Weekend best bets: Flemington, Rosehill Gardens, Eagle Farm, Ascot, Murray Bridge
The duchess has been in the news all week, but form analyst Michael Manley says the only Great Duchess punters should be concerned about is the one running at Flemington.
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Our experts give you an early shot at finding a winner at the major races around the nation this weekend.
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Last week … Tough day at the office with just three winners as the Magic Millions meeting took centre stage. Courier Mail racing editor Nathan Exelby flew the flag on the Gold Coast when successful with Vega One ($3.50), while Herald Sun sports writer Gilbert Gardiner chimed in with He’ll Haunt Us ($5.50) at Flemington. The Daily Telegraph’s Shayne O’Cass plucked Luvaluva from the pack at $2 to at least get one on the board in Sydney.
**Nathan Exelby (Brisbane), Matt Jones, Darren Prendergast (Sydney), Nick Quinn (TAB) and Glenn McFarlane (Melbourne) are all on leave at the moment.
FLEMINGTON (9 races, 3.10pm), ROSEHILL GARDENS (9 races, 1.05pm), EAGLE FARM (9 races start, 1.19pm), MURRAY BRIDGE (9 races, 12.55pm), ASCOT (9 races, 3.37pm).
CUTTING EDGE STUFF FOR NATIONAL JOCKEYS’ TRUST
Trainer John Sadler is rallying up industry participants to shave their heads in an effort to raise $10,000.
Along with Sadler, some big identities who treasure their mane and going under the blade include Ben Asgari and Nick Quinn.
Even Peter Moody is putting his hand up for the good cause.
FLEMINGTON
MICHAEL MANLEY (Herald Sun). Form: 623x8
GREAT DUCHESS (Race 2, No. 4 — $4)
She’s been racing well and this races sets up nicely for her. She’s a Flemington winner and can add chalk up another success at headquarters.
Value bet: REMASTERED (Race 8, No. 15 — $9.50)
GILBERT GARDINER (Herald Sun). Form: 41s61
SARTORIAL SPLENDOR (Race 5, No. 5 — $6.50)
Smart sprinter on the rise can upstage his more fancied rivals. Won at Group 3 level nicely last preparation before finding the step up to a Group 1 too steep.
Value bet: ALABAMA EXPRESS (Race 3, No. 2 — $6)
CHRIS VERNUCCIO (NewsRacing). Form: 18151
RED HEELER (Race 2, No. 6 — $2.90)
Stepping back up in distance can help secure an elusive Saturday city win.
Value bet: OUR CAMPANA (Race 8, No. 5 — $5.50)
Had to force a gap last start but still won under a tight grip.
SIMON MOY (NewsRacing). Form: x2357
FABRIC (Race 6, No. 8 — $3.80)
Resumes after spell but has won at the track and distance. Should get all the favours from inside draw.
Value bet: THE LORD MAYOR (Race 7, No. 1 — $4.60)
ROSEHILL GARDENS
RAY THOMAS (Daily Telegraph). Form: 356x3
DIO D’ORO (Race 6, No. 5 — $7.50)
Was in cruise control scoring a very impressive win in a Warwick Farm barrier trial two weeks ago. He’s primed for his return to racing and the likelihood of a rain-affected track is a further boost to his chances. At $7.50, he worth the gamble.
Value bet: Sennacherib (Race 2, No. 5 — $17)
SHAYNE O’CASS (Sportsman). Form: 5872x1
LABURNUM (Race 7, No. 2 — $8)
A James Cummings-trained daughter of Denman who is 4s 1-1-1 fresh and she has three placings from four runs at the trip, She is placed at both Rosehill runs and is a James HB Carr winner. Barrier one has to be the icing on the cake and her latest trial was outstanding.
Value bet: SHOW ME THE HONEY (Race 2, No. 1 — $18)
MURRAY BRIDGE
LINCOLN MOORE (The Advertiser). Form: 28x28
LAKE DISTRICT GIRL (Race 7, No. 11 — $4)
Quality mate primed for this with two recent trial wins. Won three of six this time last year and finished fifth begin Humma Humma I the Redelva. Looks one a stack of chances for the McEvoy/ Vorster combination.
Value: LIGHT THE WAVES (Race 6, No. 7 — $3.80)
s – denotes runner scratched.
x – denotes spell or vacation.
