On The Punt: Flemington best bets for Saturday, May 17, 2025

Form analyst Chris Vernuccio gives his best bet, next best and value tip at Flemington on Saturday.

News Corp form analyst Chris Vernuccio takes a look at the Flemington meeting on Saturday.

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BEST BET

KING ZEPHYR (R6 No.11): King Zephyr sets up to stakes grade for the first time after winning all four runs this prep, beating his opposition easily by a combined margin of 9¼ lengths. He looks capable of winning Group races. The step back to 1200m is the only concern but connections have their sights on the Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap next month.

NEXT BEST

HIGHVOL (R2 No.1): Highvol won a stakes race on debut on Anzac Day and should have more upside. The horse he beat, Stay Cosmic, was runner-up in a handicap race at Sandown Lakeside after winning on debut, so the form potentially looks strong. He’s drawn well in barrier six to settle among the leading pack.

VALUE BET

MAGARTEN (R9 No.10): Magarten chased home in-form galloper Know Thyself at Randwick last start, finishing 1¼ lengths behind the Country Championships Final winner. He should be ready to peak third-up and has placed twice in both attempts at 1800m.

THE JOCKEY

ETHAN BROWN

HIGHVOL (R2 No.1 – $2.80), MATERIAL DREAMS (R3 No.5 – $8.50), KALKALLO (R4 No.7 – $3.90), OXFORD BLUE (R5 No.4 – $4.80), BERKSHIRE BREEZE (R7 No.12 – $5.50).

Originally published as On The Punt: Flemington best bets for Saturday, May 17, 2025