Another nine-race card has been assembled this Saturday at Flemington for VRC Community Day. With rain about, the track is currently rated a Heavy 9, while the rail is out 9m.
We’ve cast our eyes over the entire meeting and offer our best bets below.
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Race 1 – Banjo Paterson Series Handicap (2520m)
Willing to give Witchachar Star another chance on the short backup.
The Chris Hyland-trained six-year-old failed to run a race back in trip at Caulfield last week, which looking back, was an odd decision considering he won the Warrnambool Cup quite well the start prior.
Back out over further looks a big positive, and he should be able to get back and run on from out wide. Two wins from two starts on heavy going also stands out.
Race 2 – Next Generation Sprinters Series (1100m)
Dusse gapped her rivals to win her maiden last-start, a performance she can only improve on now with a couple of runs under her belt.
The daughter of Rubick faced a challenge down the straight but showed some real grit and determination to kick clear and win.
She’s drawn to receive a much kinder run in transit along the rail this time, and providing she handles the conditions, I can’t find any reason why she can’t go on with it.
Race 3 – Leilani Series Handicap (1400m)
You know what you’re getting when you back Americain Angel, and that’s more than not a place.
Danny O’Brien’s mare has returned three wins and eight placings from 13 starts, while she’s also been a good fresh horse finding the money on all three occasions.
She hasn’t been seen since running two lengths off Yonce at Flemington back in February, but with some decent wet track form to her name and Jamie Kah back in the saddle, she goes on top.
Race 4 – Mahogany Challenge Handicap (2000m)
Elzamee is nearly a month between runs after winning a similar race at Caulfield over the same trip.
The form out of that reads well with second place-getter The Amazonian going on to win a Group 3 in South Australia, while Yaphet has also come out and run second in the SA Derby at Morphettville.
Just needs a touch of luck from the wide draw, but kept fresh, I think he’s the one to beat.
Race 5 – VRC Community Sprint (1100m)
Not a race I’m overly keen to dive into, but there is a case to be made for Yulong Knight stepping out at a price.
Rob Blacker’s six-year-old bas found the money in his last two starts, and this looks a similar contest to the one he contested at Sale a week and a half ago.
The barrier is the big knock, but he’s got some solid heavy track form alongside a win at Flemington to his name.
Race 6 – Banjo Paterson Series Plate (2000m)
I have some time for Duke Of Plumpton here in his third run back.
Recent form over the mile this prep has been mixed, but I think he’ll appreciate further now on another rain-affected track.
Patrick Payne’s six-year-old has won twice and placed twice on heavy going, while he’s also done some of his best racing at this stage of his prep.
Race 7 – Silver Bowl Series Handicap (1400m)
Adele Amour’s recent form stacks up well for this.
The daughter of Sebring won by three-quarters of a length second-up at Caulfield and was again back in the winner’s stall a few weeks ago when she put away a big field back to fillies and mares grade.
She seems to only be improving with racing and the low draw works in her favour.
Race 8 – VRC-CRV Winter Championship Series Plate (1400m)
Harbour Views can make a winning return to the races at a nice price.
The Matthew Williams-trained galloper enjoyed a fruitful spring, winning first-up here at Flemington over the track and trip before going on to run third in the Sandown Stakes.
He was fourth in the Caulfield Stakes the year prior and has an excellent fresh record with three wins and two placings to his name. Won’t want it too wet, but everything reads well.
Race 9 – ATA Trainers’ Trust Handicap (1100m)
Quite keen on Squid Game here following a freshen-up.
The lightly-raced three-year-old out of the Patrick Payne yard exploded onto the scene with a debut win at Sandown during the spring before going on to make it a comfortable double here at Flemington a month later.
He resumed last month where he had little luck down the straight but still finished off soundly for fifth. Down in the weights and with a trial between starts, I think he’ll be much improved.