It’s the Saturday before the first Tuesday, join us as we preview a full day of racing for Derby Day.
Flemington
R2 – Athabascan was extremely unlucky in the Moonee Valley Cup and will be extremely hard to beat here. Mostly Cloudy has 5 of his 6 wins from dry ground, conditions suit and wouldn’t be surprised to see him take over at the 200m mark. Kalapour has been a bit flat despite coming off consecutive 3rd placings, needs to find a bit extra.
Tip – #3 – Athabascan – $2.50
R3 – The track specialist in Rose Quartz must be the leading contender in this race. Drawn the rails and should be in the finish. You simply can’t knock the winning form of Dancing Alone, 6 wins from 7 starts, likely to race on speed. Value bet of the race simply has to be Lempicka. Looking for her fourth win on the trot, gave them a head start in her last before finishing right over the top of them. This is harder but rates highly with McDougall on for the ride.
Tip – #5 – Lempicka – $13/3.50 (EW)
R4 – Triple Missile only just missed last start on a soft track, harder track will suit and J-Mac onboard only helps claims. Expecting Spacewalk to be absolutely charging home late with Jamie Kah taking the ride. Itsourtime could also be a danger, will be in front at some stage of the race, is there enough in the tank?
Tip – #7 – Spacewalk – $4.80/1.80 (EW)
R5 – Simply can’t go past the favourite in Zardozi in this one, although it seems a little short in price. The James combination in Cummings and McDonald should take this one out. Harlow Mist could be a danger.
Tip – Zardozi – $2.20
R6 – Cylinder should prove extremely hard to beat. Back to his own age and the 1200m, blinkers come off for the first time. Expect Shinzo to settle just off the speed and charge late, plenty of talk behind closed doors about his last trial, ridiculously good down the straight. Streten Angel has won or placed in all starts so far. Toughest competition to date however.
Tip – #1 Shinzo – $4.40 – Stretan Angel ($7.50/2.50) EW
R7 Victoria Derby – Riff Rocket has been all the talk during the week anytime Derby Day has been spoken about and J-Mac only increases claims. Good draw and no excuses this time around. Apulia is backing up after 7 days, likely to settle back on the speed and come home late, a win would not surprise. Gold Bullion has the potential to run a race at odds. Has the speed to overcome an unfavourable gate.
Tip – #4 – Riff Rocket – $2.40
Rougie – #7 – Gold Bullion – $21/4.80
R8 – Atishu can be forgiven for it’s last start, back in Mares grade and should be winning in my opinion. You just have to love the heart of Wishlor Lass. Going for her fourth win on the trot, always seems to be around the mark. Wouldn’t be surprised to see Hope In Your Heart run a big race. Back in a mares race and will be around the placings.
Tip – Atishu – $4.80
Roughie – Wishlor Lass – $11/3.60
Rosehill
Giga Kick Stakes – Boxed First 4
#1 – Think About It
#4 – Private Eye
#6 – Bella Nipotina
#7 – Coal Crusher
Golden Eagle
#16 – Amelias Jewel – $3.60
Odds brought to you by NEDS
