Form analyst, SCOTT MCDONELL, previews Saturday’s Flemington meeting, with horse racing tips and analysis for all 9 races. Good luck, punters!
Track Condition: Heavy 8
Rail Position: Out 4m entire circuit
GIGA KICK could not have been more impressive winning at Sale on debut and stable sent him straight to the paddock. He has since won a trial on heavy ground and can win this fresh.
The beautifully bred TAPIN’ THREE is by Group 1 winning sire out of a half-sister to Black Caviar. Has looked good winning her jumpouts and would not be surprised to see her win this.
STUPENDO resumes from a spell. He has the advantage of having won down the Flemington straight when he won on debut. He will be competitive fresh.
Tip: GIGA KICK
Thought that OCEANA BLUE was a little disappointing last start but she had been luckless in previous starts and looking for her to bounce back and win this.
THALASSOPHILE is such an honest filly who rarely runs a bad race and a win is not far off. She gets her chance in this field.
THE RED KITE should have finished a touch closer at Caulfield last start when raced a little tight and could not finish off. Bigger track at Flemington looks ideal.
Tip: OCEANA BLUE
ZOUSONIC was not suited by the speed here last start but still stayed on and was not beaten all that far. Beaten less than a length at previous start and this a nice race for her.
SPIRIT OF GOLD started big odds here last start and although she never looked winner got to the line well enough. This similar and cannot leave out of place chances.
SOARING EAGLE sprinted to well for them and won with something in hand at Lakeside last start. If she can produce a similar turn-of-hoof she can get away with this.
Tip: ZOUSONIC
THROUGH IRISH EYES was only claimed late in a grinding run in the Brisbane Cup last start. Rock hard fit and he gets his chance to go one better in this.
MIMI’S AWARD was so brave last start when holding off late challenge but she lost the race in the Steward’s room. She can win and hold onto this one
HORRIFYING seems to have found a purple patch of form. Dominant two starts back then led them up here last start and was only overran late. May try similar tactics in this.
Tip: THROUGH IRISH EYES
No reason QUANG TRI will not make it three in a row. The handicapper has caught up with her but she looks ready for 1800m and hard not to put her on top.
CAPITAL ELLE is another that should be suited getting out to the 1800m. Not beaten all that far in similar here last start and would not leave out of exotics.
GRINZINGER BISHOP won here two starts back then was again competitive behind Quang Tri last start. Cannot leave him out of place chances.
Tip: QUANG TRI
SQUID GAME finished the race off strongly behind a smart one at Caulfield last start. He looks ready to return to winners stall and gets chance here.
NASRAAWY is racing in super form. Won with ease at Sale then backed that up with another win here last start. Hard to knock winning form.
SHAM I AM battled on well when placed at big odds behind Nasraawy here last start. Only needs to hold that form to be in finish again.
Tip: SQUID GAME
MANKAYAN strode clear and won with something in hand at Hillside last start. If he can produce similar turn-of-hoof here he can win again.
HIGH EMOCEAN can produce a run fresh from a break and like her at this trip. Would not be surprised to see her sneak into placings in this field.
D’AGUILAR finished too well after being ridden off the speed at Caulfield last start. Has a big finish and no reason cannot win again.
Tip: MANKAYAN
Liked the way DAYTONA BAY worked home when placed at Caulfield last start. He did a few things wrong there and if improves racing manners can figure.
MY YANKEE GIRL is a consistent filly who made it two in a row with a tough win here last start. No reason she cannot make it three in a row.
PASCERO finished off well enough and was not beaten all that far behind some smart horses here fresh. Better from the run and has the ability to get away with this.
Tip: DAYTONA BAY
Tough race to end the program but going to stick with FLORESCENT STAR. Placed in Listed company here last start and she will be a factor in this.
THE GAUCH never got through the heavy ground when first-up from spell. Sure to be better from that outing and if he gets firmer ground can win.
TAMERLANE ran on strongly when placed first-up from spell. He will not mind if the rain persists and cannot leave out of exotics.
Tip: FLORESCENT STAR
