Of Hope, 1. Yearning, 7. Mokulua, 2. Elusive Express, 4. Stalking
Race 4:
1. Zoutori, 3. Kemalpasa, 2. Splintex, 6. Away Game, 4. Kementari
Race 5:
4. Ranch Hand, 1. Ingratiating, 2. General Beau, 12. Gimmie Par, 10. Mornington Glory
Race 6:
3. Mystic Journey, 9. Annavisto, 2. Instant Celebrity, 1. Odeum, 7. Still A Star
Race 7:
3. Incentivise, 4. Verry Elleegant, 1. Sir Dragonet, 8. Colette
Race 8:
10. Sheraz, 11. Grand Promenade, 8. Port Guillaume, 5. Amade, 2. Dawn Patrol
Race 9:
9. Tavidance, 1. Aysar,5. Morvada, 2. Crosshaven
Sportsbet – Race Comments and Selections:
Race 1:
CANNONBALL led all way to win a jumpout beating EDWIN but they both went well. ROBUSTO beat LASCARS that same morning running around 5L quicker. CAVALLO RAMPANTE looked good matching motors with stablemate Coolangatta, who then won a Sydney trial very nicely. GET IN THE SPIRIT won a 600m jumpout leading all the way and looked good. BLACK TAHITAIN led all the way winning 17/9 jumpout here in useful time. THE WIZARD KING (shown whip) beat Cannonball (missed kick) in trial. DOC O’CONNOR has ability! RAMPANT LION led all the way in trial untouched.
Selections: 9. Cavallo Rampante (Top Tip), 7. Robusto, 1. Black Tahitian, 6. Rampant Lion
Race 2:
Not sure map with many stretching out to 1800m. Much to learn here. HITOTSU proved classes above maiden grade fresh, running some of day’s faster closing fractions. He jumps sharply in trip but I recall tipping him in a VRC Sires (he ran very well) so I’ve always had an opinion of him. GUNSTOCK sat wide off walking tempo at Cranbourne and easily beat Tour Of Duty, who was only beaten 1L in a Norman Robinson in spring. CELESTIAL FURY was race-fastest last 200m in on-pace Derby Trial here latest. TURN IT UP TOMMY beat home TUTUKAKA in Exford Plate, both yes 1800m. Filly EL PATRONESS is in this!
Selections: 7. Hitotsu (Top Tip), 8. Gunstock, 9. Turn It Up Tommy, 1. Tutukaka
Race 3:
Maybe 6 can lead any/all of 1, 3, 5, 10 with 4 handy? YEARNING ran 9th in Furious but only winner Jamaea had faster last 200m. Yearning went to Newcastle and beat another promising one. ELUSIVE EXPRESS produced big finale in Tranquil Star and was only filly to break 12 seconds home. DAISIES was good very late there (home 12.32) and wants 1600m. MORIOKA was just even: colder rider key? CALIPER may be overs, she has Bon’s A Pearla form. ADELE AMOUR chased subsequent Oaks trial winner at Hillside. SWAMP VIXEN forgive run fresh, like Forgot You form. MOKULUA came wide in Tea Rose and ran on vs pattern, gate? GLINT OF HOPE chance!
Selections: 2. Elusive Express (Top Tip), 9. Caliper, 7. Mokulua, 1. Yearning
Race 4:
SPLINTEX an acceptor for Randwick. Splintex beat AWAY GAME and ZOUTORI in the Bobbie Lewis, with Zoutori meeting them both 3kg better here. And he was only first up. He won this second up last year with 59kg. KEMALPASA was a close-up third behind Zoutori this race last year and very brave! KEMENTARI was a solid one-length fourth. He was first up, as he is today. BONS ABROAD looked ready to launch fresh when her luck ran out: best roughie?
Selections: 1. Zoutori (Top Tip), 3. Kemalpasa, 2. Splintex, 6. Away Game
Race 5:
INGRATIATING looked home in the Poseidon but RANCH HAND picked himself up after being buried and stormed home to beat him. He was only first up. They had LLOYD’S CROWN safely held behind. INGRATIATING with 2kg swing and blinkers back on may be able to turn tables? Filly GIMMIE PAR gave Ingratiating a scare here on debut. She won Quezette fresh off wide run beating Heresy, which ties in against some elite males. Ingratiating won Vain that same day and ran 6L faster last 600m. GENERAL BEAU ran by RANVEER with colder ride latest. They ran time, Ranveer is fitter. BRUCKNER has Heresy/Artorius form.
Selections: 1. Ingratiating (Top Tip), 4. Ranch Hand, 5. Ranveer, 2. General Beau
Race 6:
SPEED: 9, 8, 17 from 1, 4, 7, 14. ODEUM was bloused by Brooklyn Hustle in Dane Ripper fresh in June. MYSTIC JOURNEY was back/wide here fresh yet ran home hard in a terrific return. INSTANT CELEBRITY had her back and didn’t quicken but her last 100m was nice. She pulled up with mucus so made the Forgive File. PARADEE has become super genuine, proven fresh. STILL A STAR was rock solid in Let’s Elope. ANNAVISTO held off ECUMENICAL at Caulfield and meets her 3kg better. She chased Let’s Elope winner Turaath prior so that ties in. SNICKERDOODLEDANDY was very good behind her: best roughie? VANNA GIRL can win.
Selections: 9. Annavisto (Best Of The Day), 3. Mystic Journey, 2. Instant Celebrity, 10. Snickerdoodledandy
Race 7:
No mad speed on paper. INCENTIVISE was very strong through the line winning the Makybe Diva fresh. Clearly 2000m suits him even better and he’s handled soft ground well. SIR DRAGONET charged home and just missed him. He too was first up and wants 2000m. Rain a bonus. VERRY ELLEEGANT is a champion mare aiming for her 10th G1 win. She won this last year. If you need something to tie her form in with Incentivise, well, she was three wide fresh and pipped by Mo’unga, who split Incentivise and Sir Dragonet in that Makybe. COLETTE to 2000m, with more positive ride? With jar out of track? The value?
Selections: 3. Incentivise (Top Tip), 4. Verry Elleegant, 8. Colette, 1. Sir Dragonet
Race 8:
SPEED: 3, 11 can lead 5, 7. AMADE covered a stack of ground in the Naturalism and kept closing. He maps better here out to a staying trip. GRAND PROMENADE also covered ground there and beat him home. He too gets back out to a staying trip. His last two in this distance range saw two big wins, the miss prior he was thrashed by REALM OF FLOWERS but she was only fair in that Naturalism. TRALEE ROSE was forced back to slower inside lanes that race. She ran well, gate 20? Big watch PONDUS and SHERAZ. MIAMI BOUND a big improver?
Selections: 5. Amade (Top Tip), 13. Tralee Rose, 11. Grand Promenade, 12. Realm Of Flowers
Race 9:
SPEED: 5, 7 from 1, 2, 11 & 3? AYSAR was terrific in the G1 Rupert Clarke sitting close up to that strong speed in run-ons’ race. He comes back a few notches here. CROSSHAVEN did beat him here in Carbine Club at 3YO and gets winkers on. TAVIDANCE mixes things up but his best is very good. JUSTACANTA ran well for mine last week in inferior ground: the overs? MR TIPLA has Dice Roll form and that ties in through the Rupert Clarke. Expect better from SAMIZDAT and BONHAM. MYSERTY SHOT gets blinkers back on. GAULOIS always a threat in these.
Selections: 1. Aysar (Top Tip), 10. Justacanta, 2. Crosshaven, 13. Mr Tipla
Race 1:
6. Rampant Lion, 10. Get In The Spirit, 7. Robusto, 9. Cavallo Rampante
Race 2:
7. Hitotsu, 9. Turn It Up Tommy, 8. Gunstock, 5. Euro Dandy
Race 3:
12. Glint Of Hope, 1. Yearning, 11. Daisies, 2. Elusive Express
Race 4:
1. Zoutori, 6. Away Game, 2. Splintex, 3. Kemalpasa
Race 5:
10. Mornington Glory, 4. Ranch Hand, 1. Ingratiating, 12. Gimmie Par
Race 6:
3. Mystic Journey, 12. Bonvicini, 2. Instant Celebrity, 4. Paradee
Race 7:
3. Incentivise, 4. Verry Elleegant, 10. Young Werther, 8. Colette
Race 8:
10. Sheraz, 8. Port Guillaume, 11. Grand Promenade, 4. Pondus
Race 9:
9. Tavidance, 1. Aysar, 14. Just Folk, 11. Mystery Shot
Race 3: 2. Elusive Express – BEST BET
Race 7: 7. Persan
Race 8: 3. Knights Order
Quaddie: 2,7,9/3,4,7/3,4,10,11,12,13/3,5,9,10,11,14
Randwick
Race 8: 1 – Mo’unga (7.50), 2 – Riodini (4.60), 3 – Atishu (18.00)
Race 1:
CAPITAL REIGN (4) Got the prize when winning last start at Newcastle and shows good early pace. Very tidy this campaign winning 3 from as many starts. Sure to be competitive and must include. DELEXO (7) Scored a victory last time at Kembla Grange and displays good tactical speed. Looks very sharp this preparation with 2 wins from as many runs. One of the major players. OH PLEASE DIANNA (3) Fought on gamely when winning last start at Gosford and gets some weight taken off today. Should muster plenty of early speed. Can surprise and by no means out of it. ASHEMA (5) Second up from a spell. Dashed home into 3rd last run at Gosford. Worth entertaining from a place and exotics perspective.
Race 2:
COOLANGATTA (2) Written Tycoon 2yo trained by Ciaron Maher and David Eustace on debut. Worth strong consideration. DRISANA (4) Merchant Navy 2yo on debut for trainer Peter Snowden & Paul Snowden. Nice chance at a very tempting price. WILD BOTANICA (11) 2yo by Spieth having first race start for trainer Kacy Fogden and can find a nice position from the draw. Could go close. OKAMI MISS (7) Clarry Conners 2yo debutant by Shalaa. Will run close.
Race 3:
KIBOU (4) Adrian Bott & Gai Waterhouse trained 2yo by Maurice on debut. Could feature prominently. VICTORY MOMENTS (13) 2yo first starter by Spieth for trainer Kacy Fogden. Likely to figure right in the finish. ZAMBEZI RIVER (14) 2yo first starter sired by I Am Invincible for trainer Chris Waller and will try to take advantage of the draw. One for the value hunters. PSYCHIATRIST (9) 2yo first starter for Sterling Alexiou & Gerald Ryan by Exceed And Excel. Solid each way claims.
Race 4:
BROOKSPIRE (9) Third up from a spell. Won by a huge margin two runs back at the track and will benefit with the weight drop. Very hard to beat. KISS THE BRIDE (2) Won last run here but rises in weight. Winnable race. BIGBOYROY (3) Came on strongly when 2nd last start here. Should get a lovely cart into it from just behind the leaders. Been in the money 3 from 4 attempts this preparation. Worth consideration. KORDIA (5) Game effort to win two runs back at Kembla Grange. Include.
Race 5:
THINK IT OVER (1) Was fighting out the finish when winning two runs back around here and going down in class. Every chance today. KEIAI NAUTIQUE (2) Finished more than 4L from the winner at Flemington last start on a good surface. Should improve today and should get going late. Warrants a bet. DUAIS (8) Having second run back from a break. Bold effort to win two runs back at Eagle Farm and displays very good finishing speed. Must respect in this event. SHARED AMBITION (3) Third up. At $7.5 ran 5th last start around here and carrying more weight than last time. One of the major hopes.
Race 6:
MASKED CRUSADER (1) Did a good job when winning two runs back at Caulfield and possesses good closing speed. Looks well placed. ROTHFIRE (5) Was first to greet the judge when winning three runs back at Rosehill and displays good tactical speed. Cannot underestimate. LOST AND RUNNING (7) Having second run back from a spell. Bold effort to win two runs back at Rosehill and likely to be well placed early. No surprise to see a forward showing and one of the main hopes in this race. SPLINTEX (2) Races well third up winning 3 from 4 starts. Really dug deep when winning last start at Flemington and should race on the speed. This field suits.
Race 7:
STARTANTES (5) Nice effort when winning two runs back at Doomben and likely to race off the speed. Very competitive this campaign. Classy enough for this field and is one of the major players. FOUR MOVES AHEAD (1) Game effort to win last time at the track but up against stronger competition today. Expected to fight out the finish. MALLORY (2) Caught the eye when 2nd last start at this course but up against stronger competition. Expecting to settle just off the pace. Key hope. SWIFT WITNESS (3) Brave effort to win three runs back around here but racing in stronger company today. Has early speed and positions nicely. Strong each way bet.
Race 8:
RIODINI (9) Overrun late when 2nd last time at this track and gets some weight taken off today. Should muster plenty of early toe. Expected to fight out the finish. MO’UNGA (1) Third up from a break. Really dug deep when winning two runs back at this venue. Keep in mind. PRIVATE EYE (12) Got the upper hand late when winning three runs back at this course and will benefit with the weight drop. Exotics chance. HUNGRY HEART (6) Third up today. Scored a victory three runs back at this venue and will benefit with the weight drop. Can’t be left out of exotics.
Race 9:
MONTEFILIA (8) Flew home into 2nd last time here and finishes off strongly. Right in this. ENTENTE (14) Backing up quickly. Finished on top last start at Rosehill and dropping weight today. Respect. SHE’S IDEEL (12) Scored a victory last time at this venue. Should get going late. Better claims. ATTORNEY (9) Fought on gamely when winning three runs back at Pakenham and third up today. Will be giving the leaders a big start. Each way.
Race 10:
BIG PARADE (1) Was rock solid when winning two runs back at Kembla Grange and shows good early pace. Good chance in this event. GRAVINA (12) Was fighting out the finish when winning two runs back at the track and second up from a spell. Expecting to settle just off the pace. Must be considered. PRIME CANDIDATE (2) Looked outclassed when 10th last run at Rosehill but should come to hand quickly. Follow market leads. QUANTICO (14) Having second run back from a spell. Game effort to win three runs back at Eagle Farm and displays good finishing speed. Can take this out.
Race 1: Ashema
Race 2: Coolangatta
Race 3: Victory Moments
Race 4: Kiss The Bride
Race 5: Think It Over
Race 6: Rothfire
Race 7: Startantes
Race 8: Riodini
Race 9: Entente
Race 10: Gravina
Sportsbet – Race Comments and Selections:
Race 1:
A massive meeting – Epsom, Metrop, new 2YOs, handy Everest lead-up – is the first of four consecutive Saturdays at Randwick. Conditions were Good 4 on Wednesday but ran was expected both later that day and Friday as well, perhaps up to an inch? That will likely have us mid range Soft I think but can’t know for sure until the day. The rail is true. We kick it off with a Midway and it’s jam-packed with speed. 2, 3, 4, 7, 10 just some of the horses that could press. LANCASTER BOMBER has 61 to carry but can trail not too far off that leading crew and his latest – when posted throughout – was a big forgive, especially for something like this.
Selections: 1. Lancaster Bomber (Top Tip), 5. Ashema, 3. Oh Please Dianna, 4. Capital Reign
Race 2:
The first babies we’ve seen in Sydney and it’s always exciting to see them step out. The fillies are first-up. Speed maps are always a little tenuous with these races but I had 8, 9 and 11 as the leading trio. COOLANGATTA won her Sept 20 heat impressively and by a margin. Looks to have that necessary turn of foot to win a race like this. Drawn out but really launched in the trial and could fly down the middle here perhaps. DRISANA also strong from off-pace in the same session. WILD BOTANICA could take close order from the low draw and she got past the leader (OKAMI MISS) in her heat which was run in a bit faster time.
Selections: 2. Coolangatta (Top Tip), 4. Drisana, 11. Wild Botanica, 9. Snitcat
Race 3:
10 and 4 to lead 9 and 8? VICTORY MOMENTS won a Gold Coast trial a fortnight earlier but he was impressive on Kenso on 20/9 winning by a couple of lengths over ZAMBEZI RIVER. He was posted four deep in the field of seven and actually was restrained further back as they straightened. Then just had dynamic acceleration to get to them and then go past. Looked good, and Clark rode there as he does. KIBOU has solid speed and won by a margin in the same sesh. Drawn widest here but presume gets across, to lead or perhaps outside stablemate RESONATOR at worst. NIPOTINO drawn a touch awkward perhaps but don’t want to undersell and could be odds.
Selections: 13. Victory Moments (Top Tip), 4. Kibou, 7. Nipotino, 12. Spacewalk
Race 4:
10 and 2 could lead 11, 7, 3, 1. BIGBOYROY was 3L astern of KISS THE BRIDE here a fortnight ago but does get a 2.5 kilo weight swing and I thought BRIDE may just want to be edging to slightly longer trips now. Hence there could be a turnaround. Comfortable enough with him down to (just) Heavy and KORDIA – from the same race – seems to have found form now after several runs back and he has won on Soft 7. So all winning chances that trio I think. Couldn’t knock AL MAH HAHA either after a 2nd to Love Tap. MONSIEUR SISU can run soundly fresh but might need a bog to be winning.
Selections: 3. Bigboyroy (Top Tip), 5. Kordia, 2. Kiss The Bride, 4. Al Mah Haha
Race 5:
3, 6, 7 were dual acceptors with fields just out. VERRY ELLEEGANT was obviously the key to this race but it looks as though she’s off to Flemington to take on Incentivise. In her absence, THINK IT OVER presents as most obvious and it reinforces where he’s got himself to in his career. Famously his best wins prior to this prep have been at big odds – $51, $26, $15 – but the market has finally come around to the fact he’s a high grade horse, and a three-quarter length defeat in the George Main backs up that up nicely. If SHARED AMBITION goes later or doesn’t want to lead he could take this up and nobody would be fazed. DUAIS excellent 1st-up and would not shock.
Selections: 1. Think It Over (Top Tip), 8. Duais, 3. Shared Ambition, 4. Carif
Race 6:
2 and 7 also in at Flemington. 4, 5, 2, 9 the speed of all here. ROTHFIRE was a solid pass in his return from injury, clearly outgunned by the top three but he tried hard and was well in front of a couple of key rivals, both of whom are in this field. Happy on Soft but may not even be here if this track gets too damp. MASKED CRUSADER was slow to recover post The Shorts. We have to look at him and assess his two best wins (and 4 of 6 overall) as having been in Victoria but a quick ‘bounce-back’ wouldn’t surprise too many. Similarly, LOST AND RUNNING put in a ‘career worst’ but was found to be mildly lame so let’s not be too harsh.
Selections: 5. Rothfire (Top Tip), 8. Embracer, 1. Masked Crusader, 7. Lost And Running
Race 7:
13 to lead 1, 9, 3. Hardly rocket science to look to the Furious/Tea Rose form for this. It’s almost always the right way to go when assessing this race and I can’t see that changing this year. The top three were all within half a length and so they’re all going to be well thought of. It may come down to which wants the 1600m most. I certainly thought FOUR MOVES AHEAD would not shy away from the extra ground and I am presuming another positive ride from a wide draw. STARTANTES backs up quickly from the Golden Rose which could be the left angle worth respecting. Blinkers for SHE’S ALL CLASS but she does need to lift.
Selections: 1. Four Moves Ahead (Top Tip), 2. Mallory, 3. Swift Witness, 5. Startantes
Race 8:
9, 15 and 14 the clear-cut pace runners and they’re not usually for loafing so expect speed to be genuine enough. I know ICEBATH should have won more often than she has – and from her three wins not above BM78 level – but as a Doncaster runner-up I think we can fairly say she is up to this level. Wish she had drawn more mid-range but she certainly will be happy if the rain falls hard. Each-way I’ll go with her. MO’UNGA will have lost no fans with his fighting 2nd to Incentivise at Flemington. Has to lug topweight of course but he is genuine class. CASCADIAN notoriously hard to catch he has been building to this all prep.
Selections: 7. Icebath (Value Bet), 1. Mo’unga, 2. Cascadian, 6. Hungry Heart
Race 9:
18 + 3 emergencies for the Metropolitan. 2, 4, 11, 20, 21 are the dual acceptors. CAn Waterhouse/Bott + Clark continue the form of last week? ENTENTE passed his first attempt at 2400m with flying colours and now he is offered a challenge every bit as tough as this is significantly harder than last week and he has to go three Saturdays in a row. Like where he finds himself in this race though and weighted to do plenty. MONTEFILIA peaks 3rd-up, won’t mind the rain, could launch from the back. ZEYREK just on the 50kg and poised to peak as well. Last year’s winner MIRAGE DANCER is here, and off a comparable lead-up. Has to be factored in.
Selections: 14. Entente (Top Tip), 8. Montefilia, 20. Zeyrek, 12. She’s Ideel
Race 10:
Don’t mind the last, looks an interesting race. Speed from 1, 2, 4, 7, 8. I’ll have GRAVINA after an excellent return. Stalks well here and looks to be well on the up in his career. FENDER possibly at some value and his best has him in the finish of something like this. BIG PARADE an obvious chance. No knock on him bar the presumed price?? We’ll see about that I guess. ROCKETING BY was only 2.7L off Wild RUler when resuming last prep. MARWAY might want drier than it’s going to be?
Selections: 12. Gravina (Best Of The Day), 6. Fender, 1. Big Parade, 3. Rocketing By
Race 8: #9 Riodini (5.00), #3 Dalasan (16.00)
Race 9: #9 Attorney (18.00), #19 Luncies (14.00)
Unibet – From The Traders’ Desk:
Race 4 #11 Five Kingdom (9.00) – VALUE BET
Race 8 #10 Aramayo (13.00)
Race 10 #12 Gravina (2.80) – BEST BET
Race 1: 5. Ashema
Race 8: 9. Riodini
Race 9: 13. Harpo Marx
Quaddie: 1,2/3,9,13/8,10,12,13,14,17,20/1,6,7,10,12