Form analyst, SCOTT MCDONELL, previews Saturday’s Flemington meeting, with horse racing tips and analysis for all 9 races. Good luck, punters!
Track Condition: Good 4
Rail Position: True entire circuit
OUT OF AFLICA showed a sharp turn-of-hoof to win at Morphettville on debut. Will get back from inside gate but with big long Flemington straight she will be rushing home late.
VA VIA is a debutant from the Godolphin camp. Showed enough in her jumpout to suggest she has ability and with Damien Oliver aboard must include in winning chances.
STUPENDO is another first starter who has been good in jumpouts. Always an advantage to make debut on home track and expect he will make his presence felt.
JAMARRA had some support on debut but found a heavy track and just battled back in second half. Sure to be better from the experience and on firmer ground can improve.
Tip: OUT OF AFLICA
ELUDING has returned in winning form. Dominant at Warrnambool first-up then went to town and won at Lakeside. He can measure up and make it three straight.
HASSELTOFF has been little disappointing in recent starts but finds easier race here and would not leave him out of winning chances.
ROYAL ORDER has been racing in consistent fashion with two solid placings from last three starts. He cannot be left out of exotics.
REDWOOD SHADOW is a bit of an enigma but he has plenty of ability and if he can find best form would be right in the mix.
Tip: ELUDING
AWARD WINNER found them a little too slick at The Valley first-up from spell. Gets out to 1100m which will suit and she is sure to be an improver.
DANCE TO DUBAI has come back in super form winning first two starts this time in. Dominant from the front at The Valley last start and expect she will lead these for long way.
MODEAR resumes from spell. She has won two of four first-up tries and loves the Flemington straight. Cannot leave her out of exotics.
Tip: AWARD WINNER
CHAINS OF HONOUR started favourite at The Valley last start and fought off all challengers for an impressive win. Finds similar and he can win again.
BRILLIANT VENTURE won two in a row on the provincial circuit then run was better than finishing position suggests at The Valley. He can surprise and looks nice each way value.
SEAWHATYOUTHINK has been racing in consistent form around the provincial circuit and deserves his chance in town. Should get ideal run from inside barrier.
WERTHEIMER brings some solid winning form from across the border. Must always respect stable when they come to Melbourne and cannot leave out.
Tip: CHAINS OF HONOUR
GUARDIAN SPIRIT was dominant winning his maiden on debut then went to town and backed up with close win at Lakeside. Progressing through grades and from inside gate will get perfect run.
SECRET GLAMOUR looked like she would benefit from her run first-up at Lakeside. Another who will get ideal run from her barrier and she should get chance in straight.
DUBAI NIGHTS won maiden with ease at Traralgon on debut then just missed in close finish at Lakeside. Third start in a race and ready to find winning form.
Liked the way CITIZEN finished the race off at Mornington first-up. Still eligible for maiden company but he strips fitter and will not be maiden for much longer.
Tip: GUARDIAN SPIRIT
LIGHTHOUSE oozes city class. Won as she liked at Kyneton on the heavy on debut then went to Ballarat and was just an impressive. This looks her race.
BERMADEZ is another that just keeps winning. Made it two from two this prep when got up last stride here last start. No reason he cannot go on with it here.
RANTING is becoming a little frustrating. Two minor placings leading into this suggests he is not far off a won and gets chance back to home track.
AQUEDUCT comes across the border second-up from spell. Just bit flat footed late first-up and expect he will be much better from the outing.
Tip: LIGHTHOUSE
SARTORIAL SPLENDOUR resumes from spell. He has super first-up record (5:2-2-0) and won only time this track/distance. He will be the one they have to run down.
TEQUILA TIME comes across the border from Adelaide in winning form. Finished too well to win fresh then held them all off for gutsy win last start. He can figure.
MILEVA won in Listed company first-up at Caulfield then placed in hot race here last start. Third-up from spell and she will be right in the mix.
ZIPPING BOY resumes from spell. He has a fresh win on his record and raced consistently last time in work. Include in multiples.
Tip: SARTORIAL SPLENDOUR
JUST BENJAMIN does not win out of turn but he stayed on for dead heat at Ballarat last start. Big straight at Flemington will suit and watch for him late.
ROYAL MILE finished too well to win in Adelaide two starts back then beaten less than a length in the G3 Eclipse last start. Needs luck from gate but can fill a role.
FIVE KINGDOM is racing in consistent form. Should lead from perfect barrier draw and if Linda Meech can control the tempo he is sure to take some catching.
FIFTH POSITION was placed here two starts back then he had no luck at Ballarat last start and entitled to tire. He can bounce back with better run.
Tip: JUST BENJAMIN
YULONG JUSTIFY resumes from spell. Won his first two starts at first prep them may have had enough when took on hot race before break. Looks nice each way odds fresh.
SIXBYSIXTYTHREE is an unbeaten gelding. Been progressing through his classes with ease and if he can find the outside rail first will take holding out.
YULONG CODE is first-up from break. He won with something in hand when fresh last prep at Sale. Won two of four when returning from a spell.
PIONEER RIVER has been racing in consistent form. Placed in all three starts leading into this and he may find himself in the best ground on outside rail late in the day.
Tip: YULONG JUSTIFY