Rosehill Gardens is the place to be this Saturday for the Listed Winter Challenge. In Victoria, Flemington host a typically tough and competitive winter program.
Rosehill Gardens Race 7
#5 Cigar Flick
Cigar Flick can run a drum at a price. The Churchill mare is racing better than it suggests in the form guide, and I suspect she her next victory is just around the corner. The step out in trip suits, and I suspect she is rock-hard fit and ready to peak after a lengthy and consistent preparation. Her opening quote has been met with great support, and I expect her to figure in the finish with even luck in transit.
Ice Kool will jump into the red. The Zoustar gelding is flying at present, and he looks extremely well placed at this level. His exposed form reads well for this event, and the allocated weight makes him the one to beat again. The awkward draw is the biggest deterrent.
Suggested Bet: Cigar Flick @ $16.00
Rosehill Gardens Race 8
#3 Dark Glitter
Dark Glitter will jump the race favourite after recording an impressive last start victory at the Rosehill. The longer trip is advantageous, and she meets the usual suspects on Saturday. The apprentice claim could prove decisive, and the current track conditions play into her favour. She will need all her ducks in a row to record another victory.
Sir Artie is poised to strike. Both runs this campaign caught the eyes of punters, and I suspect this has been the long-range target from the astute camp. The 3kg apprentice claim puts him into all winning conversations, and his camp are notching up victories for fun at present. Jumping from a different suburb is his biggest obstacle.
Suggested Bet: Dark Glitter @ $6.00
#8 Midnight Dynamite
Midnight Dynamite has been progressing through the ranks during the winter months. The Pierata gelding has been explosive all campaign, and he finds another winnable event on Saturday. The form around him is first-class, and the Tommy Berry and Bjorn Baker combination will play a role. The middle gate provides multiple options in the run, and the longer trip suits. Yes please!
Cool Jakey is an owner’s dream. The Pierro gelding is always fighting in the heat of the battle, and he will look the winner as heads turn for home. His record in the wet is hard to ignore, and if the rain continues in old Sydney town, he may prove hard to run down. His record at the trip is the primary concern.
Suggested Bet: Midnight Dynamite @ $3.70
Flemington Race 7
#11 Barari
Barari is a model of consistency. The Pride Of Dubai Filly is a track-and-distance specialist, and she meets similar opposition. The 54kg under weights and measures is a luxury, and the Ciaron Maher polish must be respected. The length of her campaign could prove advantageous or contribute to her colours being lowered.
Wolfy entered most punters’ little black book after producing a barnstorming finish at Sandown. His late sectionals broke most on-course clocks, and I suspect it was a relief for his ownership group who were young the last time he saluted. The straight-six is arguably his ideal setup, and I am confident he is ready to explode on Saturday. This is harder, and he tends to have more carry-on than Jetstar.
Suggested Bet: Barari @ $3.20
Flemington Race 8
#2 Saint George
Saint George savaged the line fresh off a long break. His record at 2000m must be respected, and he traditionally performs well at headquarters. The 3kg apprentice claim could prove a training masterstroke, and this is the easiest event he has contested in some time. The track conditions suit, and he has been specked at a price since acceptances. He may need one more run under the belt before peaking.
Think Giant was good without winning in his Australian debut. The Lope De Vega boasts serious German and French form, and I suspect his best performance here could be fences and panels better than his rivals. He is a winner second-up previously, and I expect him to love Flemington more than yours truly. Major player!
Suggested Bet: Saint George @ $7.00
Flemington Race 9
#11 Street Artist
Street Artist is always thereabouts. The Super Seth gelding has been good without winning this preparation, and he finds a very winnable assignment on Saturday. The inform Jamie Mott could ride a broomstick to victory at present, and the wide gate is advantageous up the straight late in the day. He tends to find one or two better at the pointy end of a contest.
Prima Bella is the logical danger to the favourite. All runs this campaign read well for this event, and the flood of early money indicates another forward-and-bold showing. The Per Incanto mare boasts healthy New South Wales form, and her best performance here could prove superior. X factor!
Suggested Bet: Street Artist @ $4.00
