Saturday preview: Courier-Mail racing editor Nathan Exelby breaks down the big races at Doomben, Rosehill and Flemington

THE Courier-Mail’s racing editor Nathan Exelby gazes into his crystal ball in search of winners at Doomben, Rosehill and Flemington on Saturday.

THE Courier-Mail’s racing editor Nathan Exelby gazes into his crystal ball in search of winners at Doomben, Rosehill and Flemington on Saturday.

HOT TIPS: WEEKEND BEST BETS

BEAT THE BOOKIE: VALUE BETS

FORMLINE: WHO TO FOLLOW THIS WEEKEND

THE FACTORS

DOOMBEN

Track: Good (4)

Weather: 5-10mm rain, 25C

ROSEHILL

Track: Soft (5)

Weather: Rain clearing, 23C

FLEMINGTON

Track: Good (3)

Weather: Rain overnight, showers easing, 16C

DOOMBEN

Race 4: Super Butcher Hcp

1200m, 3YO, 2.07pm

In the run: Another Slipper has the speed to take advantage of the inside. Thunder Raider might provide him with company. Red Handle settles closer this time, as does Dapper One.

Take note: Ringo’s A Rockstar beat Mymancharles and Divine Dice here a fortnight back and both of those had excuses and should have finished closer. Divine Dice is drawn to improve.

Did you know: Another Slipper was scratched last week when the rain came, but trainer Tony Gollan always knew this race was waiting. Keeps him fresh for another 1200m run and if he carves out the same sort of figures he did at Ipswich, they will have trouble reeling him in.

Early money: Ringo’s A Rockstar is the most popular runner, firming from $4.20 to $3.80. Some money also for Kubis ($13-$12).

Nathan’s tip: ANOTHER SLIPPER $4

Nathan’s danger: Divine Dice $14

ROSEHILL

Race 6: Golden Rose

1400m, 3YO G1, 3.10pm

In the run: They will go to at least an even clip with Thronum and El Divino natural pacemakers.

Take note: Astern produced the best first-up rating, but Omei Sword wasn’t far off him and gets the better of the draws. Clearly Chris Waller has a huge opinion of her to bypass the easier fodder of the fillies’ series to chase this $1 million prize.

Did you know: This race produced blowouts the first two years, but it has gone mostly to script since, with only one double-figure winner since 2004. No horse has won it first-up either, so based on that, hard to look away from Astern, Omei Sword and outstanding first-up winner Divine Prophet.

Early money: Extraordinary early push for Yankee Rose, who is $10 to $5 with UBET this week. Will the professional money come for her on course on Saturday?

Nathan’s tip: OMEI SWORD $3.80

Nathan’s danger: Astern $4.40

Omei Sword will push the boys to the limit in the Golden Rose at Rosehill. Picture: Jenny Evans

FLEMINGTON

Race 7: Makybe Diva Stakes

1600m, SWFA G1, 4.10pm

In the run: Entirely Platinum, Ayers Rock likely leaders. Black Heart Bart, Rising Romance, Jacquinot Bay handy.

Take note: Black Heart Bart the logical top pick as he aims to join Dissident and Weekend Hussler in completing the Memsie-Makybe double. Lone run on a genuine wet track was poor. Weather watch!

Did you know: This has been a great race for stayers. Five of the past six winners had won a Group 1 race at 2000m or further in the previous 18 months. Prince Of Penzance, Our Ivanhowe, Tarzino and Sofia Rosa fit that profile here. Our Ivanhowe is said to be ‘a duck’ in the wet but hasn’t struck anything worse than a Good (4) in Australia yet. His Doomben Cup win might be the confidence booster to go on with it.

Early money: Black Heart Bart has eased from $2.20. Stablemate Palentino popular at $7. Our Ivanhowe and Tarzino ($13) have trimmed up slightly.

Nathan’s tip: OUR IVANHOWE $11

Nathan’s danger: Black Heart Bart $2.35

FLEMINGTON

Race 8: Let’s Elope Stakes

1400m, Mares SW+P G2, 4.50pm

In the run: Doesn’t look huge speed. All Cerise and Thames Court the potential pilots. Badawiya won’t be far away. She loves this trip, but only two of 30 have won this race first-up.

Take note: My Sister Lil has been knocking on the door in lesser races. Maybe a touch stiff last time and gets Craig Williams to steer here. Was on the heels of Azkadellia in the autumn, so no reason she won’t measure up.

Did you know: The Cockram has provided 10 of the past 13 winners of this. Don’t Doubt Mamma has the score on the board in this grade, but can see Thames Court enjoying a ripper run up on the speed.

Early money: No big moves and Don’t Doubt Mamma is $6 favourite. Badawiya ($7), French Emotion ($7.50), Telopea ($8) and Thames Court the others under double figures.

Nathan’s tip: MY SISTER LIL $21

Nathan’s danger: Thames Court $8

Originally published as Saturday preview: Courier-Mail racing editor Nathan Exelby breaks down the big races at Doomben, Rosehill and Flemington