The Group 1 Makybe Diva Stakes headlines Flemington this Saturday, while Rosehill Gardens hosts the Group 2 Run To The Rose in Sydney.
Flemington RACE 6
#8 Sass Appeal
Sass Appeal was good without winning her latest outing in a hot form race. The So You Think mare finds a winnable assignment third-up from a spell, and I expect her to peak on Saturday. The inside draw is advantageous, and her jockey is riding winners for fun at present. The early market support tells a story, and she is undefeated at the track and distance. Hard to toss!
Run Harry Run can bounce back after a below-par effort at his latest outing. The Written Tycoon gelding is too consistent to pot, and his best form reads well for this event. I suspect he has the fitness edge on the majority of his rivals, and he will pilot the field with a clean break from the barriers. The final furlong will be his biggest test!
Suggested Bet: Sass Appeal @ $3.00
Flemington Race 7
#5 Oliveanotherday
Oliveanotherday could be a superstar. The Nicconi gelding is winning for fun, and his first-up performance was outrageous. The big boy is stylish, and he oozes class. A win here could catapult him up a mountain, and the tsunami of early money is too significant to ignore. He wins again before tackling the world-class Kaying Rising. Yes please!
Losesomewinmore loves Flemington more than Bart Cummings. The All Too Hard gelding is racing well present, and he looks ideally placed on Saturday. The featherweight is a luxury, and the Craig Williams factor could prove a training masterstroke. He will make his presence felt late. Major danger at a price.
Suggested Bet: Oliveanotherday @ $1.80
#12 Sheza Alibi
Sheza Alibi was resilient first-up in the Group 1 Winx Stakes behind the freakish Autumn Glow. The Saxon Warrior mare will benefit from the outing, and the longer trip on Saturday is advantageous. She will enjoy the larger Flemington circuit, and she has the biggest future and potential in this line-up. The middle gate suits, and I expect her to prove too strong late with even luck in transit. The biggest test to date; however, she is ready to make a name for herself.
Mr Brightside is chasing history in this event. The veteran galloper was super fresh in the Group 1 Memsie Stakes, and he strips fitter as a result. His record at the track and trip is undeniable, and I suspect this may be his last significant Group 1 moment before Father Time takes over. The camp are flying, and this could be a victory for the ages! In the mix!
Suggested Bet: Sheza Alibi @ $1.70
Flemington Race 9
#6 Sea What I See
Sea What I See can run well at a price. The Sea The Stars mare loves Flemington, and her autumn campaign was rock-solid without getting the chocolates. Blake Shinn is undefeated on the big grey, and the perfect inside draw provides multiple options in the run. If she is ready to rock ‘n’ roll fresh, she can cause a boil-over.
Gold Coast Belle will have plenty of supporters after producing a blistering first-up victory at Sandown. The So You Think mare is building an impressive career record, and she has been smashed in most all-in markets. Her record at the trip is near perfect, and the camp have placed her well here. The awkward gate could be her undoing.
Suggested Bet: Sea What I See @ $15.00
Rosehill Gardens Race 8
#11 Central Europe
Central Europe was good late first-up from a spell against similar opposition. The Frankel colt looks progressive, and the step out in trip suits the big boy to a tee. Barrier two puts one hoof on the till, and the Chris Waller polish must be respected. Looms as a major player with even luck in transit. Follow moving forward regardless of Saturday’s result.
St Gotthard has more wraps than a Christmas present. The Snitzel Colt was a dominant winner at his only career start, and he has trialled exceptionally well since. The key appointment of James McDonald must be respected, and recent barrier trials were ultra-impressive. This looks harder; however, he could be the real deal. Take on trust.
Suggested Bet: Central Europe @ $7.00
Rosehill Gardens Race 9
#1 Estadio Mestalla
Estadio Mestalla can resume a winner. The veteran galloper never runs a bad race, and he traditionally motors fresh. He was good without threatening in the Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap, and his form prior is elite. If he can find a spot from the carpark draw, and stay in touch with the peloton early, he can make his presence felt late. Over the odds.
Skyhook turned heads recently at the trials. The Written Tycoon entire is very smart once he finds form, and his autumn and winter campaigns were first-class. The early money has been significant, and I suspect he will be cherry ripe for a first-up tilt. He will look the winner as they run for the doctor.
Suggested Bet: Estadio Mestalla @ $21.00
