Saturday preview: The Courier-Mail’s racing editor Nathan Exelby looks at the main races at Flemington, Rosehill and Gold Coast on Saturday

THE Courier-Mail’s racing editor Nathan Exelby looks at the main races at Flemington, Rosehill and Gold Coast on Saturday.

THE Courier-Mail’s racing editor Nathan Exelby looks at the main races at Flemington, Rosehill and Gold Coast on Saturday.

FLEMINGTON

RACE 6: NEWMARKET HANDICAP

1200m, G1, 2.50pm (Queensland times)

In the run: Japonisme, Keen Array, Secret Agenda and Charmed Harmony the likely pilots.

Take note: Chautauqua is 0/3 in Flemington 1200m G1’s but has been unlucky in each attempt. Eight horses have completed the Lightning-Newmarket double since 1991. Beaten with 55.5kg in this last year. Now has 58kg?

Did you know: Three-year-olds have a 50 per cent strike rate in this race the past 18 years. Japonisme the logical top pick of them, but tipping Counterattack and Secret Agenda (went like a jet up the straight in Cup week) to make their presence felt too.

Early money: Counterattack is in to $9.50 from double figures. Chautauqua has got out a fraction from his opening quote to $2.60.

Nathan’s tip: Japonisme $3.80

Nathan’s danger: Secret Agenda $15

ROSEHILL

RACE 7: COOLMORE CLASSIC

1500m, F & M G1, 3.10pm

In the run: Solicit the pilot, with Peeping, Ghisoni and Vergara close up.

Take note: John Thompson has Zanbagh flying and seems to have injected extra speed since taking over her training. Meets Solicit 4kg better for a ripper fresh run behind her.

Did you know: Azkadellia should have won the Myer in the spring and now meets the likes of Politeness and Solicit better at the weights for that defeat. Ran quicker sectionals than Oakleigh Plate winner Flamberge last time.

Early money: Azkadellia opened the week at $7. Ghisoni ($4.50) is on the drift. Solicit ($5.50) solid and Zanbagh has trimmed up from longer odds.

Nathan’s tip: Azkadellia $4.70

Nathan’s danger: Zanbagh $13

Azkadellia has been well backed to win the Coolmore Classic. Picture: Andrew Batsch

FLEMINGTON

RACE 8: AUSTRALIAN CUP

2000m, SWFA G1, 3.30pm

In the run: Pace looks soft. Awesome Rock should work across easily. Our Ivanhowe handy off the inside. Fenway and Suavito prominent too.

Take note: Bow Creek had good turn of foot in the Peter Young Stakes (10 in 30 years have completed the double), while Our Ivanhowe was stiff and is suited extra trip. Damien Oliver has a task early to get Bow Creek in off the tricky gate.

Did you know: Only one favourite has won in past 11 years and four in 20. Can produce an upset. Think Awesome Rock can run a race. Worked early last time off wide gate and battled on strongly. Good Flemington winner over the carnival.

Early money: The mares Rising Romance ($8.50) and Suavito ($7.50) have admirers. Dual Flemington G1 winner Preferment ($5.50) also popular.

Nathan’s tip: Awesome Rock $23

Nathan’s danger: Bow Creek $3.10

Awesome Rock is great each-way value in the Australian Cup. Picture: Ian Currie

GOLD COAST

RACE 8: CURRUMBIN CREEK TAVERN

1400m, Class 6 C, H & G, 4.40pm

In the run: Big field should generate plenty of speed but no matter what happens. Wild ‘N’ Famous should be able to box seat.

Take note: Desert General is likely to turn out the best horse in this race. Just a matter of whether he can overcome the terrible draw. First up run was outstanding and better suited this trip.

Did you know: Peter and Paul Snowden are shooting for Brisbane winners on three straight Saturdays. Wild ‘N’ Famous should derive plenty of confidence from the last start win and slightly longer trip suits.

Early money: Six runners under double figure odds and it’s a race punters will relish having a crack at. Sankara Spirit ($9) was unlucky fresh and is in from $14.

Nathan’s tip: Wild ‘N’ Famous $3.60

Nathan’s danger: Desert General $6.50

Originally published as Saturday preview: The Courier-Mail’s racing editor Nathan Exelby looks at the main races at Flemington, Rosehill and Gold Coast on Saturday