Best bets ahead of Makybe Diva Stakes Day.
Flemington Race 4
#6 WESTERN EMPIRE
He may have only finished 5th last start at Caulfield on a soft track, but we expect a big turnaround.
The step up to 1600m, along with the potential dry track, will see much improvement.
Barrier 5 should see him take up a forward position in the running and have I’m Thunderstruck chasing a long way out.
The Bob Peters owned, D.Obrien-trained combination knows how to win races in Victoria
Suggested Bet: Western Empire @ $6.50
Flemington race 8
#12 swats that
First up for five months & with a new stable. This son of Shamus Award has not won in almost two years but is never far away.
Ran some brilliant races in the Autumn against some of the country’s best sprinters.
Two seconds from four starts shows he enjoys the Flemington straight; sprinkle that with a bit of Maher/Eustace magic & that losing streak could well come to an end.
Suggested Bet: Swats That @ $5.00
flemington race 9
#9 northern beaches
Son of Not A Single Doubt was a brilliant first-up winner at Canterbury after being held up before straightening.
The rise in distance to 1400m will suit him down to the ground, and his runs on soft tracks have all been exceptional despite only breaking his maiden last start.
Expect him to be midfield with cover on Saturday and right in the mix at the concluding stages of the race.
Suggested Bet: Northern Beaches @ $16.00
rosehill race 8
#1 kementari
First, up after 14 weeks and a decent trial to go, this rising 9yo is showing there is still plenty left in the tank. After winning races in Victoria, Queensland, New South Wales & Western Australia since ‘retirement’, the correct decision was made.
He was a winner at Randwick last time he was here & the Godolphin army will be cheering him on just as much as us.
Suggested Bet: Kementari @ $9.0
rosehill race 9
#6 ESPIONA
The boom horse returns after a break and finds an ideal race to kick off her spring.
She finished last prep with a 4.5-length demolition in a Group 3 at Randwick.
JMac sticks, indicating she is in for an extensive prep, and winning this will solidify that.
Suggested Bet: Espiona @ $3.20
