Another massive G1 day of racing this Saturday, headlined by the return of some super fast horses down the Flemington straight for the G1 Black Caviar Lightning Stakes. There is likewise group racing at Randwick, with the Apollo Stakes an d Light Fingers Stakes headlining a 9 race program. Morphettville, Doomben and Ascot round out the other metro meetings. Take a look at our expert selections for today.
Flemington R1 #8 Quantum Mechanic $2.50 at PlayUp – Looks to be the right time for this mare to rejoin the winners stall, coming here fourth up into the campaign off a gallant placing last start behind Kansino. Although she did have every chance to win that day, she was right with them at the finish and far from disgraced. From barrier 10 in a race with only a moderate tempo, she can push across from wide to sit handy. Two runs back at this track and distance she was seriously unlucky not to win behind Fundraiser, so returning to the mile at Flemington is a great move, and she looks outstandingly weighted with 55.5kg in bm78 grade for a horse who was 2nd place in the Rivette Final last prep.
Flemington R2 #2 Gulf Of Suez $4.40 at PlayUp – Keen on Gulf Of Suez here fourth up, coming off a complete forget run in the Listed BD Preview at Caulfield over 1100m. He was forced to sit four deep without cover on the speed of a very hotly run race, and managed to stick on extremely well for 3rd only beaten 1.5L when he was really entitled to drop out and run last. He goes very close to winning that with a softer run, and the actual winner General Beau has since won the BD Prelude, strongly franking the form. Pushes up from the wide barrier here and finds a position outside the lead or thereabouts, and looks great value.
Flemington R5 #4 Zou Dancer $3.60 at PlayUp – Going with the lightly raced 3yo filly here in the G3 Vanity for the Corstens team. Has had 6 weeks between runs, last seen winning at this track and distance in bm70 grade, and had all honours carrying 60kg to a very impressive victory. She looks to get a similar map here today, pushing forward from the low draw to stalk the speed in a prominent position. Her last start win rated very well in comparison to the others in this field, and the fact she drops the 3kg into this run is a huge boost. J Kah takes the steer, she has had a tick over trial at Geelong to keep her up to speed, and looks a great chance.
Flemington R8 #2 Bivouac $2.70 at PlayUp – This G1 field will have to be on its A-game to be able to take down the reigning VRC Classic winner in Bivouac, who looks to continue his straight track dominance here. First up into this race, and has trialled very impressively at Rosehill over 900m, finishing behind Nature Strip but to my eye looking far more superior and closing off hard through the line. His fresh record is strong, and although his wins at HQ came over the 1200m last prep, this shorter trip will be no issue. Very happy to oppose Nature Strip, although the jockey change this prep is very significant, and third favourite September Run usually takes one run to warm up and get into the crux of his prep. Bivouac just wins…
Randwick R6 #7 Masked Crusader $2.45 at PlayUp – The big hype horse returns here for another prep, after what can only be described as a very lacklustre three runs last prep. His form on paper is average, going down continually as a very short priced favourite, but it is obvious that somewhere within him is a lot of talent. He comes into this fresh run off the one trial over 900m, and it was a dominant 2L win. If the penny has finally dropped, he gets in with only 53.5kg and handles the wet track very well… that is a recipe for what could be a seriously impressive win. T Berry is riding lights out at the moment, so expect him to be given every chance.
