On The Punt: Flemington best bets for Aurie’s Star Handicap meeting on Saturday August 3, 2024

A talented mare can return to the winner’s stall at Flemington dropping back in distance and with top jockey Blake Shinn jumping on board.

Getting back to 1400m could be the key to Cindy Falls winning again. Picture: Brett Holburt/Racing Photos via Getty Images

Herald Sun and Racenet form analyst Chris Vernuccio looks at the Aurie’s Star Handicap meeting at Flemington on Saturday.

BEST BET

CINDY FALLS (R3 No.2 – $4.80)

Cindy Falls drops back to 1400m after possibly struggling to run out a strong mile last start. She was brilliant winning at the track and distance two starts back in the Leilani Final, and will get every chance to return to the winner’s stall from barrier one and with the services of jockey Blake Shinn.

NEXT BEST

MIDTOWN BOSS (R4 No.2 – $2.40)

Midtown Boss has a strong first-up record (4:2-0-1) and has two wins and a second from three starts over the Flemington 1100m. He won twice and finished runner-up three times last prep, the only time he finished out of the placings was in the Listed Wangoom Handicap at Warrnambool where he was a close fifth.

VALUE VET

IT’SOURTIME (R6 No.2 – $6)

Straight specialist It’sourtime won this race last year and is coming off a last-start victory in the Santa Ana Lane Final at Flemington, running a quicker time than the race favourite here Right To Party on the same day.

THE JOCKEY

DAMIAN LANE

POST IMPRESSIONIST (R2 No.1 – $4), LE ZEBRA (R5 No.6 – $3.30), IT’SOURTIME (R6 No.2 – $6), ST VINCENTS GARDEN (R7 No.8 – $4.60).

Originally published as On The Punt: Flemington best bets for Aurie’s Star Handicap meeting on Saturday August 3, 2024