Flemington Racing Tips
Track: Soft 6. Rail: Out 9m entire circuit.
Best Bet: Race 7 – OZI CHOICE
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Race 1: Super VOBIS 2YO Handicap 1400m
GOLDIFOX (6) looks suited back on the big track, she is still a maiden after three starts but was super resuming last time. She was mid-field before coming very wide at the Valley and finishing off well. If she can get cover here and a cart into it, she should be winding up down the long straight.
Dangers:
STAR FALL (4) showed a lot more speed last time when dominating throughout to win his maiden at Ballarat last time. He should roll forward again and try to lead all the way. GOOD ‘N’ FAST (2) was unwanted on debut but ran a brilliant race when running on hard after being held-up. SCOTTISH ROGUE (1) is the most experienced runner and has won two races, he will go forward but if he doesn’t find the rail first he may struggle, even with the good claim.
Race 2: Mares BM90 1400m
CREATIVITY (1) has had three runs back from the paddock, she won fresh after sitting close to the speed, went to Group Three level across the border last time and attempted to lead all the way before being badly held-up last time and having no luck. She will go forward from the good gate and try to lead all the way, she should have too much class for these.
Dangers:
ALASKAN SUN (11) has the perfect draw for the 1400m here at HQ, she will find this harder than her latest luckless placing, but she carries no weight and should get a charmed run along the rails. A bit of gear tinkering with BABY DON’T CRY (2) can see her improve whilst MILES OF KRISHAN (3) was good here fresh over this track and trip, she is also a winner second-up previously.
Race 3: Super VOBIS 3YO Handicap 1100m
Probably the race that most want to see with NATURE STRIP (1) having his first start since being transferred to the Darren Weir yard. He has been beaten favourite at both runs back after a first prep that made him out to be the next big thing. He has a stack of natural ability, expect him to roll forward and from all accounts, has only improved since arriving at the master’s barn.
Dangers:
If he is on song, there is no dangers. The future star of Australian turf being transferred to the nation’s best trainer, looks a recipe for success. If taking the tomato sauce odds is not your thing, throw in DUCIMUS (3), BANDIPUR (2) and ORDER OF COMMAND (7) for the exotics.
Race 4: BM78 Handicap 1400m
Huge field that looks clearly as the toughest race on the card. PAINTE (9) should be fully fit here fourth-up from a spell, he looked to have every chance over this track and trip last time after a perfect run in transit. In the big field he maps well again, and the money was there last time to suggest he is ready.
Dangers:
BARTHELONA (2) was the winner of that race last time out, he will roll forward and if able to dictate the race from in front, will be hard to run down again even with the extra weight. AZURO (4) looks an interesting runner having its first Australian start, he is a French import that may need further but has a bit of class. He will improve on whatever he does here. PRINZ HLODOWIG (10) is another French import that may need time, look for money for either of these runners but certainly follow their progress throughout this prep over further.
Race 5: Handicap 2520m
LYCURGUS (5) was forced to do all the chasing behind a tearaway leader last time, he continued to make ground all the way into the straight before the run peaked late. The winner was too well ridden that day, if he can get cover and get a cart into today he looks the one to beat.
Dangers:
CHARLEVOIX (6) will probably need an improving track, he will get a soft run and with the rail out the inside may be the fast lane. FALAGO (4) comes through the same race as the top selection and also chased hard throughout. He wasn’t beaten far and can improve also with some cover. CHOYSA (3) was the winner of that race with a daring ride, they know doubt will try it again but doubt that the others will let her get too far away this time.
Race 6: Super VOBIS 3YO Handicap 1600m
GAULOIS (1) could not have been more impressive last start at the Valley three weeks ago, he was forced to make a long-sustained run wide and although he peaked late in the run, had done enough. He maps poorly again but if able to get cover around the long sweeping bend, should be finishing best.
Dangers:
GROUNDBREAK (3) has had his runs evenly spaced this prep, he will get back in the run and get a cheap run in transit. He has never won out to the mile but should run through the line well. REMEMBER THE NAME (5) was a good winner here at the track last time, carries no weight and gets the services of Damian Oliver. MR MONEY BAGS (2) is a little inconsistent but went to a new level last time after sitting wide on the speed and still too good at Sandown.
Race 7: Handicap 1400m
OZI CHOICE (1) for Oliver and Weir looks to be back to his best, his win here over the seven furlongs last time in quick time was impressive. He has an awkward middle draw, but his versatility will see him roll forward again no doubt. If he can repeat that last start effort he will be winning this.
Dangers:
GALAXY RAIDER (13) was super running on from the back at Sandown, his sectionals were better than anything on the day, but it is concerning that he is 0/8 here at Flemington. RUETTIGER (9) is an interesting runner that comes to the Laming stable for the first time, his form in Queensland was good enough in black type events. MORTON’S FORK (3) was good behind the topweight last time when running on hard, not sure where he will get too again here but look for him late.
Race 8: David Bourke Provincial Plate BM90 1600m
PENSKE (4) has been up for a long time but is racing well north of the border. He has good tactical speed and will try and take up the running off the good draw and must be respected from the Bott/Waterhouse yard.
Dangers:
SILENTZ (9) had won three in a row before appearing to not handle the heavy track last time. He will be giving the top selection a start but if he doesn’t get an easy time of it in front, look for Silentz to be the one finishing best. GUIZOT (6) was also well beaten after looking a winning chance late in the race in the Swan Hill Cup, he hasn’t won this prep but if able to get the cart up behind the right horse should be hard to beat. PENTHOUSE PET (12) will also get back but has to rise in grade. He will get a soft run but will probably need to be ridden for luck.
Race 9: Handicap 1100m
MAN FROM UNCLE (7) resumes after transferring from the Cummings yard to Team Weir. He showed a stack of promise as a 3YO but didn’t really show-up in the Spring, albeit in much harder races than this. Watch the betting late in the piece to see if he is fit, but he certainly has a stack of class.
Dangers:
ABILITY (1) has the outside gate and not sure where they will be coming up the straight today, if out wide is the place to be he comes into calculation. The senior-rider goes on after a disappointing effort fresh when appearing in the steward’s report. He looks a big improver. YOU’VE BEEN HAD (15) handles the conditions well, this is his first go up the straight which is a little concerning, but he has a stack of ability. He has won 4/6 career starts, has tactical speed so Oliver should have all the options. LABUAN STAR (13) has been consistent this time in, he ran on well on the inside last time at his first go up the straight. He may not have been in the best part of the track that day and it appeared a
good effort on paper.