Looking for Saturday’s Best Bets? The Ladbrokes form analysts have you covered with the horses to back across the nation this weekend!
Happy new racing season punters! The horses are celebrating their birthday, the spring carnivals are fast approaching and this weekend we’re treated to some outstanding race cards as the spring fancies start to kick start their campaigns.
Saturday’s racing action is headlined by the Aurie’s Star Handicap meeting at Flemington, but there’s plenty of value on offer further north at Rosehill and Doomben as well.
Your Ladbrokes Best Bets tipping experts return with their insider Saturday racing tips to power up your Same Race Multis and build momentum heading into the spring racing carnival.
Value in the Group 3 at HQ, Sydney’s best contenders, or a Brisvegas blowout — Craig Sheppard, Jared Timms, and Lucy Henderson have the intel you want.
Saturday Racing Previews
Craig Sheppard
I’m happy to side with my learned colleague Timmsy and make ENVIABLE (3) the best bet of the day, as she looks the right horse for Chris Waller to win a race named in his honour.
The daughter of Frankel ticked off her maiden win last start when easily accounting for her rivals by 2.62 lengths over 1400m at Newcastle.
She’ll strip fitter second-up and brings strong black-type form, having finished runner-up in the Group 2 Fillies Classic and fourth in the Group 1 Flight Stakes last preparation.
James McDonald takes the ride and should give her every chance with a sweet run just behind the lead.
| 3. Enviable (4) J: James McDonald 58.5kg 742×1T: Chris Waller | |||
| Second-up. First-up after nine months favourite; came from midfield and won by 2.5 len at Newcastle Mdn-Sw July 14 over 1400m in soft going defeating Hellfighter carrying 57kg at $1.12. Previously second-up 3rd of 10 at Warwick Farm Super 3yo Mdn on September 3 over 1400m, on a slow track; 0.7 len behind Attica carrying 55kg at $14. Talented mare who will keep improving as she gets back out in trip. | |||
MOBY DICK (2) looks a solid each-way play in the last at Flemington, with the drop in class looking in his favour after tackling stronger races throughout this preparation.
Two starts ago, he gave a good account of himself down the straight when finishing 1.15 lengths fourth to Ndola, who is a leading chance in the Aurie’s Star Handicap.
The Gavin Bedggood-trained gelding also proved too strong over 1200m here four starts ago, letting down well to win by 1.5 lengths.
In an open race to finish the day, I’m happy to side with him at each-way odds given he has raced well down the straight.
| 2. Moby Dick (7) J: Logan Bates 61kg 91840T: Gavin Bedggood | |||
| Last start 11th of 14 at this track Bm88 on July 18 over 1200m, slow going 6 len behind Piastri with 57kg at $7.50. The race before that 4th of 9 at this track in the LR Santaanalane on July 4 over 1200m, on a slow track; 1.2 len behind Ndola with 54kg at $6.50. Back in grade, best form reads well. | |||
WAR MACHINE (1) looks ready to return to the form that saw him win the Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap, and he can make his presence felt in the Aurie’s Star Handicap.
Not a lot went right for him last preparation. He was found to be lame when resuming with a third in the Group 2 Australia Stakes before finishing 3.99 lengths 11th in the Group 1 Newmarket Handicap.
His last win came two preparations ago when resuming in the Group 2 Gilgai Stakes over this course and distance with 60kg and Blake Shinn in the saddle.
He’s had two jump outs leading into this, and his most recent piece of work was excellent, braining his rivals including Ndola.
Shinn is back in the irons and should be able to stalk the speed.
| 1. War Machine (1) J: Blake Shinn 60.5kg 0x30xT: Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | |||
| Gelding returning from a spell and has won previously when first up. Finished off last campaign 11th of 14 at this track in the G1 Newmarket March 7 over 1200m, 4 len behind Caballus with 57kg at $13. When resuming last campaign third in a small field at Pakenham in the G2 Aust Stks January 23 over 1200m, 3.5 len behind Hedged carrying 58.5kg at $1.30. Class on his day, can lug the weight and win. | |||
- Win – No. 1 Daggers
- Top 3 – No. 2 North Pole
- Top 3 – No. 3 Cunnamulla Fella
DAGGERS (1) looks the horse to beat in race 7 at Doomben after leading all the way over this course and distance last start, while CUNNAMULLA FELLA (3) gave a good account of himself when finishing 1.5 lengths second to him that day.
NORTH POLE (2) just missed over 1350m here last start and should enjoy the rise in distance.
These three horses stand out in this field and I’m keen to put them together in a Same Race Multi or even a boxed exacta/trifecta.
| 1. Daggers (6) J: Leah Martyn 60.5kg 31331T: Tony Gollan | |||
| Form hard to fault. At the latest run favourite; won by 1.5 len at this track Cl6 July 18 over 1615m on a soft track defeating Cunnamulla Fella carrying 59kg at $2.50. The race before that crossed from a wide gate to settle just off the pace but gave ground when 3rd of 11 at Ipswich Cl6 on June 20 over 1350m, slow going 1.3 len behind Quothquan carrying 58kg at $2.35. No reason he cannot get the job done again. | |||
| 2. North Pole (1) J: Jai Williams 59kg 1×102T: Kelly Schweida | |||
| Most recently held ground to the line 2nd of 8 at this track Cl6-Sw on July 18 over 1350m, on a slow track; head behind Dirty Dancing with 58kg at $3.80. Before that didn’t finish the race at Sunshine Coast Bm85 July 4 over 1400m. Going well and from the inside alley looks tough to beat. | |||
| 3. Cunnamulla Fella (2) J: Michael Rodd 58kg 8×582T: Robert Heathcote | |||
| At the latest run held ground to the line 2nd of 11 at this track Cl6 on July 18 over 1615m, slow going 1.5 len behind Daggers with 58.5kg at $8.50. The start before that 8th of 16 at Sunshine Coast Bm85 on July 4 over 1400m, slow going 2.75 len behind Express Payment carrying 58.5kg at $14. Will be thereabouts. | |||
Jared Timms
ENVIABLE (4) made a winning return at Newcastle and looks well placed to take the next step in metropolitan grade.
The Chris Waller-trained filly mixed it with the best of her age group during her previous preparation, finishing just behind the placegetters in the Group 1 Flight Stakes before rounding out her campaign with a narrow second to Salty Pearl in the Group 2 Moonee Valley Fillies Classic.
The market’s confidence in her at Newcastle proved well founded as she cruised to an impressive maiden victory, and with that run under her belt, she appears capable of making a successful transition to Saturday company.
| 3. Enviable (4) J: James McDonald 58.5kg 742×1T: Chris Waller | |||
| Second-up. First-up after nine months favourite; came from midfield and won by 2.5 len at Newcastle Mdn-Sw July 14 over 1400m in soft going defeating Hellfighter carrying 57kg at $1.12. Previously second-up 3rd of 10 at Warwick Farm Super 3yo Mdn on September 3 over 1400m, on a slow track; 0.7 len behind Attica carrying 55kg at $14. Talented mare who will keep improving as she gets back out in trip. | |||
This shapes as one of the most competitive races at Flemington on Saturday, and with plenty of genuine chances in the field, RESET THE JAZZ (2) appeals at huge odds.
The gelding has been without a win for a little while, but there were excuses for his first-up effort at Sandown, where he found himself in the inferior going over 1400m and was never able to make an impact.
He typically improves sharply second-up, as his record at this stage of a preparation suggests, and the combination of a low draw and a welcome drop in the weights with Jackson Radley aboard should see him far better placed to show his best.
| 2. Reset The Jazz (2) J: Jackson Radley 62kg 374×0T: Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | |||
| Second run back. First-up after five months 10th of 14 at Sandown-Hillside Bm78 on July 15 over 1400m, in the wet; 8 len behind Kahhof with 57.5kg at $41. Previously second-up ran second last of 10 at Wodonga Wodonga Cup on November 28 over 1590m, 16 len behind Morning Darling carrying 58.5kg at $3.20. Fitter but hard to see him featuring. | |||
Group 1 winner WAR MACHINE (1) resumes in the Aurie’s Star and if he returns anywhere near his best, he’ll prove a major force.
Things didn’t quite fall into place during his autumn campaign, with defeats behind the likes of Hedged and Veight in the Australia Stakes followed by an unplaced effort in the Newmarket, prompting an early end to his preparation.
His recent trial suggests he’s back in good order, and his record over this track and distance includes a Group 2 victory. From barrier one, Blake Shinn should enjoy the perfect run, and the gelding looks well placed to make a winning return.
| 1. War Machine (1) J: Blake Shinn 60.5kg 0x30xT: Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | |||
| Gelding returning from a spell and has won previously when first up. Finished off last campaign 11th of 14 at this track in the G1 Newmarket March 7 over 1200m, 4 len behind Caballus with 57kg at $13. When resuming last campaign third in a small field at Pakenham in the G2 Aust Stks January 23 over 1200m, 3.5 len behind Hedged carrying 58.5kg at $1.30. Class on his day, can lug the weight and win. | |||
- To Win: No. 12 Jarrito
- Top 4: No. 5 Polyglot
- Top 5: No. 6 Sovereign Hill
JARRITO (5) looks perfectly placed to win the last at Rosehill in my opinion, and it also looks a great opportunity for a Same Race Multi.
The well-bred mare has won two of three runs back this time, bouncing back from a credible performance here with a dominant one at the midweeks.
She steps out this week in peak order and is just perfectly under Rachel King, so with her as our winning, we’re also going to include POLYGLOT (6) on a first four basis and SOVEREIGN HILL (14) to finish in the first five.
Polyglot also bring winning form into the race after getting up in a similar contest last time out, while Sovereign Hill resumes with an impressive first-up record (4:2-0-0).
| 5. Polyglot (6) J: Tim Clark 60kg 24×71T: Michael Freedman | |||
| Third-up today and placed third-up previously. Resuming 7th of 13 at Randwick Bm78 on June 20 over 1000m, on a slow track; 1.75 len behind Ice Kool with 58kg at $21. Second run from a spell favourite; came from midfield and won by a nose at this track Cg&E Bm78 July 4 over 1100m on a rain affected track defeating Columbia Blue carrying 58kg at $2.80. Confidence is high and the tempo suits. | |||
| 6. Sovereign Hill (14) J: Adam Hyeronimus 60kg 1126xT: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | |||
| First-up. Finished off last preparation sixth of 10 at this track Bm88 March 14 over 1400m, 5.5 len behind Modella carrying 55.5kg at $8. Previous preparation first-up to post a big 5 len win. Canterbury Cg&E Bm72 January 16 over 1250m defeating Zulfiqar carrying 57.5kg at $2.50. Likely to need this run. | |||
| 12. Jarrito (5) J: Rachel King 55.5kg 0x141T: Bjorn Baker | |||
| Racing well recently. Most recently favourite; tracked the speed and boxed on steadily; won by 2.75 len at Warwick Farm Bm72 July 15 over 1100m defeating Capture Me carrying 56.5kg at $2.45. The start before that raced on the speed and boxed on steadily 4th of 12 at this track 3yo Bm72 on June 27 over 1100m, on a slow track; 0.9 len behind Lighthouse Lass with 55.5kg at $9. Cherry-ripe now and will take catching in this stronger contest. | |||
Lucy Henderson
It’s a tight top half of the market in the first on Aurie’s Star Handicap Day but for mine OUR CHIEF (2) should be even shorter than his current quote and looks a fair smack ahead of the field.
The Danny O’Brien-trained son of Tagaloa has finally started to live up to his pedigree and comes in off a lovely purple patch with back-to-back seconds earlier in the winter before hitting the winners’ stall for the third time at his 13th last weekend in a gutsy performance.
Up to the mile and a half the promising young stayer pulled out an enormous effort in a 3YO’s handicap to deny Group 1 performer Engine Of War by a half-length at a good price at Caulfield and he looks a huge chance to go back-to-back now rising slightly in trip once again.
He’s handled HQ before and will relish a drop in weight back to 55.5kg on the quick back-up with Lachlan Neindorf coming aboard.
He’ll go back but will be closing hard and can absolutely win this.
| 6. Our Chief (2) J: Lachlan Neindorf 55.5kg 93221T: Danny O’brien | |||
| Racing well recently. Most recently won by 0.5 len at Caulfield 3yo Hcp July 25 over 2400m on a soft track defeating Engine Of War carrying 56.5kg at $7.50. The race before that settled towards the rear 2nd of 10 at Caulfield 3yo Hcp on July 11 over 2000m, slow going 0.5 len behind Ichnusa with 56kg at $5. To open grade now but is racing very well. | |||
CAPTAIN FENKEL (4) is paying close to $20 for the fifth at Rosehill and that looks way overs for mine for a last start winning hitting his straps at the right time.
The Kermadec gelding improved off an unplaced Randwick run last month to return to winning form in style posting a huge two length upset when carting 60kg to an emphatic BM72 win in the wet at Canterbury over 1900m on July 8.
He gives some weight away to his rivals again here even though he drops to 58kg but proved he could handle the kilos, get through all going and I don’t see the 2000m as any issue.
Back up in grade but gets the services of Tyler Schiller who’ll likely settle him off pace before charging late.
Can finish in the money and outrun his quote once again.
Check out all of my top Saturday roughie tips now over at Hendo’s Hopefuls to spice up your weekend exotics!
| 2. Captain Fenkel (4) J: Tyler Schiller 58kg 3×801T: Mitchell Beer & George Carpenter | |||
| At the latest run won by 2 len at Canterbury Bm72 July 8 over 1900m in the wet defeating War Ribbon carrying 60kg at $14. The race before that 11th of 14 at Randwick Midway Bm72 on June 20 over 1600m, on a slow track; 10 len behind The Mona Lisa with 57kg at $16. Last-start winner with place claims. | |||
WAR MACHINE (1) is clear favourite in Aurie’s Star betting this weekend with Lindsay Park’s resuming Group 1 champ looking good for a first-up win on class alone.
He’s winless since last October but that was at this track and trip when dominating the Group 2 Gilgai Stakes under 60kg by two lengths down the famous Straight Six.
Too tested in The Everest and Russell Balding after that and was right down the finishing order in the autumn’s Newmarket Handicap at his latest but will relish coming back to a Group 3 that doesn’t look to have the depth of rivals he’s used to.
Winning trial here on July 24 over fellow Aurie’s Star rival Ndola has him cherry ripe for his return, and he is well proven fresh (6:2-2-2).
Gives the weight away with 60.5kg but deservingly so, his Gilgai winning hoop Blake Shinn is back aboard, and they’ll get options from the inside alley.
Hard to beat at his best.
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| 1. War Machine (1) J: Blake Shinn 60.5kg 0x30xT: Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | |||
| Gelding returning from a spell and has won previously when first up. Finished off last campaign 11th of 14 at this track in the G1 Newmarket March 7 over 1200m, 4 len behind Caballus with 57kg at $13. When resuming last campaign third in a small field at Pakenham in the G2 Aust Stks January 23 over 1200m, 3.5 len behind Hedged carrying 58.5kg at $1.30. Class on his day, can lug the weight and win. | |||
- Top 3 – No. 11 Stylish
- Top 3 – No. 1 Cigar Flick
- Top 4 – No. 6 Dark Glitter
STYLISH (14) is widely drawn in this cracking BM94 line-up but remains a deserving narrow favourite in a wide-open event for a reason. The Hayes boys saddle up this in form Lonhro mare who has run top two in her past three starts all at Flemington and she now heads north for her first run outside of Victoria. How she handles the opposite way of going will be key, but she’s at her pet distance (4:2-1-0) and has been racing very well. Two back she defeated Miss Aria in a F&M BM90 over 1420m by a good margin at a good price before stepping up in grade on July 4. She was hugely competitive finishing second to Duchess Zou in the Leilani Final coming from right back in the field and has been kept ticking over with a winning Flemington jump-out. Rock-hard fit, the flying Timmy Clark comes aboard and, while she’ll need luck from the draw, if she saves herself and finds the late run there’s a top three finish pending for sure.
CIGAR FLICK (7) isn’t far behind betting wise with the formidable Waller/J-Mac combo aiding the cause of the equal topweight. The Churchill mare, a Group 2 placegetter in her younger years, hasn’t won since a trip to Brisbane in mid-May where she posted a Black-Type sprint win at a blowout price and is out to recapture that form. She went towards that goal here at Rosehill on July 18 when rounding out the July Sprint trifecta on a Heavy (9) track with 56kg. Better conditions now but does rise to 60kg which is the query. Still, with McDonald coming to her aid and a nice gate, there’s plenty to suggest she can stretch to the 1300m and run in the top three again.
DARK GLITTER (3) is a mare I’ve long held a soft spot for, and she’s rewarded me for my loyalty in the past…well not in the Group 1 Queen of the Turf but at this level yes! Two back she saluted here in a slashing BM88 performance by over a length as a double-figure outsider in the markets and I expect a similar performance here over a distance she’s well proven over (9:2-1-2). Her last run was at this track and trip on July 18, but she faced a rain-affected track with a big weight so her sixth behind Romeo’s Choice when only two lengths beaten was full of merit. Can improve off that dropping right back to 54kg thanks to the claim of Shannen Llewellyn, and I think that could make all the difference. Ideal gate, firmer going, great exotics inclusion.
| 1. Cigar Flick (7) J: James McDonald 60kg x1853T: Chris Waller | |||
| Most recently 3rd of 7 at this track July Sprint on July 18 over 1100m, on rain affected going; 4.5 len behind Roselyn’s Star carrying 56kg at $4.80. The race before that 5th of 13 at Ipswich in the LR Gai Waterhouse on June 20 over 1200m, slow going 2.25 len behind Naifah carrying 58.5kg at $12. Good effort last start and can build on that performance. | |||
| 6. Dark Glitter (3) J: Shannen Llewellyn 57kg 06416T: Mick Van Gestel | |||
| Most recently 6th of 12 at this track Bm88 on July 18 over 1300m, in the wet; 2.5 len behind Romeo’s Choice with 58.5kg at $8. The race before that won by 1.2 len at this track Bm88 July 4 over 1200m on a soft track defeating Smashing Time carrying 56kg at $14. In great order and can return to form on the firmer surface. | |||
| 11. Stylish (14) J: Tim Clark 55kg 5×212T: Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | |||
| Form hard to fault. Last start came from the tail of the field 2nd of 10 at Flemington Leilani Final on July 4 over 1400m, on a slow track; 1.75 len behind Duchess Zou with 56kg at $4.40. Before that won by 0.8 len at Flemington F&M Bm90 June 20 over 1420m on a soft track defeating Miss Aria with 54kg at $7. One of the prime contenders despite drawing out. | |||