The Turnbull Stakes (2000m) and possibly the last time ‘Headquarters’ will see Winx highlights a fabulous card of racing at Flemington on Saturday. Here are my five plays across the meeting.
Bet One – Win – Race One Number 7 The Astrologist
Hard to get confident about this race but I think this bloke runs well for sure. Tony McEvoy trains this colt, who I thought trialled very well in behind them at Cranbourne before trialling down the straight at Flemington, winning his respective jump out in good time under a hold, with seemingly plenty to give.
He has had the experience down the straight, which is always a big tick for these early 2YO races.
Bet Two – Win – Race Two Number 4 Ranier
Cheering for #SF once again courtesy of this Godolphin three-year-old. Has placed in each of his three runs this time in, the latest over 1400m at Warwick Farm when beaten narrowly by Nakeeta Jane, who went within a lip of winning the Flight last Saturday.
That reads very well for this and first up he pushed Miss Fabulass. Got the right form.
Bet Three – Place – Race Five Number 10 Youngstar
I think there is a great betting opportunity behind Winx and that is for Youngstar to finish second or third. I think she’s a near good thing to do that. I thought she should have won the Shannon last time had it not been for a poor choice of tactics by Kerrin McEvoy, staying inside instead of sitting on the back of Noire and peeling.
I’m very keen to see her at this trip on a big track.
Bet Four – Each Way – Race Seven Number 6 Rising Red
Avilius likely wins but at the odds, have to back Rising Red. He tried to qualify for the Caulfield Cup by winning the Naturalism last time and it almost worked, but he was pipped right on the peg by Night’s Watch. He was second up there, and that followed an excellent resumption at the Valley.
He’s flying this horse and for mine I reckon he’ll run top three.
Bet Five – Win – Race Nine Number 9 Savatiano
She looks a safe option when it comes to the Flemington get out. Brilliant first-up winner of the Mona Lisa before going to the Tibbie at Newcastle where she just did too much work on speed and gave the eventual winner Princess Posh the ideal drag up.
Her form out of both of those races has been strong and this time around she should get a lovely sit off Bella Martini/Shoko. Good price is gone but should get to $4.5-$5 come jump time.