Form analyst, RIC CHAPMAN, looks at every runner in Saturday’s Group 1  Flemington MacKinnon Stakes with horse racing tips for the first four. Read on to see how he maps and assesses the race. Good luck, punters!
Flemington  R8 – $2million Mackinnon Stakes 2000m
1. HOMESMAN (1) 31x932x240
T: Team Freedman /J: Jye McNeil (59kg)
Outstanding galloper who is at his best at this trip. Looks the pace in the race and if they leave him alone, do not be surprised at big odds if he keeps defying them all down the running. Is very fit and loves this track.
2. CASCADIAN (2) 3413×54543
T: James Cummings / J: Brett Prebble (59kg)
Has had a good but luckless campaign competing at the top level this prep. Flashed home for a Gr 1 3rd last start after being unlucky when a fast finishing 4th in the Gr 1 Epsom which he nearly should have won. Racing like this trip will suit and should appreciate this track.
3. SUPERSTORM Â (10) 0736×41331
T: Danny O’Brien / J: Luke Currie (59kg)
Scored a narrow but exciting win last start at Gr 1 level over a mile. This trip may be a bit of a worry but he is very fit and racing in career best form. Will get back and does have finishing power.
4. ZAAKI (8) x6D111x113
T: Annabel Neasham / J: James McDonald (59kg)
Former superstar who probably still is. Blotted his copybook with an average 3rd this trip at Gr 1 level, then on the morning of the Gr 1 Cox Plate he was scratched. Appears completely over that raised temperature and if he returns to his best form, wins easily.
5. KEIAI NAUTIQUE Â (6) 54x300x474
T: Matthew Smith / J: Craig Newitt (59kg)
This is another back-marker who can muster late. Yet to win in three races in Australia and to be honest this does look the hardest of them so not keen today. But does have a lot of talent.
6. DALASAN (3) x0733x0836
T: Leon McDonald & Andrew Gluyas / J: Craig Williams (59kg)
Interesting galloper. Good old boy in every race he enters and if Homesman leads, he looks the horse to follow him. If that leaves a kick in his locker he can place at big odds. was a close-up 3rd in the recent Gr 1 Epsom over a mile.
7. MO’UNGA (5) 321007×1254
T: Annabel Neasham / J: Hugh Bowman (58.5kg)
Hard to imagine him not running a great race. Ran 4th in the Gr 1 Cox Plate after going too soon in the run. None of those three who beat him home are in this and they are all superstars. If held up and left for one last long powerful run, he can win this. Is very fit.
8. PRIVATE EYE (9) x821x17418
T: Joe Pride / J: Nash Rawiller (58.5kg)
Never sighted at Gr 1 level last start in the Golden Eagle behind I’m Thunderstruck over 1500m. Had finished like a train from a mile back to claim the 1600m Epsom at Gr 1 level beating dalasan and Cascadian that day. Never raced at this trip but runs as if it will suit.
9. COLETTE (4) 12454×6511
T: James Cummings / J: Damien Lane (57kg)
Brilliant mare back to her best. Winner over a mile last start at Gr 1 level this track in the Empire Rose running fast time, and very fast last 600m time. has won at Gr 1 level over 2400m so no problems with the trip and she seems to be racing at her very best, which is good enough to win this. Goes well on wet tracks too.
10. HUNGRY HEART (7) 78111×8483
T: Chris Waller /J: Kerrin McEvoy (56.5kg)
Could be the dark horse here. She is capable of rattling home and gave us an indication that she is in that type of mood last start when flying late to 3rn 3rd in the Gr 1 Empire Rose over 1600m beaten half a length by Colette. Has also won a Gr 1 at 2400m and is super fit. Does need it dry though.
Tips: 1. ZAAKI,  2. Mo’unga, 3. Colette, 4. Homesman
