Best punting day of the year tomorrow and we are ridiculously keen. So many great horses and great races – there’s a lot of form to dissect!
We’ve put our heads together and found some roughies in each of the Flemington Group 1’s and the Golden Eagle we think are in with a real chance.
Empire Rose
Hutcho
Tofane looks awfully hard to beat here, but I tell you what Amarelinha could run a nice race. This mare has had excuses both starts this prep.
She’s been given 3 weeks between runs with Jmac in the saddle. She brings some different formlines to the race from Sydney. She looks overs at the price of $15 at the time of writing.
DJ
I agree with Hutcho that Tofane will be tough to beat, but I really like something at big odds here that will have some of my hard-earned; the Waller-trained Kiku who is currently at $35.
The master trainer has two chances in this race, the other being Hungry Heart, but she strikes me as a mare looking for further this prep.
Kiku finished strongly in Sydney last start and for a lightly raced mare has an outstanding record.
She has recorded some fast times at the mile and has in form jockey Brett Prebble on board.
Victoria Derby
Hutcho
Favourites have a terrible record in the Derby, so I’m happy to try and find some value here.
It would be an unbelievable training performance, but if Cerberus finds luck from the outside draw he could be the X-factor in the race. He beat home eye catcher Jungle Magnate last start and he looks a logical chance.
Way overs in my mind.
DJ
My on top selection for the Derby is Jungle Magnate.
Co-trainer Mick Price gave this gelding a huge push during the week suggesting it was ridden very quietly in the Vase last start when powering home strongly for 3rd.
He’ll eat up the 2500m and at $18 I’m keen to have a throw at the stumps.
Coolmore Stud Stakes
Hutcho
The $9 for Artorius might not look that large, but considering his starting price profile this prep, that’s huge odds.
Bruckner has also beaten him home this prep and is proven down the straight. He could pop up at odds.
DJ
As always, the Coolmore is a stacked race with loads of chances.
I tell you what though, I don’t think there’s any other horse in this race who could’ve held a candle to the best sprinters in Australia, perhaps the world, the way Home Affairs did for a good chunk of the Everest.
You’re getting $11 for him at the moment against his own age.
Crazy price.
What makes absolutely no sense is that he brained Paulele first up who is $7?!?!
Cantala Stakes
Hutcho
Aramayo looks a great bet in this race. Epsom form is typically some of the best right throughout the Spring, and he is an elite mile horse.
Quantum Mechanic down in the weights has drawn for a perfect run in the race. She ran out of her skin in the Toorak and you’re still getting $18.
DJ
Tough race with stacks of value, but I like Chaillot at around $9.
Freshened for this after winning from an almost impossible position last start, I think she will be coming home like a freight train on her preferred deck, Flemington.
Golden Eagle
Hutcho
The market has got this one right, with I’m Thunderstruck & Apache Chase looking very hard to beat.
If a roughie was to get over the top of them, I think it could be Count De Rupee.
This horse was luckless in the Silver Eagle but still found the line strong.
He loves racing at Rosehill and looks a great chance.
DJ
Maximal has some of the best form IN THE WORLD coming from Europe.
While drawing in the carpark is not ideal, with a bit of luck he will be incredibly hard to beat and you’re getting $13 to find out.
Best of luck tomorrow – hopefully a few of these roughies get home!
Written by,
Declan Jones & Dan Hutcheon
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