Flemington – Saturday 

TUTUKAKA (SUPERIMPOSE HANDICAP)

Taking another step towards a tilt at this year’s Victoria Derby.  Was run off his feet at his first Victorian start but going to 1800 metres this time, a distance he has been successful at in the past.  

CELESTIAL FURY (SUPERIMPOSE HANDICAP)

Made some late ground at Flemington after winning at that track back in June.  He’s by the all-conquering Savabeel from a Galileo mare which indicates the more distance the better he will get.

FOOTLIGHTS (SUPERIMPOSE HANDICAP)

Has an incredible boom on him.  Has shown great staying quality in his first two starts but after being well backed he struggled badly at Flemington at his last start.  Stunned by the performance the stable had the horse closely vet checked in the proceeding days and found no abnormalities.  

TOKORANGI (ROSE OF KINGSTON STAKES)

High class Redwood mare who raced away with the Waikato Guineas back in February.  First up here and has been placed while fresh in the past and in the hands of Flemington trainer, Mike Maroney.  Expect a forward showing.  

VERRY ELLEEGANT (TURNBULL STAKES)

Arguably one of the best race mares in the world whose recent Sydney form has been outstanding.  It travelled down well to Melbourne and has looked bright and well at Flemington this week.  Wonderful mare who has only missed a place at this trip in two of her ten attempts.

YOUNG WERTHER (TURNBULL STAKES)

High class staying three-year-old from last season and returns to racing with an eye-catching fifth at Flemington when returning from a break.  Lightly raced and although taking on a huge task here he could be worth thought.  

MIAMI BOUND (BART CUMMINGS HANDICAP)

Overlooked her glorious last at Caulfield last start.  This five year old was placed in the Sydney Cup earlier this year and her chances of success will increase considerably as she is a noted wet performer.  

TRALEE ROSE (BART CUMMINGS HANDICAP)

Like Young Werther this mare, bred by iconic Kiwi breeders, Sir Patrick and Lady Hogan.  This country trained mare,another by Tavistock, has gone from strength to strength in her two runs this time in.  Remember the winner of this race earns a free ticket into the Melbourne Cup, an avenue this mare’s connections are keen to achieve.  In fact if she is successful on Saturday she will be in the top category of chances for the first Tuesday in November.  

THE GOOD FIGHT (BART CUMMINGS HANDICAP)

Good stayer who blew his rivals away back in July.  He is bred to stay all day.  He is trained by the man who is noted for applying the polish on cup winners of the past in Mike Maroney.  Another whose chances will be enhanced if rain arrives on Saturday.

JUSTACANTA (PARIS LANE STAKES)

Went around at huge odds when having its second Australian start at Sandown last week and was only two lengths away from the winner in a vastly improved showing.

 

Randwick – Saturday

KISS THE BRIDE (TAB HANDICAP)

Rising in grade here but this son of Savabeel just continues to improve and is certainly a chance at odds.  

WAIRERE FALLS (TAB HANDICAP)

Another Savabeel who will relish being back on the bigger track at Randwick rather than having to contend with Kembla Grange.

MO’UNGA (EPSOM HANDICAP)

High class racehorse who came home quickly behind the all-conquering Incentivise at Flemington two weeks ago.  At his previous start he accounted for champion race mare Verry Elleegant and this colt by Savabeel is poised to add more group one success to his profile.

STAR OF THE SEAS (EPSOM HANDICAP)

By New Zealand sire Ocean Park, Star of the Seas has amassed nearly $1.4 million in prize money and is certain to be in the finish.

RIODINI (EPSOM HANDICAP)

Former Kiwi galloper who is a strong, tough on-pace galloper who has relished by joining the Gai Waterhouse stable.  It was his last start effort at Randwick when under group one conditions continued to claw back ground over arguably one of Australia’s greats in Verry Elleegant.  Bookmakers have made him the current favourite for the Epsom Handicap, a position he very much deserves.

ICEBATH (EPSOM HANDICAP)

By former outstanding sire, Sacred Falls, from Savabeel mare Fabulist, this mare has taken all before her in her short but highly successful career.  Her last three runs will have got her as fit as possible for this major event.  Another whose chances will be enhanced if the track becomes rain affected.  

ATISHU (EPSOM HANDICAP)

Very smart racehorse, again by Savabeel, who after winning two races in New Zealand at Riccarton came to Australia to the Chris Waller stable and has won two of his three appearances including a group three win at Randwick.  Facing his toughest task here but is certain to be groomed for this major event by one of Australia’s finest horseman, Chis Waller.  

QUICK THINKER (METROPOLITAN HANDICAP)

Statistically looks perfectly placed to advance to Melbourne Cup status if successful here.  A winner twice at Randwick and a winner once here over 2600 metres which is the perfect profile for this son of So You Think.  He looked good at Newcastle and is sure to be ready for this.  

SHE’S IDEEL (METROPOLITAN HANDICAP)

Good staying mare who is prepared by the powerful Baker stable in Sydney who have always had aspirations at winning the Melbourne Cup which she showed by winning at Randwick recently.  Certain to be running on and if successful could well be in Melbourne Cup discussions.

CHARMS STAR (METROPOLITAN HANDICAP)

Struggled to touch at Randwick last time but that was at an unsuitable distance.  Jumping up to 2600 metres here and don’t forget she is a New Zealand Oaks placegetter in March and she seems extremely well weighted here.

NO COMPROMISE (METROPOLITAN HANDICAP)

Won at Wanganui November 2020 and Awapuni December 2020 before transferring to the Waller Stable, has had three wins and three placings from seven starts.

 

Sha Tin (Hong Kong) – Friday 

BEST ON BREEDING

LUCKY PATCH (NATIONAL DAY CUP GROUP 3)

Gifted sprinter who won his first major event in Ruakaka in New Zealand and then progressed to Australia and was eventually on-sold to Hong Kong where he has been in the upper echelon of sprinters since his arrival.  Interesting that his sire El Roca, who stands at Westbury Stud, has produced five individual winners including Lucky Patch in the past year  in HK. In fact El Roca is the most successful sire in the country.