Form analyst, SCOTT MCDONELL, previews Saturday’s meetings, with horse racing tips and analysis for the five best bets of the weekend. Good luck, punters!
Flemington Race 7 – Newmarket Handicap (Group 1) 1200m
16:20 (local time)
The Newmarket is a really tough race this year. Hardly a horse that you cant give some sort of chance. I’m settling on STAR PATROL. He worked home as well as any of them in the Oakleigh Plate to finish right behind the placegetters at the line beaten 1.9 lengths.
Has an outstanding record here at headquarters and the big odds at hand presently are very enticing each way.
Tip: STAR PATROL
Flemington Race 6 – Australian Cup Prelude 2000m
15:40 (local time)
Although EMISSARY was slightly disappointing, first up in the Peter Young behind Stenem and Gold Trip, I’m prepared to give him another chance.
He seemed to peak on that run and although second up stats aren’t on his side, he certainly does seem to have the class edge on his rivals in this event, leading into an Australian Cup run.
Tip: EMISSARY
Flemington Race 2 – Sires Produce Stakes (Group 2) 1400m
14:20 (local time)
Fantastic debut performance by VEIGHT at Pakenham winning by 6 lengths in a canter. Sat outside the speed and when he was asked to quicken, he bounded away from his opposition.
He should be able to dominate the race from up on speed again and looks to be well suited to the 1400m at Flemington.
Tip: VEIGHT
Eagle Farm Race 4 – BM78 Handicap 1830m
13:52 (local time)
MIRACLE SPIN looks extremely hard to beat in this assignment 2nd up from a break. Couldn’t keep up first up at Rosehill in a Midway race over 1500m. Brought to the outside at the corner he finally got warm and rattled home to just go under.
Up in trip today, Steph Thornton jumps onboard. I feel this lightly raced 4yo gelding is one of the better bets on a tough card.
Tip: MIRACLE SPIN
Ascot Race 2 – BM72+ Handicap 1400m
13:48 (local time)
MAN CRUSH won as he liked first up at Pinjarra. Looked to have every chance last week here at Ascot but am happy to forgive that second up run. He should either be able to lead or sit behind the speed here.
He will get every chance to boot clear in the straight and be the one they will have to get past. Bet of the day.
