Flemington R2 #2 La Vina $3.30 at PlayUp – Keen on the second fav here, who comes off a very good two runs in her prep so far. First up at Warrnambool she bolted in over 1200m in very good style, which brought her tally of runs since moving from WA to two starts for two wins. She then dropped back to 1100m here at Flemington last start and was never comfortable over the shorter trip. To be only beaten 1.5L there was a huge effort. Out to 1400m now third up is ideal, she has drawn perfectly and gets the services of D Oliver who won on her fresh. Yet to be tried at this level, but against her own sex, she should be very competitive.
Flemington R3 #5 Left Hand Man $10.00 at PlayUp – Can’t believe the price of this SA galloper, who comes off an extremely unlucky run behind Corner Pocket and Beehunter at Sandown, the latter of which lines up again here and is somehow half the price. Left Hand Man settled behind Beehunter in the run, but at the top of the straight was left with absolutely no room. He was badly checked again at the 250m marks when the tiring leader was rolling out under pressure. Finally got clear inside the final 100m, and made up 2L quickly to finish very strongly with a race fastest last 200m split. Fourth up now, Flemington will suit, holds weight and is in ripping form.
Flemington R6 #10 Four Leaf Riot $3.90 at PlayUp – Think it looks short enough in the market at the current price, but there is a lot to like about Four Leaf Riot coming into this race. Only the one start, the debut was an 8L win at Kilmore over 1200m on a heavy 8. Kilmore maidens are unlikely to get people up and about, but the style in which this horse won, along with the rating it produced, shows this is a serious city-class horse in the making. Looking at his jump-outs before the debut run, he finished alongside Ranting in an 800m jump out at Flemington, recording the quickest time of the morning and putting a big space on Banquo, Exeter and Express Pass who are all city gallopers. 54kg here is down on the minimum, and will likely roll forward again from the draw.
Rosehill R3 #10 Wicklow $3.80 at PlayUp – There was a lot to like about the Australian debut of this Waller import, coming from well off the speed at Newcastle over 1600m to score by close to 1L extending. He was still 7th at the 400m mark and still managed to win with a lack of race fitness as well. Second up into the prep here, and the 1800m should be an ideal set up now for this horse. The slight sting out of the track at Rosehill on Saturday is likely to be right up his alley, and Avdulla retains the ride from a nice barrier.
Rosehill R9 #12 Expat $3.50 at PlayUp – Back to a fillies and mares BM78 race here, after running a solid 4th in the Listed Denise Joy the last start when fresh. Although possibly just a touch outclassed there, she may not have been suited by the soft7 conditions either. Dryer ground here today will definitely suit, and she only has to rise 1kg coming back to this significantly weaker event. Drawn perfectly to roll forward again and find a prominent position, second up and a two-time winner at the 1200m as well. She managed to put away a smart field last prep at Canterbury over this trip, and she looks for a huge chance to do a similar job here.
