Punters are out in force at both key racing venues this week, with strong support seen for a number of horses.
At Flemington, an exciting three-year-old has been the focus of significant attention in betting after being scratched last week due to a bad draw.
In Sydney, punters have identified one early in Race 1 at Randwick, where a smart two-year-old filly is expected to take the next step.
Maximak
Started favourite at Sandown last start, before charging home from a midfield position to get up.
She drops back from 1600m to 1400m here, which looks ideal around Flemington where the extra seasoning of recent runs over further can be a strong advantage.
Loves this distance (6:2-2-1) and should be fighting out the finish again.
South Pacific
Has the services of Damien Oliver, who usually demands which horse he wants to ride.
His jockey manager's form work is exceptional and as a team, they normally find the right horse to be on.
Second-up is good (2:1-1-0) and you can expect to see a vast improvement from the last start 9 of 11 finish at Caulfield.
Right You Are
Was well fancied last week, before connections decided to scratch him due to the bad draw.
He was excellent behind the very smart Persan last start at Flemington, where he got well back in the run before charging home to only just miss.
From gate 4 here expect them to race closer in the run and from an ideal midfield striking position, he will have every chance to win.
Sakura
Is now rock hard fit and showed enough at Caulfield last time out (4 of 12) to suggest she is ready to win.
She has some strong Sydney form-lines, where she was only 2.3 lengths off the smart Rocha Clock earlier in the campaign.
The current price still appears good value and I expect her to start shorter.
Giovanna Run
Was well supported to win last start, when she only just missed after finishing 2 of 9 on the Kensington surface.
She was slightly keen throughout the run last time out, and you can trust the Waller camp have engaged in the necessary tuition to make her settle for this assignment.
The owner expects results and the horse will be primed to win.
Emeralds
Is dripping in class after consistently competing at Group level throughout her early career.
This is a nice kick off point first-up and she should appreciate the drop way down in class.
Expect there to be bigger targets on the horizon and this could be the tick over run heading into Spring.
However, she can win here on quality alone.
Handspun
Is ultra-consistent and finds a suitable race, which appears to lack depth.
Tommy Berry won on her last start here at Randwick, when she was very dominant winning by 2.3 lengths over 1300m.
Up to 1400m now looks ideal and being proven in the Heavy conditions, she will hold an advantage given the extra rain expected in Sydney.
Black Magnum
Is typically very strong first up (4:3-1-0) and is one from one at this track and distance.
This race appears to lack depth and with Tom Sherry’s 3kg claim, he looks extremely well suited in this field.
He is likely to sit off what is expected to be a warp speed tempo set by Spaceboy and if they overdo it up front, he’ll be the one coming over the top. Yes.