Blue Diamond winner Artorius produced an eye-catching performance first-up and a step up in distance can see him return to the winners’ circle.
Our experts give you an early shot at finding a winner this weekend.
Last week … Three winners. Mr Brightside ($2.50) – Glenn McFarlane; Superstorm ($6) – Chris Vernuccio (value); Rubiquitous ($14) – Trenton Akers (value).
Saturday: KEMBLA GRANGE (10 races, start 11.40am), DOOMBEN (9 races, 11.47am), FLEMINGTON (9 races, 12.30pm), MORPHETTVILLE (9 races, 12.42pm), BELMONT (9 races, 2.43pm).
Check out their best and value bets:
FLEMINGTON
BRAD WATERS (Racenet) Form: 5141s
CRYSTAL BOUND (Race 4, No.5 — $3.30)
Classy filly that made an enormous impression on debut last time in. She’s had more time to develop and can start her spring campaign with a win.
Value bet: MYSTIC JOURNEY (Race 6, No.2 — $13)
GILBERT GARDINER (Herald Sun) Form: 58113
MO’UNGA (Race 8, No.10 — $5.00)
Impressive horse looks primed to add a third Group 1 to the resume.
Value bet: DEFIBRILLATE (Race 9, No.4 — $12)
CHRIS VERNUCCIO (Racing News Editor) Form: 51112
ARTORIUS (Race 2, No.1 — $1.80)
Punters haven’t missed him since final fields were declared. Outstanding run first-up and should be too good stepping up to 1400m. Hopefully he will settle a little closer in the run from barrier six.
Value bet: MO’UNGA (Race 8, No.10 — $5)
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GLENN McFARLANE (Herald Sun) Form: 14111
ARTORIUS (Race 2, No.1 — $1.80)
Blue Diamond winner who was storming home first-up and should salute here.
Value bet: INSTANT CELEBRITY (Race 6, No.1 — $3.90)
SIMON MOY (NewsRacing) Form: 14118
ARTORIUS (Race 2, No.1 — $1.80)
Coming off an eye-catching first-up run and will appreciate the step up in distance. Should have the measure of his opposition.
Value bet: STILL A STAR (Race 6, No.5 — $5.50)
CLINTON PAYNE (Racenet) Form: 3644x
KEIAI NAUTIQUE (Race 8, No.3 — $13)
He was super resuming in the Winx Stakes, has genuine Japanese Group 1 mile form and is proven in the anti clockwise direction. A firm track will be in his favour and if he’s improved from the first-up run, he’ll take some stopping.
Value bet: PICARONES (Race 4, No.6 — $19)
NICK QUINN (TAB) Form: 24111
AYRTON (Race 4, No.2 — $2.60)
The Mick Price and Michael Kent Junior trained galloper resumed from a spell with a brilliant win first up at Caulfield and looks well placed to win again. He has won five of his six career starts and is primed at a tilt at the Golden Eagle this preparation.
Value bet: FLOATING ARTIST (Race 9, No.17 — $9.50)
LATEST BETTING: TAB FIXED ODDS
KEMBLA GRANGE
RAY THOMAS (Daily Telegraph) Form: 34139
MANKAYAN (Race 2, No.1 — $2.40)
The former English stayer, was having only his second Australian start when he charged home for third to Our Intrigue and Off Shaw over 2000m at Kembla two weeks ago. He steps up to 2400 on Saturday, a distance where he has recorded both his career wins, and meets Off Shaw 3kg better at the weights. Mankayan looks a promising type and Hugh Bowman has retained the ride. Perfectly suited and ready to win.
Value bet: Princess De Roca (Race 1, No.15 — $10)
MATT JONES (Daily Telegraph) Form: 61334
ANAMOE (Race 8, No.2 — $2.40)
He was one of the better winners of the Sires Produce Stakes you’ll ever see and off his trial form he’s returned even better for his three-year-old season.
Value bet: IRISH SONGS (Race 9, No.10 — $21)
MITCH COHEN (Racenet) Form: 62x1x
ENTRIVIERE (Race 6, No.4 — $2.70)
Tipping the Kiwi will be too good in the Sheraco. She had a small setback that saw her scratched from the Toy Show a few weeks ago but she was drawn very poorly there and has a much more favourable gate (6) in this. Trusting she’s put the setback behind her and she won a trial in the lead up that indicates as much. J-Mac aboard also a big tick.
Value bet: STUCK WITH YOU (Race 6, No. 6 — $26)
JETT HATTON (Racenet) Form: x3493
BIG PARADE (Race 7, No.10 — $3.10)
He was utterly dominant when blowing them away first-up in track record time and drops 7.5kg off that effort. Drawn to go straight to the front again and Tim Clark, who is one of the best in that role, jumps aboard. Winning machine and can bag a Group 2.
Value bet: FRONT PAGE (Flemington Race 7, No.15 — $17)
DOOMBEN
TRENTON AKERS (Courier Mail) Form: 23143
LONDON BANKER (Race 3, No.1 — $1.95)
Brisbane’s in-form stayer returns here after impressing this preparation. Has taken all before him and finds himself with a perfect draw to scoot around Doomben against easier opposition than previously.
Value bet: WEBOUGHTAZOU (Race 8, No.8 — $12)
NATHAN EXELBY (Sky Racing) Form: 1151x
PRINCE OF BOOM (Race 4, No.1 — $2.60)
Dropped out first up but had excuses after being pin-balled soon after the start. Expect him to be ridden with more aggression early and dominate this race up front.
Value bet: BLUE SOLDIER (Race 6, No.6 — $8)
LATEST BETTING: TAB FIXED ODDS
s – denotes tip was scratched.
x – denotes spell or holiday.
Note: TAB odds correct at time of publishing.
Originally published as Weekend Best Bets: Tips for Flemington, Kembla Grange and Doomben
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