The Aurie’s Star is the feature event this Saturday at headquarters. Can the consistent It’sourtime extend his love affair with Flemington, or will the Bletchingly form prove a poisoned chalice?
Flemington Race 7
#4 It'sourtime
It’sourtime caught the eye of punters last start at Caulfield. The wide barrier determined his position in the running during the race’s early stages, and it proved costly. He savaged the line from the clouds and took ground off the winner late. He meets his usual rivals better at the weights and seems to grow an extra leg at Flemington. His record at the distance is exceptional, and I expect him to fight out the finish on Saturday.
Cause For Concern will start favourite after an impressive campaign to date. The Worthy Cause gelding is winning for fun at present, and he deserves his shot at this level. I suspect the four-year-old has plenty of natural improvement to come for the campaign, and he has been well-supported since markets opened. I am not convinced the drop back to 1200m is a winning move.
General Beau is too consistent to dismiss. The Brazen Beau gelding is arguably in career-best form, and his next win is just around the corner. From barrier six, he can sit midfield with cover, and if he is presented with his run at the right time, he can figure in the finish. His recent winning record is the primary concern.
Suggested Bet: It’sourtime @ $4.20
Flemington RACE 8
#14 Presser
Presser is flying! The Press Statement gelding is chasing a hat trick of wins and is ready to take the next step in his career on Saturday. Both wins this preparation have been impressive, and he should get every chance to continue on his winning ways from a middle gate. The 53.5kg allocated weight is a luxury, and I suspect he is ready to produce a peak run for the campaign. Hard to toss!
Brayden Star will start favourite after a brilliant preparation to date. The talented five-year-old hasn’t missed a top-two finish-all campaign and finds a winnable assignment on Saturday. His best form reads incredibly well for this event, and I suspect the flood of money will continue until the barriers open. I am still deciding whether the inside draw will be advantageous for his racing pattern and style.
Wild Imagination can run a drum at a decent price. The versatile six-year-old is winning for fun at present, and there is something dangerous about a mare in form! Her win two starts back at Caulfield was breathtaking, and her recent victory in Adelaide was tough and gritty. She can give a good sight as they run for the judge!
Suggested Bet: Presser @ $4.40
Flemington Race 9
#3 Berkeley Square
The one-time VRC Derby favourite resumes after a lengthy spell. The Territories gelding had a stellar spring campaign, and he was one of the best-performed three-year-olds of the season. He recorded three significant victories and was game in defeat in our oldest tradition. The big boy has trialled incredibly well leading into this event, and from the middle gate, he can kick off his new campaign with a win. His record at the track and distance is first-class!
Nicolini Vito is knocking on the door! Both runs this preparation have been full of merit, and I suspect a peak run is on the cards for Saturday. The Nicconi gelding loves Flemington and traditionally races well at this preparation stage. From barrier fourteen, he will drift back and look for some cover, and if he doesn’t explore more ground than the early settlers, I expect him to loom at the clock tower. His fate may be decided during the first furlong.
Poland is racing in great spirit. The So You Think gelding snatched defeat out of the jaws of victory at his latest outing, and he strips fitter here. He finds his pet distance, and he always races well at headquarters. His recent winning record is the biggest deterrent.
Suggested Bet: Berkeley Square @ $4.60
Flemington Race 10
#2 Benedetta
Benedetta is one serious customer! The Hellbent mare took the autumn by storm and had some serious lofty spring goals. Her Inglis Sprint victory at headquarters is still fresh in the memory bank, and she was game in defeat behind a smart one at her latest outing. The 3kg apprentice claim is advantageous, and she will get the perfect cart into the race from the middle draw. She is an excitement machine!
Najem Suhail will have supporters after a first-up demolition job at Flemington over 1000m. The Starspangledbanner gelding will appreciate the step out in the distance, and he traditionally races well at this stage of his preparation. He deserves his shot at this level, and he should get a good run in transit from barrier five. If the favourite has an off day, I expect him to take advantage in the shadows.
Shove Over can run a drum at cricket score odds. The Nicconi gelding has won previously resuming, and he finds his pet distance on Saturday. His recent jumpouts will have him cherry ripe for a first-up tilt, and if he can find some cover from the wide gate, he can surprise his more fancied rivals. It may pay dividends to watch for any significant market moves.
Suggested Bet: Benedetta @ $1.85
