The Group 1 Winterbottom Stakes takes centre stage this Saturday at Ascot. With the Listed Lee-Steere Classic also featuring on the bumper card of racing, the Perth spring carnival has never looked so good! The Group 2 Sandown Guineas and Zipping Classic will attract punters to the heath, while Rosehill hosts their exciting Group 3 Festival Stakes meeting in old Sydney town! Join our experts as they outline their best bets on a super Saturday of racing!
Ascot Race 7
#3 Stormchaser
Ascot RACE 9
#8 Triple Missile
Triple Missile was good at Flemington last start without winning. The Smart Missile gelding is proven at the track and distance, and he is drawn to receive the run of the race. With Damien ‘The Goat’ Oliver looking for his 130th Group 1 victory and the talented six-year-old suited under the weight-for-age conditions, he goes into all winning conversations. He may need some luck getting off the rail as they run for the doctor.
Overpass is the class runner. His best form is superior, and he simply doesn’t know how to run a bad race. If he can jump cleanly and find the front during the race’s early stages, the fat lady could be signing before patrons have found their seats. The early speed battle may be his undoing.
Suggested Bet: Triple Missile @ $7.00
Caulfield Race 7
#1 Arkansaw Kid
Caulfield Race 8
#7 Duke De Sessa
Duke De Sessa is ready to win. The Lope De Vega entire was good at his latest outing in a hot form race, and the drop back to 2400m could prove a winning move. I suspect the talented five-year-old has the fitness edge on the majority of his rivals, and I love the appointment of the Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Mark Zahra. He should save every inch of ground from barrier two, and he looks incredible each way value.
Muramasa is flying. The Deep Impact gelding is putting the picket fence next to his name, and the form around him has repeatedly stood up. The talented four-year-old looks well-placed in this company, and I expect him to occupy the box seat throughout. If the gaps appear at the right time, he will figure in the finish.
Suggested Bet: Duke De Sessa @ $5.00
Rosehill Race 7
#2 Rustic Steel
Rustic Steel is ready to explode. Both runs this preparation have been good without winning, and I suspect he has been trained to peak third-up from a spell. The step out to 1500m looks ideal, and the Deep Field gelding will get the track conditions to suit. From the middle gate, he will slide back and watch the race unfold, and if Sam Clipperton presents the big boy with his run at the right time, he can greet the judge before his rivals.
Finepoint savaged the line late fresh. The Pins mare meets easier opposition here, and her second-up record must be respected. The 54kg is a luxury, and if the rain continues to fall in Sydney town, I expect her quote to shorten significantly. Her recent winning record is the primary concern.
Suggested Bet: Rustic Steel @ $4.80
Rosehill Race 8
#7 On The Lead
On The Lead is over the odds. The I Am Invincible gelding flew from the clouds last start, and arguably, with more luck in transit, he should have figured in the finish. The 1100m is in his wheelhouse, and he always performs well at the track. From barrier four, I suspect he will camp on the leader’s back, and if he can rail like a greyhound on straightening, he will look like the winner inside the final furlong.
Quick Tempo is too consistent to dismiss. The Rubick gelding has turned the corner in his career this campaign, and he gets his chance to win a Listed event on Saturday. The enigmatic five-year-old has a winning association with Jason Collett, and if he can find some cover over from the awkward alley early, he will be there when the whips are cracking.
Suggested Bet: On The Lead @ $14.00
