The time-honoured W.S. Cox Plate is the feature event uniquely at Flemington this Saturday, while racing in Sydney heads to Royal Randwick for the Group 1 Spring Champion Stakes.
Flemington RACE 6
#3 Sun God
Sun God looks a silly price. The Fastnet Rock gelding is racing well without a lot of luck, and I suspect he is ready to peak third-up from a spell. He motors at this stage of his campaign, and the form around him reads well for this event. His record at the journey must be respected, and I suspect he will grow another leg on the bigger Flemington circuit. Dismiss at your own peril.
Buckaroo looks ideally placed here. The forever young eight-year-old galloper has been racing well without figuring, and the 1600m looks ideal as he heads into the twilight of his career. The James McDonald-Chris Waller combination can’t be ignored, and his opening quote has received strong support. The time spent out of the winners’ circle is the primary concern.
Suggested Bet: Sun God @ $26.00
Flemington Race 7
#11 King Pedro
King Pedro caught the eyes of punters late behind Attrition at Rosehill first-up from a spell. He traditionally races well second-up, and he looks more than suited under handicap conditions. The inside draw plays into his favour, and his pilot is airbourne at present. The longer trip suits, and the Eminent gelding possesses a significant turn of foot. A win here will book a date with the race that stops the nation.
Valiant King is edging towards a peak run after producing three ok performances for the current campaign. The longer journey is a plus, and the king loves Flemington more than Bart Cummings. A drier ground would help his plight, and he is drawn to get a gun run throughout. Acid test.
Suggested Bet: King Pedro @ $7.50
#3 Sir Delius
Sir Delius is ready to peak on the big stage on Saturday. Both runs of this campaign have been in preparation for the time-honoured event, and the camp has been very bullish and vocal regarding its main aim for the spring. His latest outing in the Turnball Stakes chasing a frenetic speed will have him cherry-ripe for a third-up tilt, and the inside draw should allow him an economical run throughout. The Craig Williams factor will play a role, and there is a bit of unfinished business for trainer Gai Waterhouse with the big boy who was denied his opportunity last year due to mandatory bone scans. He is the elite, world-class runner in the field, and, unbelievably, the first lady of racing is chasing her first plate. Pure racing theatre and the perfect Hollywood narrative could arrive at headquarters Saturday afternoon. How good is racing!
Blind Raise was brilliant without winning the Group 1 Caulfield Guineas. The lightly-raced three-year-old was only nabbed in the shadows by a smart one, and I suspect the yard has had this race in mind all preparation. The longer trip will suit more than most, and the feather-weight puts him into all winning calculations. The key booking of Jamie ‘Fast Kah’ Melham should raise eyebrows and smash monocles, and his early quote has been met with great support. Hardest test to date, however, I expect him to make his presence felt as they cut the ribbons
Suggested Bet: Sir Delius @ $5.00
Flemington Race 9
#13 Soverato
Soverato is knocking on the door. The Vadamos mare has produced two eye-catching performances for the campaign to date, and I suspect her next victory is just around the corner. The effort behind Unleeshing should be acknowledged, and her efforts during the autumn at the elite level is still fresh in the memory bank. Her opening quote disappeared quicker than last week’s pay, and the wider and more roomier Flemington will suit her to a tee. Ready to win!
Sun Gift covered more ground than the early settlers at her latest outing. The talented six-year-old is hard to catch on her day, however; she is ultra-talented when up and about. She strips fitter as a result of her recent efforts, and I suspect this event has been a long-range target from the astute camp. The car park draw is the biggest deterrent.
Suggested Bet: Soverato @ $6.00
Royal Randwick Race 7
#8 Global Goal
Global Goal was a brilliant last-start winner of the Group 1 Flight Stakes. The Pinatubo filly oozes class, and she meets the usual suspects on Saturday. The longer trip suits, and she maps beautifully to figure in the finish with the predicted frenetic pace on top of the bunny. She has been well supported in most all-in markets, and a win here could catapult her in the time-honoured VRC Oaks.
Cormier is ready to explode. The Maurice Colt has been screaming out for this trip since the moon landing, and he has exposed form that reads well for this event. I suspect his next win is just around the corner, and his double-figure opening quote has folded faster than Superman on laundry day. Watch for the big boy late!
Suggested Bet: Global Goal @ $3.00
Royal Randwick Race 8
#3 Verona Rose
Verona Rose is ready to explode. The Gary Portelli-trained Castelvecchio mare loves this time of year, and she is a third-up specialist. The inside draw puts one hoof on the till, and the inform Kerrin McEvoy takes the reins. Her form around Skyhook reads well for this event, and I suspect her opening quote will continue to shorten until the barriers open. She represents great value in every way, and the people’s trainer knows how to find a winner on the big stage!
Lazzura will jump the race favourite. The classy Snitzel mare was a dominant last-start winner, and she gets her opportunity to continue on her winning ways on Saturday. The Tommy Berry factor must be respected, and the market will gravitate towards her late. The carpark draw and track conditions are among the primary concerns.
Suggested Bet: Verona Rose @ $8.00
