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!
The Valley Race 7 – William Reid Stakes (Group 1) 1200m
21:15 (local time)
IMPERATRIZ has built up a superb record in recent times back home in New Zealand. She looked home and hosed in the Canterbury Stakes until Artorius unleashed his barnstorming finish to grab her at the wire.
I think she can go one better here and add another Group 1 to her imposing record of (18:12-2-1) if she gets around the tricky Valley circuit.
Tip: IMPERATRIZ
Flemington Race 7 – Australian Cup (Group 1) 2000m
16:20 (local time)
Under weight-for-age conditions it’s hard not to go past CASCADIAN to be too just strong for them in this time honoured race. This time in, this old warhorse has finished 2 lengths behind Artorius in the Canterbury Stakes and then came from the tail of the field last weekend in the All Star Mile to be beaten half length by Mr Brightside.
That form line to me looks superior to his rivals and he will be extremely hard to beat.
Tip: CASCADIAN
Flemington Race 5 – Roy Higgins Stakes (Listed) 2600m
15:00 (local time)
Sticking with SO UNUSUAL to get that golden ticket into the Melbourne Cup. Hard to fault the picket fence he has accumulated this time in. His last start win when he was in all sorts of trouble at the corner and was able to pick himself up to win clearly was one of a very smart horse on the rise.
Looks the up and coming stayer of the autumn and can measure up to this.
Tip: SO UNUSUAL
Eagle Farm Race 7 – Open Handicap 1200m
15:52 (local time)
I’m forgiving the first up failure of HILAL. Form guide says third last beaten bit over 2 lengths but he had no luck at all in the run, caught deep the trip and still loomed up to the leaders on straightening. Gets a senior jockey on board now and if he can just get a nice trip in the run, he should be finishing all over them.
In his previous four starts, he had contested 3 Group 1 events and the Golden Eagle. Class should get him home today.
Tip: HILAL
Ascot Race 7 – Melvista Stakes (Listed) 2200m
16:15 (local time)
Going for the new kid on the block in SHE’S FIT in the WA Oaks. She was dominant in her last start victory over the odds on favorite Admiration Express in the listed Nastasha Stakes March 12, when she came from off the pace to sprint away for an easy victory.
Meets a very similar field again and the extra 200m should suit her even further. Clearly the one to beat.
