G’day punters and welcome to the biggest month of the entire year in the racing calendar, as we kick off the first Saturday in October with a mammoth day of Group One racing. The highlight is definitely at Randwick, with three G1 events and a number of G2/G3 races on the card as well. The Epsom and the Metrop all have capacity fields assembled, which leads to outstanding betting opportunities for punters. Down at Flemington, it is G1 Turnbull Stakes day, which has a very strong honour list including Winx, Northerly, and Sunline to name a few. It is always an important lead up race to the Caulfield Cup or Cox Plate, and should be a ripping race. Kalgoorlie in the West hosts its annual cup meeting, while racing also takes place at Eagle Farm and Morphettville. PlayUp form analyst Lewis Willoughby identifies his five best of the day below.
Flemington R1 #1 General Beau $2.40 at PlayUp – This exciting 2yo prospect lines up here for career start number two, coming off the back of a seriously impressive debut win down the Flemington straight over 900m. He travelled on speed, and under light hands and heels riding he let down very well and quickly put pay to his opposition. His 33 second last 600m backed up his impressive performance on the clock, and stamped him as a talent. Up to 1000m here, he has the race fitness and experience over a number of his rivals, and none of the debutants strike me as being able to beat him. Perfectly drawn in barrier 6, I think it will take a very good horse to beat him. Selections: 1-4-12-10
Flemington R4 #4 Tofane $2.90 at PlayUp – A very talented mare with an Everest spot already secured, she looks to continue her campaign here second up in the G2 Gilgai Stakes. Her first up run at this track and distance was very pleasing, finishing only 0.3L behind the winner Zoutori. The key in this race is that she holds the same 58kg that she raced with last start, compared to Zoutori who rises 3kg in weight, and The Inevitable who rises 3.5kg as well. The fact Tofane is able to get such an unbelievable weight swing here should enable her to reverse the result from last start. A strong second up record of 3:2-0-0, and a clear liking for the 1200m, she is ready to put the Everest contenders on notice. Selections: 4-6-8-2
Flemington R8 #7 Bonvicini $12.00 at PlayUp – Was keen on the chances of this Maher & Eustace mare when she raced first up in the G2 Lets Elope last start, and she ran extremely well to finish third beaten under a length. Straight into my black book, and I noted that her run and physical appearance told that she is in for a very good prep. Second up here fitter, and sticking to the same track, distance and grade as her last run. From barrier 8 I expect her to be able to find cover one out somewhere midfield or a touch behind, and can be right in the finish with even luck in running. The dry track is key here, and I think she has furnished into a very nice group-level mare. Selections: 7-2-5-6
Randwick R5 #2 Hungry Heart $2.30 at PlayUp – The score between Hungry Heart and Dame Giselle currently reads 2-0 in the latter favour, but I’m tipping that finally changes today. Hungry Heart has been hitting the line very well in both runs this prep, but not being able to claim Dame Giselle in time. Third up now peak fit, and they finally step out to the 1600m trip, which is the massive key. He should be able to settle much closer in running with this small field, and the extra distance is a massive advantage. There looks to be a bit of speed engaged, which would also play right into his favour as he stalks from in behind the tempo, and will have the whole Randwick straight at his mercy. Selections: 2-1-4-6
Randwick R6 #2 Classique Legend $3.00 at PlayUp – I’m very keen to play at the price on offer about the grey horse here, as I feel that Nature Strip is far too short and hogging a lot of the market percentage. His first up win in the G2 Shorts last start was electric, a dazzling turn of foot down the middle to score by 1L pulling away. Second up now and fitter/improved, he comes out to 1200m which will suit him even more. If Nature Strip wants to overdo it in front, that would play right into Classique Legend’s favour, and being able to get $3+ about him is an absolute steal. Nature Strip has been doing a lot of things wrong lately, it’s time for the grey to take centre stage and steal the show.
