We return to headquarters at Flemington for the first time in the new racing season as The Wizard of Odds goes through the best bets.
His best bet comes up in the Auries Star handicap.
Flemington race 1
#5 One More Try
One More Try is ready to run to his best when racing third-up from her spell.
She has been building towards a big run and showed she is ready to peak here after a nice effort at Flemington a fortnight ago when running fourth behind Furrion after settling a mile back.
Craig Williams hops on this horse and the tempo of this race looks as such that he can score up early from the nice barrier and settle this mare much closer in the run than last start.
Any rain that does come about will give her a competitive advantage over this field as she relishes the wet conditions.
It is the first time she travels over this distance range but given the slow tempo predicted, it’s unlikely this will be a stamina sapping staying test.
Suggested Bet: One More Try win at $3.8
Flemington race 4
#7 Lindhout
Lindhout raced in another suburb last start and had to make up about 12-14 lengths to get anywhere near the lead.
She did an awesome job to launch her finishing run down the middle of the Flemington track over 1400 metres in BM-84 grade, but it was not enough to make up the start she conceded.
It was an enormous effort considering the circumstances and now she gets senior jockey Craig Newitt to pilot her over the same track and distance.
Newitt is usually a very positive jockey and that should see her settle midfield with cover and within striking distance at the bend.
Suggested Bet: Lindhout win at $2.6
Suggested Exotic: Boxed Trifecta – 3, 5, 7, 13
Flemington Race 6
#7 King Magnus
King Magnus is simply low-flying for Robbie Griffiths.
The six-year-old gelding has notched up two consecutive wins at Caulfield over 1400 metres and now makes the trip over to Flemington.
Griffiths has chosen to reward apprentice Alana Kelly with the ride again having piloted this galloper at his last three starts.
Clearly takes a liking to the soft ground with three wins and minor placing from four starts.
His only failure on a heavy track came when he was first-up and settled last on a track that favoured leaders.
Suggested Bet: King Magnus win at $3.8
Suggested Exotic: Exacta 7/ 3, 6
Flemington race 8
#10 Secret Blaze
Secret Blaze returned very well from a long spell last start.
He charged through the line at Caulfield in the Bletchingly over 1200 metres after being snicked back to last.
The tell tale signs that he had returned well was his two trials leading into the first-up effort.
He showed good early speed in both trials to highlight his return to form despite the long layoff.
Should be able to settle closer up the straight than he did at Caulfield and is a massive shout at each-way odds.
Suggested Bet: Secret Blaze each-way at $26 the win and $6 the place.
