All ratings for Flemington are based on a GOOD track, with the rail moving out to 5m.
Let’s review the first two days:
Derby Day
Rail True.
The track played very well and was even across the board.
A headwind down the back straight made it challenging for leaders or those facing the breeze in circle races.
Cup Day
Rail out 2m.
It was a warm day with no wind, rated a Good 4, yet showed a strong bias towards runners racing on the inside lanes.
Last year, officials attributed similar leader-biased tracks on Derby Day and Champion Stakes Day to the wind.
Then on Oaks Day, it became difficult to lead and drawing wider was more favourable.
So, what can we expect on Oaks Day this year (tomorrow)?
Hard to say. With the rail out from 2m to 5m, the inside 3m will be out of play.
There’s a light southwesterly wind forecast, around 6–8 km/h, so conditions could be relatively even.
Flemington – Race 2, #1 Kallos
Kallos looked impressive in his trial before his first-up run, where he appeared ready to launch before his luck ran out.
The form has since been franked by the winner, Bellatrix Star (2nd in the G1 Coolmore), and 3rd placegetter Maharba (who won on Derby Day).
The step back to 1000m won’t be an issue here.
Flemington – Race 5, #2 Independent Road
Independent Road chased a hot speed first-up and stuck on well.
Last prep, he wasn’t far off Berkeley Square and co. at Hillside second-up in open class, then faced unsuitable wet ground in the Moe Cup.
He favours Flemington, and with a drier track today, plus Gate 1 and Mark Zahra aboard, he’s great value at $21.
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