Weekend Best Bets

OUR experts give you an early shot at finding a winner as they look at the major races around the nation.

Pic Jay Town: Emirates Stakes Day at Flemington. Race 1 The Hong Kong Jockey Club Maribyrnong Plate (GROUP 3) 1000m 1st Boomwaa (Vlad Duric, yellow and purple stars cap).

OUR experts give you an early shot at finding a winner as they look at the major races around the nation.

RANDWICK

RAY THOMAS (Daily Telegraph). Tipster’s form: 26014

PRIVATE SECRETARY

Race 7, No. 4

Got a long way back at Scone but was finishing strongly late when sixth to That’s A Good Idea in the Ortensia Stakes. Talented mare who drops in grade on Saturday, is suited by the Randwick 1200m, and by the expected solid upfront tempo.

TAB Fixed Odds: $2.30

NIC ASHMAN (Daily Telegraph). Form: 14048

BANKSTERS BONUS

Race 4, No. 2

Lumped the big weight and was still too good when short of peak last start. Watch for him to establish himself as a stayer to follow over the winter.

TAB Fixed Odds: $4.20

STEPHEN ZAMMIT (Daily Telegraph). Form: 32014

AVOID LIGHTNING

Race 6, No. 1

A brilliant mare who won this race last year with just the one kilogram less. Not knocked about and still able to score a narrow win in a 1050m Randwick barrier trial on May 25. Freshened up for this race and will get a terrific run from gate two.

TAB Fixed Odds: $3.80

JOHN DAVIS (Daily Telegraph). Form: 5x116

LOOPHOLE

Race 4, No. 7

Charged home at the end of 1800m on this track last time. Proven at this distance range and drops 2kg into this race. Tough nut to crack.

TAB Fixed Odds: $5

DARREN PRENDERGAST (Super Racing). Form: 40132

BANKSTERS BONUS

Race 4, No. 2

Former Hong Kong galloper has found form this preparation, highlighted by his last-start win at Canterbury. Should have no trouble handling the rise to Saturday class over 2000m. Stick with him.

TAB Fixed Odds: $4.20

MOONEE VALLEY

MATT STEWART (Herald Sun). Tipster’s form: 11321

BOOMWAA

Race 9, No. 10

Might pay to forget trip north where may not have adapted. Loves the Valley, goes quick and has class.

TAB Fixed Odds: $4.40

ROD NICHOLSON (Herald Sun). Form: 30215

ACT OF VALOUR

Race 2, No. 2

Good win here last start and extra 100m suits. Well in at weights and has ideal barrier.

TAB Fixed Odds: $2.40

MICHAEL MANLEY (Herald Sun). Form: 10221

YESTERDAY’S SONGS

Race 6, No. 6

Ran on strongly from last in the Group 1 Goodwood last start for ninth, beaten less than three and a half lengths. Extra distance suits and is a level above his rivals.

TAB Fixed Odds: $2.05

Lumosty might be in a new playground this weekend but if she brings her best we can expect the same outcome. Picture: Getty Images

DOOMBEN

NATHAN EXELBY (The Courier-Mail). Tipster’s form: 16011

LUMOSTY

Race 8, No. 17

Takes the tougher option over the Dane Ripper, but still rates to win. Not quite as dynamic second-up, but that rating still makes her clearly the one to beat here and no reason she can’t go to another level with just 50.5kg on her back.

TAB Fixed Odds: $4.80

BRAD DAVIDSON (Gold Coast Bulletin). Form: 11281

FLIPPANT

Race 2, No. 3

I don’t usually declare horses but this filly looks a good thing. The Peter and Paul Snowden-trained filly walked in at Scone last start and this is no tougher. She should just win again.

TAB Fixed Odds: $1.90

SIMON MOY (Super Racing). Form: 11011

LUMOSTY

Race 8, No. 17

There is little doubt she is a pretty special filly. In tremendous form and will be hard to beat in the with her light weight. Running hot.

TAB Fixed Odds: $4.80

MORPHETTVILLE

LINCOLN MOORE (The Advertiser). Tipster’s form: 05333

SIR LASZLO

Race 3, No. 7

Former Sydney-trained staying four-year-old who looks to be starting to find his feet for the Darren Weir stable. Made it three wins in succession (two for Weir) at Pakenham last time and gets out to the 2051m here. Looks the one to beat.

TAB Fixed Odds: $3.20

BEN SCADDEN (The Advertiser). Form: 22017

TANGIER SUN

Race 6, No. 3

Showed plenty of talent in his first campaign for Jon O’Connor, with two wins and a second from only three starts. He has trialled nicely at Morphettville and expect him to be in the firing line throughout for Maija Vance.

TAB Fixed Odds: $4

Originally published as Weekend Best Bets