Group racing is back on the menu punters! This weekend looks like a cracking day of gallops action, and really shows that Spring is just around the corner as some talented types start to step out on to the track. At Flemington, we are greeted by the Group 3 Aurie’s Star Handicap down the straight, meanwhile on a wet Rosehill the feature is the Group 2 Missile Stakes, alongside a few black type races earlier in the program. Racing as always from a number of other venues around the country, so let’s take a look at PlayUp form analyst Lewis Willoughby’s five best picks of the day.
Flemington R2 #2 Galactic Fury $3.60 at PlayUp – Comes here second up off an extremely unlucky run last start at Caulfield over the 1400m, where he was held up at a crucial point of the straight back on the inside, and only got clear running within the last 100m. When clear he hit the line very strongly, which tells me he goes close to winning with even luck. Sticking to 1400m here suits, and will be fitter now as well second up. The big track of Flemington should definitely suit, and he’s drawn perfectly towards the inside for a great run. The wet track is no issue, and I think rider J McNeil will be keen to atone for last start. Selections: 2-6-1-5
Flemington R5 #6 Laburnum $3.80 at PlayUp – Returns here from a freshen, and was last seen running very well with a whopping 62kg over 1200m at Caulfield, sticking on very admirably for third with the large weight. On that occasion, she wasn’t given the clearest of runs to the line either, adding more merit to the performance. Has since had two jump outs in July which have been sound, and her first up record is very strong. I love the step out to 1400m, and the soft track will not worry either. With a touch of luck from the wide alley, she fights out the finish. Selections: 6-9-3-4
Flemington R6 #4 Widgee Turf $5.50 at PlayUp – I want to be having something each way on Widgee Turf here in the feature event on the program. Comes here first up, but has had three 1000m jump outs at Tatura in readiness for this event. He has looked super strong in all three, extending hard through the line under big holds each time. The three pieces of work over the longer journey will also ensure he is fit and forward for this race. Twice a winner fresh and twice a winner at the distance, I can see him running a very bold race here in what looks an open G3 event. Selections: 4-5-9-2
Rosehill R2 #4 Royal Banquet $2.35 at PlayUp – I’m a massive fan of the way this horse has been winning his races of late, coming off three straight victories in very impressive fashion. He put away a weaker field last start by 5L on a heavy 10, and could be getting similar wet conditions on Saturday to suit. This is obviously his acid test, but the 3kg claim for T Sherry is a massive bonus, and he has drawn perfectly as well. Out to 1500m first time but I think he handles it, and although this is Saturday grade, it doesn’t look the hardest BM78 i’ve seen. He might start even shorter than the current quote, so jump on now. Selections: 4-3-1-2
Rosehill R7 #10 Eduardo Bet Now at PlayUp – I see absolutely no reason to be jumping off Eduardo after an impressive last start victory against the talented Roheryn. I had an inkling that Eduardo was back to his best after some seriously impressive trials, and he franked that thought by winning over the 1100m in good fashion. Fitter again second up, and out to 1200m can suit. He has great form on wet tracks, has drawn very well in barrier two, and Rawiller has chosen to stay aboard. He is G1 placed in the past, and I think he will be very competitive here. Selections: 10-5-4-3
