Group 1 racing returns to Flemington this Saturday for the Black Caviar Lightning. The return of the undefeated Autumn Glow will lure punters to Royal Randwick on Saturday.
Flemington Race 7
#5 Sabaj
Sabaj was a marvel during the spring. The Manhattan Rain gelding notched up victories for fun, and his win in the Cranbourne Cup was an excellent reward for consistent effort. His versatility alone puts one hoof on the till, and I suspect he can kick off his autumn campaign on the right note with even luck in transit. I am unsure if the inside draw will help or hinder his chances. Major player with even luck!
Matcha Latte is an interesting runner. The big boy caught the eyes of punters first-up at Randwick, and I suspect he is in for a long and fruitful campaign. The Maurice gelding savaged the line from a different postcode, and another bold performance is expected on Saturday. He finds a winnable assignment on Saturday, and the early money tells a significant story. His recent winning record is the primary concern.
Suggested Bet: Sabaj @ $3.50
Flemington Race 8
#4 Tentyris
Tentyris was a revelation during the spring. The Street Boss colt was a stunning winner of the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes, and I expect him to start favourite in any event he enters in the coming months and beyond. He usually improves the longer his campaign goes, however, I suspect he has fallen into the finished product during his summer holiday. He is perfectly weighted under the conditions, and the wide draw will allow him to have the last crack at his rivals. His record at the 1000m and his first-up performances are among the primary concerns.
Giga Kick returned with a bang during the spring. The big boy turned back the clock, and his best form reads extremely well for this event. The dynamic six-year-old excels at headquarters, and he is a first-up specialist. A recent barrier trial turned heads, and his opening quote has been well-received. The grandstand weight is his biggest obstacle. Acid test!
Suggested Bet: Tentyris @ $2.50
#7 Sea What I See
Sea What I See can resume a victor. The flashy Sea The Stars mare looks well placed against her own sex, and her Flemington record puts her into all winning conversations. From the middle draw she will take up a prominent roll, and if she can find the front without spending any pennies, she will look the winner as heads turn for home. She may need a run or two before peaking.
Wrote To Arataki will start race favourite after producing a dominant first-up victory at Caulfield.
The Wrote mare is super honest, and I suspect she can continue on her winning way with even luck in transit. The inside draw suits, and the yard are training winners for fun at present. Her fate may be decided during the opening furlong.
Suggested Bet: Sea What I See @ $10.00
Royal Randwick Race 6
#1 Apocalyptic
Apocalyptic had a spring to remember. The Extreme Choice filly claimed the Group 1 Flight Stakes in a romp, and she was incredibly brave behind Ole Dancer in the Group 1 1000 Guineas. She meets the usual suspects here, and the current conditions will suit her to a tee. Her record at the trip is perfect, and her fresh record must be respected.
Savvy Hallie is the logical danger to the favourite. The big girl looks ultra-progressive, and she deserves her shot in this line-up. She has been heavily supported in most all-in markets, and I suspect a win here would catapult her into some serious autumn events. Her racing pattern and style always requires an element of good fortune.
Suggested Bet: Apocalyptic @ $1.70
Royal Randwick Race 8
#7 Autumn Glow
Autumn Glow resumes with an air of expectation. ‘Baby Winx’ or ‘Little Caviar’ remains undefeated, and she continues to jump through any hoop that is thrown in front of her. Her performance in the Group 1 Epsom was the fourth-fastest in history, and her victory in the Golden Eagle was special. Her hardest test to date, however, she could be one out of the box.
Lindermann can give a bold sight on top of the speed. The evergreen galloper will pilot the field with a clean break from the barriers, and the big boy will stay longer than your mother-in-law. His opening quote has been nibbled at, and the form around Via Sistina and Fan Girl reads incredibly well for this event. He will look the winner as they run for the doctor!
Suggested Bet: Autumn Glow @ $1.60
Royal Randwick Race 9
#3 Tempted
Weeping Woman is building a picket fence next to her name. The Lonhro mare should have the fitness edge on the majority of her rivals after a lengthy and successful preparation, and she comes in incredibly well at the weights despite her recent hat-trick of victories. Her record at the distance is first-class, and another win at this level would book her a date with several Group 1 events.
Lazzura is the class runner. The Snitzel mare brings elite form to the table, and she has rubbed shoulders with some serious gallopers. Her preperformances at the top level read well for this event, and I suspect she will be fully wound up for a first-up tilt. The 1200m is in her wheelhouse, and the key booking of James McDonald must be respected. The 59.5kg and the carpark draw makes her assignment a tricky one.
Suggested Bet: Weeping Woman @ $5.00
