Flemington hosts an exciting Group 1 card on Saturday, where the feature Australian Guineas takes centre stage.
The 3YO middle distance horses look to have plenty of depth this year and this race looks wide open.
In the feature event, I am with a Snowden trained colt who is dripping in quality.
He has already taken on the best in both the Caulfield Guineas / Cox Plate and looks ready to launch.
Whilst in the Group 2 Blamey Stakes I am against race favourite Zaaki, and believe he is being saved for his "Grand Final" in the All Star Mile.
The Flemington track is currently rated a Good 4 with the rail out 2m for the entire circuit.
Fine conditions are predicted for the remainder of the week, with some showers on Saturday.
The wide open spaces of Flemington give all runners their chance.
Punters should refer to the early races for a good guide on track bias.
Flemington Race 6 - Blamey Stakes 1600m (Group 2 Set Weights)
The Map
The Early Favourite
Zaaki ($2.50) dodged Randwick due to the state of the track (Heavy 10) and should find this Group 2 event easier.
He is an exciting horse with the runs on the board, and does enjoy racing first up (7:3-1-1).
Slight concern that this is not the "Grand Final" and whilst Annabelle is eager to please, I doubt she has him fully wound up.
They wont be knocking him around to win here.
Best Racing Tips
I'm happy to be with Mr Brightside who has already had one run back and will take good improvement second up.
He was excellent first up here when held up, yet still managed to place 3 of 12 in the Listed Elms. He was well supported to win that day and must be flying at home.
Corner Pocket comes out of the same race as my top pick and did win on that occasion. That victory took his streak to 8 wins in a row!
Clearly flying and now with one run under the belt, he holds a fitness edge over the favourite Zaaki.
Reports are Inspirational Girl is absolutely flying behind the scenes, since the first up run.
Danny O'Brien is desperate to impress high profile owner Bob Peters and whilst there are bigger targets in the future, he wont to be missing out here.
Zaaki is clearly talented, however is likely to lack some fitness here first up.
There's a good chance he is being kept in "cotton wool" for his grand final in the All Star Mile.
They are unlikely to bustle him to hold a position, and by the time the leaders are off and gone I doubt he can reel them in. Avoid.
Flemington Race 7 - Australian Guineas 1600m (Group 1 3YO Set Weights)
The Map
The Favourite
Profondo ($4.50) is already a Group 1 winner and arrives here first up as a very interesting runner.
He has been readied with 2 trial hit-outs and will be ready to fire for this assignment.
They will press forward to sit outside the leader or first pair back.
Best Racing Tips
I'm with Captivant who showed excellent ability last preparation (2 of 15 in the Caulfield Guineas) and has since returned in great order.
He was excellent last start in the CS Hayes when made strong ground late.
The ownership group are high-profile and desperate to get this colt to stud. Yes.
Ranch Hand did look the winner last start in the Hobartville before Anamoe pounced!
That's excellent form for this race and he is now cherry ripe.
The booking of Craig Williams is a plus and he should receive every chance if they find the moving line, midfield with cover.
Profondo has plenty of quality and is already a Group 1 winner of the Spring Champion stakes at Randwick.
He should be very forward after 2 trial hit-outs and they have poured the work into him at home to have him ready.
Just needs a touch of luck to slot in, if they don't decide to sit outside the leader.
Pinstriped is undefeated and was a huge winner last start over 1400m.
He should secure the gun run- midfield 3-wide in the moving line and can peel an work home as he likes.
Granted there are some big guns entered here, however he still looks progressive and is largely untapped at this stage.
Could blow them all away.