Flemington hosts Saturday’s Group 3 Aurie’s Star Handicap, while Rosehill Gardens serves up another tough winter card in Sydney.
Flemington Race 6
#6 Madero
Madero can run a race at the cricket-score odds. The French import has been ok without threatening in both Australian starts, and the big boy finally finds a suitable trip. The current track conditions suit to a tee, and his opening quote has had some interest. He strips fitter as a result of recent racing, and the middle gate provides multiples options in the run. Acid test!
Touchdown is ready to win. The Almanzor gelding has upside for days, and he finds a suitable event second-up. His fresh performance caught the eyes of most punters, and he meets similar opposition. The step out in trip suits, and I suspect he may jump in the red. His racing pattern and style always requires an element of good fortune.
Suggested Bet: Madero @ $26.00
Flemington Race 7
#1 War Machine
War Machine resumes with an air of expectation surrounding him. The big boy was ok during the autumn; however, he never lived up to the hype. The Group 1 winner has trialled exceptionally well leading into this event, and I suspect he will be fully wound up. His first-up record speaks volumes, and he has been well supported in most all-in markets. Hard to toss!
Ndola made a statement first up at the track and distance. The Justify gelding put his rivals to the sword a long way from home, and he looks extremely well placed at this level. The camp are training winners for fun at present, and his pilot could ride a broomstick to victory at present. Major player!
Suggested Bet: War Machine @ $3.70
#2 Rise At Dawn
Rise At Dawn caught the eyes of punters first-up from a spell. The Almanzor gelding savaged the line from a different postcode, and I suspect this is his target race for the current campaign. He is a Flemington specialist, and he finds his pet distance on Saturday. The apprentice claim could prove decisive, and his exposed form is first-class. The awkward draw is the primary concern.
Sass Appeal will jump a short-priced favourite after producing a stunning autumn preparation. The So You Think mare faces her toughest test to date; however, she looks the real deal. The 53kg is luxurious, and the camp have a high opinion of the rising five-year-old. The inside draw suits, and the flood of early money indicates another bold and forward performance. Acid test!
Suggested Bet: Rise At Dawn @ $7.50
Flemington Race 9
#1 Along The River
Along The River can run a drum at a price! The Written Tycoon gelding is always thereabouts, and I suspect he is rock-hard fit after a lengthy and successful preparation. The apprentice claim puts one hoof on the till, and he meets easier opposition. The wide gate late in the meeting suits, and his opening quote has been more than nibbled at. Over the odds!
Just Like Gaby has the ‘X’ factor. The Pierata mare oozes class, and she is a first-up specialist. Her best performance here could prove too strong, and I suspect she will jump a short-priced favourite. Her pilot is airborne at present, and the Ciaron Maher factor must be respected. She can win; however, I would prefer to promote her chances with several runs under her belt.
Suggested Bet: Along The River @ $14.00
Rosehill Gardens Race 7
#8 Tarzing
Tarzing is racing well at present. The Tarzino gelding is very progressive, and he meets the usual suspects. The 1400m suits, and a recent jump-out between runs will have the big boy cherry ripe for Saturday. The James McDonald and Chris Waller combination must be respected, and I suspect the market will continue to gravitate towards the short-priced commodity. Jumping from a different suburb is the biggest deterrent.
Steel Strike was good without winning fresh. The Exceed And Excel gelding strips fitter as a result of recent racing, and he finds a suitable journey second-up from a spell. The inside draw suits, and the camp places their horses better than anyone else. His recent winning record is the biggest deterrent.
Suggested Bet: Steel Strike @ $2.50
Rosehill Gardens Race 8
#2 Run Harry Run
Run Harry Run will start a pronounced favourite after producing a dominant first-up victory. The Written Tycoon gelding will take benefit from his fresh heroics, and he meets easier opposition. The well-travelled rising seven-year-old is ultra-consistent, and his exposed form must be respected. I suspect his rivals are running for the minor end of the prize.
It’s A Knockout will have plenty of supporters after producing a consistent campaign to date. The Dundeel mare is knocking on the door, and I suspect her next victory is just around the corner. The Ciaron Maher polish can never be underestimated, and she has been well supported early doors. Her recent winning record and the carpark draw are among the primary concerns.
Suggested Bet: Run Harry Run @ $4.00
