Best Bets – Saturday 5th September

THEBUDGIESMUGLA looks the horse to beat in this year’s Drinkwise Cup after continuing his rise through the staying ranks. The Bjorn Baker-trained gelding boasts an outstanding record of seven wins from just 14 starts and is 5 from 5 this trip. With proven form against better company, he appears well placed to add another staying feature win to his résumé.

PEMBREY looks the horse to beat in the Furious Stakes after an arrogant first-up victory in the Group 2 Silver Shadow at Randwick. The Tony Gollan-trained filly exploded late to score by over two lengths despite drawing wide, immediately stamping herself as one of the leading fillies of the spring. She has now won three of her five starts, relishes the 1200m trip, and again draws a workable gate in barrier seven.

IDLE FLYER looks set to make a statement in the Tramway Stakes after an encouraging first-up run in the Winx Stakes against some of the country’s elite weight-for-age performers. Drawn perfectly in barrier three, Zac Lloyd should secure a soft run just behind the speed before asking her to produce the turn of foot that delivered her biggest career victories. With her undeniable second-up stats, she appeals as the horse to beat.

LINDERMANN looks primed to defend his Chelmsford Stakes crown and can improve sharply second-up after a solid return in the Winx Stakes. He has an outstanding record at Randwick, is a proven weight-for-age performer, and was strong enough to win this very race 12 months ago before going on to contest the spring’s major races. Drawn out in barrier nine, Nash Rawiller should have him rolling forward and settling prominently, a pattern that has brought out his best in the past.

PERSIAN SPIRIT looks ready to go one better in the Chautauqua Stakes after an eye-catching first-up performance that suggested he’s come back in terrific order. The Symon Wilde-trained gelding has been specifically targeted at this race, and the rise to 1300m looks ideal following his fresh run. Drawn neatly in barrier four with just 54.5kg, Harry Coffey should secure a perfect stalking position behind the speed before presenting at the right time.