Weekend best bets: Flemington, Royal Randwick, Eagle Farm and Morphettville

Our experts give you an early shot at finding a winner at the major races around the nation this weekend.

Our experts give you an early shot at finding a winner at the major races around the nation this weekend.

Last week … four winners. The Melbourne boys flew the flag with gusto with both Michael Manley and Chris Vernuccio landing their best bet and value bet — Manley finding Fidelia ($2.30) and Spanner Head ($4.40), while The Nooch struck paydirt with Big Night Out ($3.10) and Mantastic ($7). Clubhouse leader Simon Moy made it five consecutive Saturday best bets in a row when Fidelia strode home. Outside those we didn’t fire like usual.

SATURDAY

EAGLE FARM (9 races, start 11.10am), RANDWICK (9 races, 11.25am), FLEMINGTON (9 races, 11.35am), MORPHETTVILLE (8 races, 12.56pm), BELMONT (8 races, 2.37pm). All times AEST

DOOMBEN

NATHAN EXELBY (Courier Mail). Form: 11132

LITE’N IN MY VEINS (Race 5, No. 4 — $7)

It’s hard to come into Tom Melbourne at the skinny quote, even though he does look well placed against this field under the conditions. Lite’n In My Veins was back to his best in Adelaide last time, running strong figures from the front under a big weight. Looks like he leads for fun here and should take catching. Stable flying in Queensland this carnival.

Value bet: OUR LIBRETTO (Race 7, No. 9 — $14)

MARKETS: TAB FIXED ODDS

Kolding can find himself in the winner’s enclosure again.

RANDWICK

MATT JONES (Daily Telegraph). Form: 12013

KOLDING (Race 5, No. 5 — $2.40)

This horse has plenty of X-factor about him. His turn of foot is sensational and as long as he handles the step up in distance he’s the one to beat. He’s loaded with talent.

Value bet: BELFAST BELLA (Race 4, No. 14 — $8)

RAY THOMAS (Daily Telegraph). Form: 82231

WOLFE (Race 4, No. 4 — $2)

Jumped straight from 1400m to 1900m when second-up at Canterbury but demonstrated his natural staying talent with a dominant win over Welsh Legend. With three wins from just four starts, Wolfe is showing considerable promise and will appreciate racing over 2000m on the big Randwick track.

Value bet: STAR CROSSED (Race 9, No. 11 — $19)

MARKETS: TAB FIXED ODDS

Fidelia looks poised to make it four in a row at Flemington.

FLEMINGTON

MICHAEL MANLEY (Herald Sun). Form: 61211

HAUNTED (Race 7, No. 5 — $3)

Two runs this time in have been excellent. Finished third behind subsequent Goodwood winner last start in Adelaide which reads well for this.

Value bet: MAIN STAGE (Race 6, No. 8 — $7.50)

SIMON MOY (SuperRacing). Form: 11111

SHAMAL LASS (Race 5, No. 17 — $6)

First emergency but looks a promising type and just needs luck in run from tricky barrier to be major player.

Value bet: THUNDER CLOUD (Race 6, No. 1 — $11)

CHRIS VERNUCCIO (SuperRacing). Form: x1811

STEEL PRINCE (Race 8, No. 2 — $3)

The market has honed in on Surprise Baby most likely because of the big weight swing to Steel Prince, but what’s been forgotten is the tough run Steel Prince when he led but kept finding to win. He’ll get an easier run behind the speed from barrier three, whereas the favourite will be conceding a huge start from gate 18, and Damien Oliver should give him the perfect ride.

Value bet: ANJANA (Race 9, No. 1 — $5.50)

NICK QUINN (TAB). Form: 32144

FIDELIA (Race 2, No. 1 — $2.10)

After winning stylishly last Saturday she is on the quick back-up and looks well placed to secure a fourth straight victory. On a tough day of racing looks a nice early bank builder.

Value bet: THE BOSTONIAN (Eagle Farm Race 8, No. 2 — $8)

MARKETS: TAB FIXED ODDS

Steel Prince wins the Brew Handicap. Picture: Getty Images

MORPHETTVILLE

LINCOLN MOORE (The Advertiser). Form: 21412

CREATIVITY (Race 2, No. 4 — $2.20)

Former Victorian mare who is now with Will Clarken. Comes out of some strong Melbourne races running fourth in the Listed Alinghi three starts back and was beaten just 2.75 lengths behind Miss Leonidas in the Bel Esprit Stakes last time.

Value bet: SMART STILETTO (Race 6, No. 13 — $8.50)

MARKETS: TAB FIXED ODDS

*Note: TAB Fixed Odds prices correct at time of publishing