Group 1 racing returns to Flemington for the first time in 2021 with the Lightning Stakes (1000m) dash up the straight where Bivouac comes up the $2.6 favourite.
We’ve previewed the best of the nine-race card at Flemington as well as the nine-race card at Randwick and zoned in on the best races and best bets.
FLEMINGTON RACE 2 - talindert stakes
#11 spicy
This two-year-old filly from the Matthew Ellerton and Simon Zahra camp was heavily backed on debut at Caulfield but pulled up lame to run fourth behind Blue Diamond hope Arcaded.
She’s had a little freshen since that race and she’s back for the first time at her home track.
The stable she comes from is absolutely flying at the moment with 22 winners thus far in 2021 and a return on investment figure of 25%.
A very enticing each-way proposition at the price.
Suggested Bet: Spicy each-way at $26
flemington race 4 - world horse racing trophy
#5 five kingdom
He put the writing on the wall last start after having to do all the donkey work, chasing the tearaway leader but sticking on gamely to run third only beaten by half a length to run third behind War Critic.
Trainers Ben Hayes & Tom Dabernig have acquired the services of leading Melbourne jockey Jamie Kah who replaces Lachie King, which is a big tick.
From barrier ten, Kah will hopefully push forward to lead and be in the race for a long time.
Just hoping this six-year-old gelding has enough energy in the tank late to withstand the finishing bursts of Takumi and War Critic who look the main dangers outside of the favourite Coolth.
Suggested Bet: Five Kingdom each-way at $8.5
flemington race 4 - the tab vanity
#1 personal
The 2020 VRC Oaks champion returns to the track for a first-up assignment here in The Vanity (1400m).
She may have to lug around 59.5kgs but on ratings and class she is absolutely miles ahead of this field.
The Lindsey Park operation won this race in 2019 with a similar set-up for Amphitrite who resumed first-up after running in the VRC Oaks.
Personal should get a lovely run midfield with some cover from barrier one and with the likes of Zou Dancer and Longduan stringing the field along up front, the gaps should open up for her.
She obviously has bigger targets in mind this autumn but against this field it’s hard to pass up an opportunity to back her.
Suggested Bet: Personal win at $4.6
FLEMINGTON RACE 8 - BLACK CAVIAR LIGHTNING STAKES
#7 SEPTEMBER RUN
The winner of Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) up the straight has been trialling nicely in preparation for her resuming run ahead of the autumn campaign.
She’s only ever really raced at 1100m to 1200m and has been dynamic throughout her eight race career.
With three wins from her three career straight races at this location she handles the Flemington course with ease.
The 1000m dash up the straight might see her lose touch with the leaders in the early part of the race but if they go like the clappers up front she’ll be launching home down the outside picking them off one by one.
With only 53.5kgs to carry and her now regular Craig Williams booked; the stars seem to align first-up.
Suggested Bet: September Run win at $6
Randwick Race 7 - YULONG APOLLO STAKES
#1 KOLDING
Kolding has a big advantage over this field having already run in a race this preparation.
The rest of the field is first-up at 1400m and with the dewy, wet conditions forecast for Sydney it might pay dividends for Kolding who was brave in defeat last start behind smart mare Savatiano.
This five-year-old gelding loves racing at Randwick and has established five wins from 11 stars at the course.
He’s drawn a beautiful midfield barrier where his jockey Hugh Bowman can slide across and land in the one-one or sit midfield with cover.
Verry Elleegant is the clear danger to Kolding but $3.8 is nothing to get excited about given she has other targets in mind later in the autumn.
The top weight looks the value in this one and could start favourite.
Suggested Bet: Kolding win at $4.6
Randwick Race 8 - LIGHT FINGERS STAKES
#1 AWAY GAME
Away Game is one of the bravest and toughest horses in Australia.
She could almost be crowned the title of ironwoman given how far and wide across Australia she’s travelled to race.
Ciaron Maher and Dave Eustace opted to take her up to Queensland for the Magic Millions carnival prior to sending her here.
She was beaten by one of the sharpest three-year-old’s in the land Isotope and then drew an inside barrier for the Magic Millions 3yo Guineas which was not the place to be.
1400m back to 1200m with Hugh Bowman booked to ride from barrier six plus her two wins from two starts at the course make her a clear standout in this race.
She will handle any wet weather that comes along as well.
Suggested Bet: Away Game win at $3.2
