As the curtain falls on another Melbourne Cup week, we finish with Stakes Day! The Darley Sprint, The Kennedy Mile, and The Champions Stakes are a must-watch for all racing fans!
Flemington Race 6
#6 Sunshine In Paris
Sunshine In Paris is ready to win. The Invader mare was ok without threatening in the Everest, and she caught the eyes late in the Russell Balding Stakes. The addition of the inform James McDonald is advantageous, and I suspect she will get the last shot at them on Saturday with the predicated frenetic tempo. Her ability to bomb the start is the primary concern.
I Am Unstoppable broke the clock late in the McEwen Stakes at his latest outing. He only saw daylight late, and I suspect he entered a lot of punters’ black books. The enigmatic four-year-old always runs well at Flemington, and I suspect he has a new lease on life now racing in Australia’s premier stable. He, unfortunately, has the ability to find trouble at crucial stages of a race.
Baraqiel has upside and progression for days! The Snitzel gelding has been an impressive winner at his past two starts, and he deserves his shot at this level. His record at the trip is near perfect, and he should be rock hard-fit after a lengthy and successful campaign. The talented six-year-old is versatile, and a win here wouldn’t surprise. I am unsure barrier one is advantageous.
Suggested Bet: Sunshine In Paris @ $6.50
Flemington RACE 7
#13 Broadsiding
Broadsiding has been a revelation this campaign. His first-up victory in the Golden Rose was breathtaking, and he performed well late without winning the Caulfield Guineas against the track bias. His run behind Via Sistina in the Cox Plate was first-class, and I suspect his racing pattern and style will suit Flemington. The drop back to 1600m is advantageous, and I expect him to be savaging the line late. Serious player.
Mr Brightside is too consistent to pot. His latest run was brave and gritty, and his record at headquarters over the mile is outrageous. The inside draw should allow him to have a soft run in transit, and if he can get off the dulex as they run for the judge, he can loom to win. I fear this event may be an afterthought.
Amelia’s Jewel returned to form in the Empire Rose. She was only grabbed in the shadows and looks dangerous on the quick backup. The Siyouni mare is ready to peak and over the odds at $15. From barrier ten she can slide back and sit in the running line, and if she is presented with her run at the right time, I expect her to figure in the finish.
Suggested Bet: Broadsiding @ $6.00
Flemington Race 8
#10 Via Sistina
Via Sistina is world-class. Her record-breaking victory in the Cox plate was spectacular, and I suspect this event could be a mere formality for the talented mare. The flying seven-year-old has won four Group 1s since arriving in Australia, and I expect her to claim her fifth on Saturday. Times and margins!
Atishu will be storming home at the pointy end of the race. Her victory in the Empire Rose was delicious; she won this race last year with authority. The Savabeel mare loves Flemington more than Bart Cummings, and the step out to 2000m looks ideal at this stage of the preparation. She can win if the favourite has an off day.
Duke De Sessa won the Caulfield Cup, easing down. The drop back to 2000m will suit, and I suspect he can pilot the field with a clean break from the barriers. The Lope De Vega gelding can springboard off his stunning Group 1 Victory, and his camp are training winners for fun at present. He will look the winner as the field enter the home straight.
Suggested Bet: Via Sistina @ $1.70
Flemington Race 9
#10 Pisanello
Pisanello was too classy for his rivals when winning first-up at Warwick Farm. The step out in trip is advantageous, and he is undefeated second-up. The Ribchester gelding looks progressive, and I suspect he is in for a fruitful and successful spring campaign. He has been well supported since the markets opened, and he looks incredibly hard to beat in this company. Big watch!
Keenan can resume a winner. The Capitalist gelding has been trialling extremely well leading into this event, and I suspect he will be ready for a first-up tilt. His form prior reads well, and I suspect the Gai Waterhouse factor will draw significant market support. The carpark draw is the biggest deterrent.
Shesallshenanigans is over the odds. The Toronado mare always races well and boasts a win at the track and distance. Two recent jumpouts at Flemington turned heads, and she has been specked at a price since acceptances. I would prefer to promote her over further and deeper into her campaign.
Suggested Bet: Pisanello @ $3.10
