January hits top gear this Saturday with quality racing programs nationwide. The well-named Magic Millions carnival on the Gold Coast will capture the imagination and attention of most punters. At the same time, Rosehill and Flemington host the typical tough and tricky summer cards for the more astute racing pundit. Join our experts as they outline their best bets!
Gold Coast Race 8
#1 Storm Boy
Gold Coast RACE 9
#4 Royal Tribute
Royal Tribute was braver than Mel Gibson late in the Gosford Guineas fresh. The Snitzel colt looked a sitting duck on straightening, and he was entitled to drop out of the placings. His tenacious victory sent an ominous warning to his Magic Millions rivals, and he looks well placed to have a decent tilt at the $2,000,000 second-up. The Gai Waterhouse factor will attract market support, and I expect him to lead them a merry dance if he jumps cleanly from the awkward gate. Great each-way value.
Veecee can run a massive race at a decent price. The Capitalist colt savaged the line fresh at Caulfield and traditionally performs well second-up. After his recent outing, he strips fitter, and the 1400m looks perfect at this campaign stage. A recent jump-out put the writing on the wall for a big performance on Saturday, and I suspect the $21 quote will be significantly reduced before the gates open. Over the odds.
Suggested Bet: Royal Tribute @ $10.00
Flemington Race 8
#2 Sghirripa
Flemington Race 9
#3 Miracle Spin
Miracle Spin comes to Melbourne up and about after an impressive last-start victory at Randwick. The enigmatic Pivotal gelding looks well placed in this company, and he is poised to add to his already enviable career record. He is a winner, previously third-up from a spell, and I expect him to get the perfect cart into the race sitting midfield with cover. Watch for the big boy late!
Captain Britain is too consistent to dismiss. The Camelot gelding is notching up wins for fun at present, and he deserves his shot at this level on Saturday. He finds his pet distance here, and I expect him to occupy the box seat, jumping from a perfect inside draw. If the gaps appear as they turn into the long Flemington home straight, he will make his presence felt at the clock tower. Acid test.
Suggested Bet: Miracle Spin @ $2.15
Rosehill Race 7
#1 Luncies
Luncies signalled a return to form last start at Randwick. The beautiful Iffraaj grey gelding was only upstaged by the forever consistent Lion’s Roar, and he looks well placed here, dropping back in grade. He thrives over the 2000m trip, and he should get all the favours in the run from the perfect inside draw. His recent winning record is the primary concern.
Baby Rider will have supporters after producing an impressive campaign to date. The Gleneagles gelding is no stranger to a ten-furlong assignment, and he has performed exceptionally well at the weights with 55kg. From barrier three, he will sit behind the leaders, and if he sees oxygen as they run for the judge, he can put his name up in lights.
Suggested Bet: Luncies @ $5.00
Rosehill Race 8
#9 Estadio Mestalla
Estadio Mestalla makes his debut for the Joesph Pride stable. The Galileo Gold gelding had reasonable form under Chris Waller, and he has been trialling the house down leading into this first-up assignment. From the carpark draw, he will drift back and watch the race unfold, and if he gets the tempo to suit up front, I expect him to gobble up his rivals late. Big watch.
Zou Tiger is always thereabouts. The form around Aft Cabin reads well for this event, and he has been specked since the markets opened. The ultimate gear change has been recently implemented, and nothing went right for the son of Zoustar first-up. If he can recapture his mojo, he could blow his opposition away. Take on trust.
Suggested Bet: Estadio Mestalla @ $4.50
