The new racing season starts with a bang at Flemington this Saturday with the running of the Group 3 Aurie’s Star Handicap. With plenty of value on the card and with several top liners resuming, all roads lead to headquarters. Around the grounds, Rosehill Gardens and Eagle Farm host competitive and tricky winter programs.
Flemington Race 6
#8 Zou Sensation
Zou Sensation is a marvel. The Zoustar gelding is winner for fun at present, and he meets easier opposition on Saturday. His record at the trip speaks volumes, and he looks extremely well placed under the weight scale. Jamie Melham could ride a broomstick to victory in her current form, and the flood of early money indicates another bold and forward performance. Hard to toss!
Munhamek is knocking on the door. The veteran is ultra-consistent, and I suspect he is ready to peak over his favourite distance. His form has been red-hot most of his career, and I suspect his best performance here would be fences and panels better than his rivals. The length of time out of the winners’ circle is the biggest deterrent.
Suggested Bet: Zou Sensation @ $3.20
Flemington Race 7
#11 Splash Back
King Of Roseau will have plenty of supporters. The Capitalist gelding is super honest, and he arrives at headquarters up and about after dominating the Sydney winter. He has multiple options in the run, and his high cruising speed gives him a significant competitive advantage. The straight-six has been a graveyard for many visitors in the past.
Suggested Bet: Splash Back @ $2.50
#14 He'll Rip
He’ll Rip can run a drum at a decent double-figure quote. The Hellbent gelding was luckless at his latest outing, and I suspect it may pay dividends to forget that the big boy went around. His form prior was honest, and I suspect the camp will be out for redemption on Saturday. The 2kg apprentice claim puts one hoof on the till and grows an extra leg when he races Flemington. The longer trip is advantageous, and he will find the bunny with a clean break from the barriers. If he can control the clock throughout, he will look the winner as they enter the final furlong.
Outta Compton has been heavily supported early doors. The Artie Schiller gelding is ready to peak, and I suspect the perfect inside draw will give his key rivals sleepless nights leading into Saturday’s event. The evergreen seven-year-old has the fitness edge after a lengthy and fruitful campaign, and the current track conditions suit to a tee. If he can see daylight before they fly past the clock tower, I expect him to figure in the finish.
Suggested Bet: He’ll Rip @ $6.00
Flemington Race 9
#1 Stylish
Ten Deep is knocking on the door. the Ten Sovereigns mare is never far away, and she has filled the bridesmaid position several times during her career. I suspect she is ready to peak third-up from a spell and deserves her shot at this level. The Peter Moody polish will attract further market support, and the 3kg apprentice claim throws the raygun amongst the pigeons. Acid test.
Suggested Bet: Stylish @ $4.60
Rosehill Gardens Race 6
#2 Estadio Mestalla
Estadio Mestalla was braver than Mel Gibson at his latest outing. The Galileo Gold gelding covered more ground than the early settlers, and he had every right to drop out as heads turned for home. He arrogantly still looked the winner at the 300m, and I suspect he will take plenty of benefit from his latest and significant race day workout. The current heavy conditions will suit, and I suspect he will pilot the field jumping from the perfect inside draw. 1500m is in his wheelhouse, and he has been crunched in the betting since fields were finalised. Hard to toss!
Headley Grange has returned to racing in fine style. The Exosphere gelding opened his campaign with two stunning victories, and he performed extremely well in a hot form race at Grafton at his latest outing. The significant drop in weight will help his chances, and he handles the soft and heavy conditions better than an old man getting into a bath. The awkward gate and the strength of the opposition are his biggest obstacles.
Eagle Farm Race 8
#2 Metalart
Metalart is a model of consistency. The Better Than Ready gelding has recorded two impressive wins this preparation to date, and all other performances were good without getting the candy. The 3kg apprentice claim could prove decisive, and he looks well placed in this company. Barrier one puts one hoof on the till, and the current track conditions play into his favour. He looks the best bet on a tricky and competitive Eagle Farm program.
Steady Ready strips fitter after recently producing an eye-catching first-up performance. I suspect he will appreciate the significant drop-in class, and there has been a flood of early money for the big boy. The 3kg apprentice claim puts him into the mix, and he is perfectly drawn in a middle gate. If he doesn’t spend his tickets during the early stages of the race, he will look the winner as they run for the doctor.
Suggested Bet: Metalart @ $3.00
