07/03/20 Flemington Tips: Newmarket Handicap Preview

The Newmarket Handicap is Victoria's premier sprint and has again attracted a stellar line-up of short distance stars.

This year's edition features a strong contingent of high quality three-year-old's, who appear well suited.

I am with a high class Sydney filly, who looks big odds and can improve dramatically off her first-up Randwick run. 

 Flemington Track Traits

The Flemington surface is currently rated a Good 4, with the rail out 8m the entire circuit.

Showers are predicted for the remainder of the week in Melbourne, however the sun should be out on Saturday afternoon.

With the wide open spaces of Flemington, expect most runners to have their chance. 

 Racing Market Movers

In early betting, Loving Gaby has firmed from $6.00 into $5.00.

All other runners remain steady. 

 Key Runners

#1 Gytrash $8.00

Was ultra dynamic here first-up in the Black Caviar Lightning Stakes, when he cruised into it and won with ease.

He is now well found in betting and will need to peak up again against a higher quality field.

Harder here, but must be included in everything. 

#2 Zoutori $9.50

Put in an enormous run in the Oakleigh Plate to grab second, after running-on strongly from well back to defy the significant on-speed bias. 

If he was given a fair racing surface last start, you can make a strong case that he should have won. 

The extra distance here will suit, he handles the Flemington straight (4:1-0-2) and can go one better this time out. Top hope.  

#4 The Inevitable $9.50

Is very effective first-up (4:3-0-1) and I suspect that he could explode here.

He was excellent all throughout last prep and has good runs over further ground, which suggest he will be strong late here.

If a wave of late money came inside the final minutes of betting, I would be very wary. Watch betting.   

#5 Bivouac $5.00 

Backed as if unbeatable last start in the Oakleigh Plate, with a high volume of professional syndicate money crushing the price late. 

He let punters down on that occasion, however he can be excused due to the leader biased track.

I believe he was wound right up to win last start and could be flat here. Avoid. 

#6 Exceedence $5.00

Is well found in betting and likely to be overbet due to a high profile and strong stable push.

He was excellent winning the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes here at Flemington to round out last prep, and certainly has genuine claims.

No doubting his class, however at the price I prefer others. Happy to risk.  

#7 Halvorson $20 

Loves the Flemington straight (6:3-1-0), however most of those runs have been in much weaker grade than this.

He has good ability, however simply looks outclassed here at Group 1 level. No. 

#11 Loving Gaby $6.00 > $5.00

Settled too far back last start in the Lightning, where she rattled home to place 3 of 7 with some impressive late splits. 

She has the tactical speed to race closer, and now with added fitness you can expect them to settle in the first half for this assignment.

Hard to knock, although may be another who is too well found in betting. No value.   

#13 Libertini $9.50

Brings different form from Sydney, where she was heavily backed ($2.00 into $1.80) first-up before finishing 4 of 11 in the Light Fingers.

She still ran-on well last start and I suspect that she is one who will take plenty of improvement going into this.

The mugs will drop off due to the last start failure, however expect her to unleash hell here late.

Looks big odds and goes on top. 

Of The Others

None Preferred.