Saturday racing in Melbourne takes place at headquarters with the Flemington hosting a nine race card. There’s a few exciting horses down to race on the program which will make for interesting viewing throughout the day.
The track is currently rated a soft 7 after plenty of rainfall throughout Melbourne this week. With that being said sun is forecast for Friday and Saturday and I think we should see another upgrade or two. The rail is out 4 metres the entire circuit.
As always, Billy Bestford has cast his eye across the program and brings you his free Flemington tips, including best bets and race previews.
Flemington Racing Tips: Saturday July 16th
Race 1
Best value chance on the card looks a nice way to kick start the day here. (10) Bie’res has jumped out in terrific fashion and really liked his latest effort. His earlier jumpout was good, matching motors with Cotel who won easily last Saturday. Gets in nice and light, draws well and could have a bit of X factor about him. Happy to find out at an each way price.
(2) Giga Kick was dominant on debut and there was plenty to like about that performance, Ran some serious time there when winning by 4.5L and was quickly put away by the stable. Won a trial leading into this and no doubt gives them something to chase.
(12) Tapin’ Three is another who has caught the eye at the jumpouts and has been well-liked by the market early doors. She will be winning her fair share of races.
(5) Hoofs Don’t Lie should have finished closer on debut and there was a bit of money around for him on the day. That’s turned into a terrific form race and he will put himself on speed and can figure in the finish.
(10) Bie'res
$15/$3.50 (0.25/0.75 units)
Race 4
(3) Through Irish Eyes gets the nod for me with Jamie Kah jumping back aboard. This horse is an out and out stayer and the stable just know how to get these types of horses ready. Looked the winner halfway up the straight in the Brisbane Cup last time out but just found one better in the concluding stages. A little freshen will have done him some good and back to the Flemington 2800m are all ticks for him.
(5) Mimi’s Award is flying and looks primed for this longer trip now. She was first past the post last time out before losing on a protest. Draws for a nice trail here and deserves a win.
(2) Sweet Thomas should have won a few races back at Eagle Farm and was equally as good in the Brisbane Cup. Was never a chance last start so forget he won’t round. Up to 2800m is ideal and he ran 2nd in this race last year.
(6) Horrifying is always right in the thick of these races, finding his way into the placings in recent times. From barrier 1 I expect Willo will have him in the gun spot throughout and will be a big winning chance when they turn for home.
(3) Through Irish Eyes
$2.70 (2 units)
Race 5
Think (1) Quang Tri just looks the most progressive of this bunch and can’t see any reason why he can’t win again. Did it the hard way last start but was still too good for them. This doesn’t look any harder and while he gets up in weight he looks exciting. Looks as if he will eat up 1800m now.
There was a bit to like about the debut of (4) Verifier who really knuckled down late. Straight up to 1800m looks suitable now and he draws a better gate here. Could progress through the grades.
(9) Badda Boom Baby is an interesting runner, coming down from NSW for Neasham. Kah booked and you must respect the stable placement. Two runs to date have been sound and could be ready to peak now.
(8) Tranzsam is another who looks ready for this trip. Can roll to the lead for willo and might be able to run them along with tempo to suit.
(1) Quang Tri
$2.20 (2.5 units)
Race 7
(11) Blue Cup was as good of a local debut run as you could have hoped for when coming from the UK. Really got through the line strongly and up to 2000m now is a huge tick. Two time winner at this trip back home and the stable have some lofty ambitions with him in the spring. Possibly might see him progress to some of the big cups? If that’s the case he should be going very close here.
(4) D’aguilar is a super horse, winning six from nine and rarely putting in a poor one. THe last start win was impressive, rounding them up in no time and finishing hard. That was his first go at 2000m and back to the big Flemington track will suit him.
(3) Interpretation is another interesting UK import for Maher Eustace. He’s won three from six so far and clearly has plenty of upside as a promising stayer. Will probably roll forward but I think he might need the run first up.
(1) Mankayan is back in flying form, winning two this prep. Yet another for Maher Eustace and rising to 2000m 3rd up looks a good recipe for him. The wetter the better for him.
(11) Blue Cup
$5.00 (1 unit)
