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: Out 3m entire circuit
LAVISH GIRL chased homes steadily when placed at Caulfield last start and that form good enough for this. She goes on top.
SEONEE was impressive breaking maiden status at Kyneton last start. If she can produce similar turn-of-hoof she will be right in this.
HONEYCREEPER arguably should have won at Warwick Farm first-up from spell after being held-up final stages. Gets chance to make amends.
Tip: LAVISH GIRL
CAPO STRADA was dominant maiden winner at Gosford two starts back then beaten less than 2 lengths in better race in town last start. He looks well placed in this.
SQUID GAME was well supported on debut and although wanted to race keenly proved too smart final stages. No reason he cannot make it two from two.
UMGAWA resumes from spell. Won maiden at Geelong two back before close Caulfield placing. He is a must for exotics.
MURRAMI EXPRESS is another coming back from break. Did not run a bad race at first prep and handles all conditions. He will be a factor.
Tip: CAPO STRADA
DOUBLE YOU TEE has been a little disappointing in last couple of starts but like him getting back to Flemington and at the odds happy to have something each way.
HIGH EMOCEAN resumes from spell. Placed in Listed company at Mornington two starts back and if she can find that form would be right in the mix.
FANCIFUL TOFF only got going when the race was over first-up from spell. Sure to be better from that outing and expect he will be an improver.
BLENHEIM PALACE battled on well and held placing in Werribee Cup last start. Third-up from spell and he looks ready to find best form.
Tip: DOUBLE YOU TEE
ROSE QUARTZ chased home strongly and got up last stride at Geelong first-up from spell. Will strip fitter and can make it two in a row.
GLOVES ARE OFF jumped to the front and held them all off at The Valley last start. Expect she will lead again and will take some catching.
LADY D’ORO resumes from spell. Yet to finish further back than second in three first-up tries and must include based on that stat alone.
MADAM SUPERIOR held on for minor spot behind the dominant Mariamia at The Valley last start. Only needs to hold that form to be a first four player.
Tip: ROSE QUARTZ
DIRTY DEEDS looked in need of the run when chased home soundly final stages first-up. Expecting him to strip fitter and this a winnable race at each way odds.
SAVANNAH CLOUD finished too well for them to win at The Valley last start. Usually goes forward and makes his own luck and would not leave out of chances.
Former Kiwi trained BASARWA resumes from spell. He is unbeaten in two first-up tries. Competitive in three Australian runs before break. Big watch fresh.
WAY TO GO PAULA has not been all that far off them in first couple of starts and races as though Flemington will suit her at this stage.
Tip: DIRTY DEEDS
TAVIDANCE has been bit costly for punters of late but surely this is a race he can win. He won third-up from spell last time in work and expecting him to find best form.
BLAZEJOWSKI loves the Flemington track. Been solid enough in both runs back from spell and can never leave him out this track/distance.
NEIGHBOURHOOD is another that looks primed third-up from spell. Has been placed this track/distance and a must for exotics.
ODEON resumes from spell. He was placed this track/distance when first-up last time in work before racing competitively throughout campaign. Must include.
Tip: TAVIDANCE
THE GAUCH was dominant winning at Sale three back then two close placings since. Does not win out of turn but certainly has the talent to get away with this.
I have tipped RANTING every start this prep and he has let me down but I cannot leave him out at these juicy odds because he may decide to find best form and will go close.
SIXBY SIXTYTHREE is the up and comer in this field. The Patrick Payne trained gelding is undefeated in three starts and can measure up to city class.
ZIPPING BOY resumes. Starting to put together an imposing record having won six of his ten starts. Cannot leave him out fresh.
Tip: THE GAUCH
DARLAMAX showed an impressive turn-of-hoof to win by a big space in Adelaide last start. If he can produce that explosive run here he looks nice each way value.
AKECHETA lines up for three on the trot. Relished the heavy to win the Wodonga Cup last start and he looks well in with apprentice claim.
Forget VUNGERS went around on the heavy ground last start when tailed off. Likely to get firmer surface here and he may sneak a placing.
BLACK SAIL was not beaten all that far in nice race at Pakenham last start. This looks no harder and he is a must for first four players.
Tip: DARLAMAX
YULONG COMMAND raced on the speed and got the job done at The Valley two starts back then was placed in nice race at Caulfield. This winnable race for him.
SCORCHED EARTH resumes from spell. She has been placed in two of her three first-up tries and raced competitively in Stakes races last prep.
GALENUS has super first-up record (6:4-1-1). His runs have been well spaced but stable don’t bring them across Bass Strait if they cannot win.
WINSUM continued his solid first-up record with a win at Pakenham last start. Fitter and not going to leave him out in this field.
Tip: YULONG COMMAND