Flemington is the home to the best racing in Victoria this Saturday. The time-honoured Standish Handicap is the feature event on a terrific summer racing program. While most of the big names are on the Gold Coast chasing the prestige, who will take centre stage at headquarters?
Flemington Race 6
#4 Vespertine
Vespertine won well last start at Flemington over 1200m. Her trial leading into this event was professional, and her form around Group 1 winner Shelby Sixtysix reads well for this open handicap. I expect her to give this a red-hot crack despite being awkwardly drawn.
Rose Quartz can bounce back here after being beaten as the favourite at her last two outings. She has had genuine excuses, and I expect her to be in the finish with the right run in transit.
The old bay Parsifal can run well here third-up from a spell. His best form would win this race, and he has shown glimpses of his glory days earlier this preparation. I expect a peak run, and he can win Saturday if he puts his best foot forward.
Suggested Bet: Vespertine @ $6.50
Flemington RACE 7
#3 Here To Shock
Here To Shock chased home the flying Savannah Cloud fresh. The 1600m will suit second-up, and he should get a dream run from the inside barrier. The one-time VRC Derby favourite is well weighted, and this looks his race with the in-form Blake Shinn aboard.
Pounding was impressive last start at the track and distance. She meets a similar field here, and the form around Detonator Jack reads well. The 59kg is the biggest concern.
Arran Bay usually runs well at headquarters. His win two starts back was full of merit before producing a flat run at his latest outing. He can bounce back in this class.
Hasseltoff is in career-best form. If he can overcome a tricky alley, he will be in the finish. He loves Flemington, and the big son of Toorak Toff is flying at present!
Suggested Bet: Here To Shock @ $3.20
Flemington Race 8
#8 Diamonds Inthe Sky
Diamonds Inthe Sky can win again after a resilient victory at Sandown on top of the speed. She will be fitter for her latest outing, and she has placed in this grade previously. The Peter Moody and Linda Meech combination is a winning one, and you simply can’t beat a mare in form!
D’jumbuck looks poised to strike after a tremendous fresh effort at Sandown. He has had a barrier trial since his first-up run, and he looks well placed with only 55.5kg on his back. He has been well supported in early markets.
Nikau Spur can run well here fresh. He was great in this class last preparation, and he has performed ok at Flemington previously. I expect him to be savaging the line late. I prefer to back him second-up over 1400m.
Suggested Bet: Diamonds Inthe Sky @ $6.00
Flemington Race 9
#2 Suparazi
I am thrilled to be with Suparazi here at a reasonable price. He is in career-best form and looked unlucky not to figure last start. He is building a solid career record, and I expect him to make his presence felt when the whips are cracking. He looks like an excellent each-way investment.
Victory Bay will start favourite after narrowly missing out on a win at his last three starts. He keeps finding one better, and I fear he is destined for another minor placing on Saturday. A wide barrier doesn’t help his case.
British Columbia will have supporters. He was great fresh, and he really attacked the line late. The Grahame Begg camp is flying, and the son of Vancouver only needs to reproduce his last start closing sectionals to be in the finish.
Suggested Bet: Suparazi @ $17.00
