The VRC pays tribute to our Anzac’s this Tuesday at Flemington. With a commemoratory service before the first, and top-weight-runners wearing the Anzac silks for the entirety of the meeting, It’s a great opportunity for race fans and punters to pay their respects. On the track we have the Melbourne Cup favourite White Marlin trying to qualify for the race that stops the nation.
Flemington Race 5
#1 White Marlin
White Marlin looks to have a mortgage on this race. The undefeated Mastercraftsman gelding was impressive in a hot-form race at Sandown first-up, and he meets easier opposition here. He needs to keep winning to qualify for the Melbourne Cup, and he looks destined to line up at Flemington on the first Tuesday in November. He will roll forward and make his own luck, and I expect him to be too strong late.
Suizuro is having a breakthrough campaign. The Real Impact gelding was eye-catching at Randwick in the ATC Derby, and the drop to 53kg puts him into all winning conversations. He has performed well at the distance previously and should be rock-hard fit at this stage of his preparation. He can threaten late if he stays out of the early-speed battle.
Point Nepean can run well first-up for his new stable. His best form reads incredibly well for this race, and he will give a good sight if he can find the front during the early stages. He loves Flemington, and I expect him to be ready for a first-up tilt.
Suggested Bet: White Marlin @ $1.65
Flemington RACE 6
#10 Samuel Langhorne
Samuel Langhorne was a brilliant winner last start at Mornington. The step out to 2800m will suit, and the appointment of Craig Williams could prove a winning move. The Shocking gelding deserves his shot at this level, and with even luck in transit, I expect him to figure in the finish.
Midnight Glow will start favourite after a consistent preparation. The Sebring gelding put the writing on the wall last start at Sandown, and he has been screaming out for this journey his whole campaign. From barrier two, he should get the run of the race, and he has been heavily supported since markets opened.
Winning Bid is knocking on the door! The Fastnet Rock filly has finished second four times this preparation, and she doesn’t know how to run a bad race. The Damien Oliver factor will attract market support, and she will grow an extra leg on top of the ground. Her winning record is the primary concern.
Suggested Bet: Samuel Langhorne @ $6.00
Flemington Race 7
#3 Gunstock
Gunstock can run well here first up from a spell. The one-time VRC Derby favourite will appreciate the significant class drop, and he should get his chance to threaten from an inside barrier. The Tavistock gelding has a sound fresh record, and a recent jump-out should have him cherry ripe for this event. With the proper run in transit, the race could be over at the clock tower.
Visinari is ready to win. The Dark Angel gelding was game in defeat second-up at Bendigo, and a peak performance for the preparation isn’t too far away. He traditionally runs well third-up from a spell and should get cover jumping from a middle gate. The class drop is advantageous; he has been specked at a price since the markets opened.
Pinstriped finally got the job done for punters last start after becoming expensive to follow. The Street Boss gelding meets similar opposition here, and the step out to 1700m is the right move. The carpark draw is the primary concern.
Suggested Bet: Gunstock @ $4.60
Flemington Race 8
#17 Altivo
Altivo can finish the day with a bang for favourite punters! The Wootton Bassett gelding is looking to make it four wins on the trot, and he looks well placed at Benchmark 78 level. He should get the run of the race jumping from a middle gate, and I expect him to go through his grades successfully during the winter. He could be one out of the box!
Eagles Crag is always thereabouts. From barrier one, he can sit on the leader’s back, and if the gaps appear on straightening, he can figure in the finish. He was luckless last start at Sandown, and he can bounce back here. His winning record is the primary concern.
My Boy Birmingham represents good value at the cricket-score odds. The Unencumbered gelding has been freshened leading into this event, and he meets easier opposition. The apprentice claim is advantageous, and his record at the distance speaks volumes. He is a must for all broader multiples and exotics.
Suggested Bet: Altivo@ $2.15
