We’re off to Mornington on Saturday for a quality eight-race program that is headlined by the running of the time-honoured Listed R.M. Ansett Classic.
I’ve run the rule over every race, and you can find all of my 2023 R.M. Ansett Classic Day Tips below.
Gian Gets His Maiden BM Handicap (1000m) – 12:10pm
I’m going to kick off my day with something of Pride Of Sullivan in Race 1.
Pride Of Sullivan has had three starts since debuting, winning fresh before only just missing over 1000m at The Valley.
She finished two and a half lengths behind Charm Stone in the Listed Atlantic Jewel at her most recent run, but strips fitter for that effort and will relish the drop in class this week.
Suggested Bet: No. 3 Pride Of Sullivan
The Big Screen Company Handicap (1000m) – 12:45pm
Lempicka returned a winner at Sandown earlier this month and can continue her rise through the grades at Mornington on Saturday.
The Rich Enuff mare’s form tailed off at the end of her last prep, but she did race well earlier on.
Her fresh performance this time was arguably the best of her career to date, and any improvement can see her go on with it this week.
Suggested Bet: No. 4 Lempicka
Mercedes Benz Mornington Handicap (1500m) – 1:20pm
The consistent Dunalley goes around in Race 3, and I thought it looked a really nice race for her, on her home track.
The Dandino mare has returned some typically nice performances this time in, striking in BM64 company at Sandown most notably, while also finding form around some classy opposition.
She’s hard fit and rates as a genuine each way chance in something of this quality.
Suggested Bet: No. 3 Dunalley
Gary Lee Handicap (1500m) – 1:55pm
Pungo hasn’t been seen at the races since April, but I thought that this looked a nice kick-off point for him.
The So You Think gelding has raced well in metro company during his short career, where he returned a winning in a BM72 race last time in.
He’s drawn well under Jye McNeil and he’s another whom we can have something on each way.
Suggested Bet: No. 5 Pungo
Penang Turf Club Trophy (2000m) – 2:30pm
Hoops takes winning form into this race and looks capable of making it two in a row.
The Tivaci mare raced well during her autumn prep this year, only just missing in the Tasmanian Oaks most notably, but clearly having had enough by the time she contested the Adrian Knox Stakes during The Championships.
Her two starts back this time in have suggested she’s returned a stronger horse and the 2000m third-up looks perfect for her.
Suggested Bet: No. 7 Hoops
Homes & Acreage Handicap (1200m) – 3:05pm
Mr Tickles only just missed at his first run back from a break, and this looks a perfect opportunity for him to go one better.
The Magnus gelding has raced consistently for the McArdle yard since making his debut, winning two of eight and finishing second a further three times.
H’s a winner at this point of his preparation previously and with no real stars engaged in this contest, I’m confident he can take advantage.
Suggested Bet: No. 5 Mr Tickles
Listed R.M. Ansett Classic (2400m) – 3:45pm
A good field has been taken for the feature race and there’s a case to be made for a few of them, including Born A King.
Born A King is yet to strike in four starts back from a break, but there is also no doubt that he has continued to improve with each of them and he was last seen filling the minors behind Young Werther in BM100 company at The Valley, beaten by only half a length.
That horse would be going around a short-priced favourite in something like this, and with only 54kgs in tow, I’m confident that Born A King can win it.
Suggested Bet: No. 4 Born A King
iBuild Group Handicap (1200m) – 4:25pm
I’m happy to stick with Skidamarink in her bid to return to winning form in the last on R.M. Ansett Classic Day.
Skidamarink ended her last prep with three-consecutive wins, highlighted by a BM78 race up in Brisbane, but she clearly needed her first run back this time when finishing down the order at Flemington.
She won her only other second-up start and this does look a far more appropriate race for her.
Suggested Bet: No. 2 Skidamarink
