Saturday’s Best Bets: Eagle Farm, Flemington, Randwick

It was basically game over when NOW IS THE HOUR (9) drew the outside barrier last start but to his credit, he ran a huge race.

The Tony Gollan-trained gelding was forced to work overtime three-wide the trip and he over-raced at stages but still fought bravely to finish 1.61 lengths third.

He’ll appreciate a return to Eagle Farm where his record stands at two wins and a third from four starts over this course and distance.

The barrier draw was much kinder to him here which should see Tommy Berry land in a prominent position.

The Group 2 Ladbrokes Moreton Cup shapes as a wide-open affair, and that often brings value into play.

ZOU SENSATION (4) found the front with a furlong to go when resuming in the Listed Luskin Star Stakes at Scone last start, but fitness gave out late and he weakened to finish 2.81 lengths fifth.

The Corsten & Larkin-trained gelding has historically improved second-up winning three of seven races, including his second run back last preparation over this distance at Caulfield.

Declan Bates should be able to find a spot in the first few pairs and enjoy a nice run on speed.

PINITO (2) returns to Eagle Farm for the first time since this day last year when she was nosed out in the Group 1 Queensland Oaks.

The Chris Waller-trained mare looks well placed to go one better after fighting strongly to win the Group 3 Magic Millions Fillies And Mares Mile at Doomben last start.

That was her second win over this distance this preparation after saluting second-up in the Group 3 Aspirational Quality at Randwick.

She was six weeks between runs last start so will have come on nicely and she meets many of the same horses better at the weights.

Ben Melham will give her every chance from the low draw.

PANOVA (1) is looking to join another Chris Waller-trained filly Egg Tart and become just the second horse to win the Australasian Oaks/Queensland Oaks double.

The daughter of Trapeze Artist stormed home to claim the Group 1 feature by just under a length.

Just as Egg Tart did before her Queensland Oaks win, Waller has trialled Panova since her last start victory where she worked well within herself but produced a pleasing effort.

Along with her Group 1 title, she also boasts two Group 3 wins which sees her incredibly well weighted given she’s 12 rating points clear of her nearest rival.

Unlike many of the other fillies in the market, she draws to do no work.

CHIDIAC (7) was scratched from the Group 2 Moreton Cup in preference of the Listed Bob Charley AO Stakes and I think it was the right decision.

The Team Cavanough-trained mare has won seven of her 12 career starts, including all three this preparation.

Following an impressive win in the Country Championships Final, she took on black-type company last start where she proved too strong late to win the Group 3 Hawkesbury Crown.

Braith Nock knows her well and with race fitness on her side, she may prove hard to run down.

STARZINTHEIREYES (15) looks to have another excellent opportunity to break through at Flemington on Saturday.

The imported galloper made an encouraging Australian debut when finishing a close second over 1800m at Hawkesbury before again going down narrowly in a blanket finish at Randwick last start.

The rise to 2000m appears ideal at this stage of his preparation, and with improved fitness, a significant drop in weight and a favourable draw in barrier six, he shapes as a leading contender.

AZAZEL (1) appeals as value runner second-up this weekend at huge odds in the penultimate race at Flemington.

The son of Shocking showcased his ability during the spring with a victory in the Listed Geelong Classic, and while he finished towards the rear in the Victoria Derby, his first-up effort over a mile was better than the result indicated.

He has since sharpened up with an additional trial, and the step up in distance should suit his racing pattern perfectly. At the current price, he looks worth something small each way.

PINITO (2) steps out this week following an impressive victory in the Magic Millions Fillies & Mares at Doomben a fortnight ago.

She has returned to action in good order this year, having also added the Aspiraton Qualuty at Group 3 level to her CV back in the autumn.

Having performed well on this program last year when only just denied in the Oaks, she’ll relish getting back onto the Eagle Farm surface this week and in peak order, something like this looks well within her means as well.

I am eager to side with SOLID GOLD (10) on the quick back up following a credible performance when fifth in the Queensland Derby.

The kiwi filly turned in several promising performances in her homeland earlier this year and after looming up at the turn here last week, she just didn’t look to see out the 2500m.

She’s reportedly come right back on for that run, getting back down to the 2200m looks to suit and at around the $11 mark at publish, she rates as a genuine each way contender again.

SPIONE (9) just needs a bit of luck from the wide draw to justify favouritism. 

The Hawkes-trained son of Showtime is a much improved gelding compared to the one we saw a few weeks ago at Randwick, where he was beaten three lengths as the favourite after drifting back from an even wider gate and settling well off the pace. 

The tactics were questionable, leaving him with too much to do late, but with a soft track instead of the heavy conditions he encountered last start, he shapes as a strong chance to bounce back on Saturday. 

RESONANT (2) was below expectations second-up for the Hayes stable last month, stepping up to 1400m where he failed to finish off after missing the start. 

The rise in trip didn’t suit the Spirit Of Boom colt, but there was plenty to like about his debut over 1100m at Bendigo, where he finished a close second, beaten just half a length. 

Dropping back to a shorter sprint here, he looks well placed to improve with added fitness and the likelihood of a firmer track in his favour. 

 SURFIN’ BIRD (5) looks well placed third-up stepping out to the mile.  

The daughter of The Autumn Sun heads to Queensland for the first time off a solid showing in the Dark Jewel Classic at Scone, where she settled midfield and maintained her position throughout over 1400m. 

She won twice over this distance during her maiden campaign last year, and with a bit of early luck from the draw, she should be right in the mix. 

SOVERATO (6) shapes as a genuine double-figure hope in Saturday’s Queensland Oaks.  

She’s well into her preparation now and rock fit, last seen finishing midfield in The Roses a fortnight ago after covering ground throughout and lacking a sharp turn of foot when the tempo lifted. 

The drop back to 2000m didn’t play to her strengths, so stepping up in trip this weekend is a clear positive, especially with Ryan Maloney now having a better feel for her.