Fabulous Flemington hosts the historic Flemington Cup meeting this Saturday. With the time-honoured feature event now renamed after the great racing identity Deane Lester, this is one meeting that will hold special significance on the racing calendar each and every year.
Flemington Race 6
#8 Mostly Cloudy
Mostly Cloudy is knocking on the door! The Harzand gelding caught the eye of punters at his latest outing, and he has been screaming out for the longer trip all campaign. His record at 2800m is exceptional, and with even luck in transit, he can break through for his first Australian victory on Saturday. The former international looks extremely well-placed to take out the feature event!
Ferago is racing in great spirit. The Fiorente gelding has been heavily supported in each run of this campaign, and he has been specked at a price in early betting. From barrier three, he can sit in the box seat, and if he runs out the longer trip, I expect him to figure in the finish. He deserves his shot at this level and handles all track conditions. This is his acid test!
Mimi’s Award is too consistent to dismiss. The Shamus Award produced a devastating turn of foot to score at her latest outing, and she looks poised to continue on her upward trajectory. She is ready for the step out in distance, and I won’t be surprised to see her loom to win at the clock tower.
Suggested Bet: Mostly Cloudy @ $2.60
Flemington RACE 7
#7 Ranting
The money trail leads me to the enigmatic Ranting. Now with the Nick Ryan camp, the former Troy Corstens runner promised the world early in his career only to deliver an atlas. A change of scenery will do the trick for the talented Zoustar gelding, and the flood of early money indicates a forward showing for his new stable. He has raced well first-up previously, and I suspect he will only be aimed at 1200m events. His winning record is the primary concern.
Do Ya Punk will have supporters after an impressive last-start victory. The Unencumbered gelding put his rivals to the sword a long way from home, and with even luck in transit, I expect him to figure in the finish on Saturday. The Peter Moody polish must be respected, and I suspect this race has been a long-range target. The class rise is his biggest challenge.
He’s Our Bonneval is ready to win. All runs this campaign have been ominous, and the Siyouni gelding is ready to peak. The rising seven-year-old will appreciate the drop back to 1200m, and the wide barrier late in the day could prove the winning difference. It may pay dividends to watch for any significant market support. His recent winning record is the biggest deterrent.
Suggested Bet: Ranting @ $5.00
Flemington Race 8
#2 Milford
Milford snatched defeat from the jaws of victory at his latest outing. The Savabeel gelding did everything but win, and he looks well-placed to bounce back here. His best form reads well for this event, and the 2kg apprentice claim puts one hoof on the till. From barrier four, the rising six-year-old can sit midfield with cover, and if he is presented with his run at the right time, he can gobble up his rivals late. Hard to toss!
Normandy Bridge is winning for fun at present. The Le Havre gelding is putting the picket fence next to his name, and he looks well placed here, meeting similar opposition. He traditionally races well over 2000m, and Harry Coffey already has a winning association with the Maher and Eustace-trained runner. The carpark draw is his biggest challenge.
Maserartie Bay can run a drum at cricket score odds. The Artie Schiller gelding has been luckless this campaign, and his form is better than it reads in the guide. He finds his pet distance, and I suspect he is ready to produce a peak performance for the preparation. If he can find some cover from the wide gate, I expect him to make his presence felt late.
Suggested Bet: Milford @ $5.50
Flemington Race 9
#5 Boonie
Boonie may be the topical tip with the Ashes currently in full swing. The Brazen Beau gelding is ready to explode after two teasing runs this preparation, and he looks well-placed meeting easier opposition. The apprentice claim could prove the winning difference, and he should get the ideal cart into the race from the perfect inside draw. His record at the distance is expectational, and he has raced well at Flemington previously. Howzat!
No Way Ever looks over the odds. The No Nay Never mare always races well fresh, and her record at 1000m must be respected. She lowered the colours of the talented Unflinching earlier this year, and I suspect the Maher and Eustace runner is ready to produce a career-defining preparation. She will be thereabouts.
There has been an avalanche of money for Najem Suhail in early betting. The Starspangledbanner gelding broke the clock at a recent barrier trial, and his record fresh is rock-solid. He is a 1000m specialist and looks set to continue his love affair with Flemington. The middle gate provides Thomas Stockdale options; if he comes up the right part of the track, he can weave a path to victory.
Suggested Bet: Boonie @ $6.00
