G1 Lexus Melbourne Cup, $7,750,000, 3200m
Anthony Van Dyck (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) is a class act and the G1 English Derby winner produced an excellent run off a wide gate for second in the G1 Caulfield Cup. He will get a much softer run from a better gate and is capable of defying his topweight with a winning run.
By contrast, his highly-regarded stablemate Tiger Moth (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) has an outside gate but has only 52.5kg to carry. He is making just his fifth race day appearance, but is already a Group winner and runner-up in the G1 Irish Derby and looks a major threat.
Verry Elleegant (NZ) (Zed {NZ}) won the Caulfield Cup and it’s hard to ignore the top-class mare’s claims while Sir Dragonet (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) landed the G1 Cox Plate at his Australian debut and rider Glen Boss believes he will be well-suited to the 3200 metres so a notable double is on the cards.
Finche (GB) (Frankel {GB}) has run fourth and seventh in the last two editions of the Cup and his lead-up form is strong after finishing fifth in the Caulfield Cup. He looks an appealing each-way prospect.
There’s no doubting the talent of Russian Camelot (Ire) (Camelot {GB}) and if he relaxes in the running he adds to the long list of chances. Ashrun (Fr) (Authorized {Ire}) won the G3 Hotham H. with the only question mark his ability to back-up so quickly.
Prince Of Arran (GB) (Shirocco {Ger}) loves Australian conditions as evidenced by his placings in the last two Cups and has the services of a very much in-form Jamie Kah.
Surprise Baby (NZ) (Shocking) was a close fifth 12 months ago and has only been out twice since, but does respond well to well-spaced outings and Master Of Reality (Ire) (Frankel {GB}) was relegated from second to fourth last year and while this looks a stronger renewal can’t be discounted.
Defending champion Vow And Declare (Declaration Of War {USA}) looks too out of form to have any confidence, but The Chosen One (NZ) (Savabeel) doesn’t need to improve a lot on his Caulfield Cup third to be in the mix.
Flemington, G3 Darley Maribyrnong Plate, $200,000, 1000m
Ingratiating (Frosted {USA}) was a smart winner of the Listed Maribyrnong Trial S. and with that experience on the track under his belt the Godolphin colt looks a strong chance to remain unbeaten.
Ingratiating
Finance Tycoon (Written Tycoon) was runner-up on the track at his only appearance and is another who should be sharper for the outing while Marine One (Capitalist) is a well-bred youngster and from a stable with a handy first-up strike rate.
Treporti (I Am Invincible) was third at Bendigo at his debut and with natural improvement can be a player while Ciaron Maher and David Eustace enjoy outstanding success with juveniles so Gulf Of Suez (Fighting Sun) and Own The Night (Astern) are worth consideration.
Flemington, Listed World Horse Racing Desirable S., $175,000, 1400m
Joviality (I Am Invincible) won three on the spin before she was fifth in the G1 Flight S. and second in the Listed Reginald Allen behind Forbidden Love (All Too Hard), who ran third in Saturday’s G1 Empire Rose S.
The lightly-tried Violinist (Fastnet Rock) was Group-placed last season and is a progressive type while Sweet Reply (Deep Field) is consistent without having a lot of recent luck and she should be prominent again.
Twain’s Express (Helmet) and Stellar Pauline (Not A Single Doubt) were minor players in the Listed Crockett S. and place hopes here, and Pride Of Jenni (Pride Of Dubai) has won her last two in dominant style and looks ready for a step up in class.
Flemington, Listed TAB Trophy, $175,000, 1800m
Ain’tnodeeldun (Dundeel {NZ}) is a smart colt who won his maiden at Sale and then claimed the Listed Hill S. over this trip and a strong chance to make it two on the bounce.
Acrophobic (Dissident) brings handy Sydney form as a close fourth in the G2 Stan Fox S. and was unplaced in the Bondi, but he will be far better suited to a firmer track while Confrontational (Redoute’s Choice) was a strong winner of the Listed Geelong Classic and there is no reason why he won’t be ultra-competitive again.
Stablemates Charmed Individual (NZ) (Charm Spirit {Ire}) and Dubawi Prince (Pride Of Dubai) won their maidens well enough to suggest they can step up, while Grinzinger Prince (NZ) (Tavistock {NZ}) is promising and well-suited to a step up in distance.
Flemington, Listed Furphy Plate, $175,000, 1800m
Last start Spring Mile winner Purple Sector (NZ) (Pins) has made the trip down from Sydney for trainer John Thompson and will line up as the clear favourite with the bottom weight of 56kgs. He was second at his only other start this campaign in the 1400 metre handicap and will appreciate the likely firm track.
The Anthony and Sam Freedman-trained Homesman (USA) (War Front {USA}) returned from a break with a good win in the G2 Crystal Mile at Moonee Valley but will have to carry the maximum weight of 62kgs, however, he has drawn an ideal barrier of four and has the in-form Ben Melham in the saddle.
Junipal
Junipal (Reset) missed out on a start in last Saturday’s G1 Cantala and was in terrific form early in his campaign, winning twice from three starts before a disappointing run in the G1 Toorak H. and his best form is on a track with a bit of sting out of it.
Warrnambool trainer Matthew Williams has always been bullish about the ability of Harbour Views (Fr) (Le Havre {Ire}) and he comes into the race off the back of finishing fourth in the G1 Caulfield S. This campaign he has also finished third in the G2 Feehan S. and sixth in the G1 Underwood S. so he has been thereabouts this spring and will relish dropping back in grade.
Flemington, G3 The Hong Kong Jockey Club S., $200,000, 1400m
Lyre (Lonhro) has established herself as one of the unluckiest horses in the country and is well overdue for a win. Her get back and flash home racing style should be suited to the long Flemington straight and if there is anyone who can get the best out of her, it’s champion jockey James McDonald.
Lyre (blue cap)
Cordilla (Shamus Award) will take a big step up in grade after winning at BM70 level last start but she will only have to carry 55kgs and was only 2l behind subsequent G1 Empire Rose S. fourth Chaillot (Testa Rossa) two starts ago.
Fabric (NZ) (Ocean Park {NZ}) has been ultra-consistent this spring and was second in the G3 Ladies’ Day Vase last start where she defeated Chaillot in third.
Flemington, Listed MSS Security Plate, $175,000, 1200m
The Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained Yao Dash (Smart Missile) will have his first-up run here off the back of two smart trial wins. He is yet to win at stakes level but was fourth in last year’s G1 Golden Rose and won comfortably first-up last spring.
William Thomas (Nicconi) has had three starts for three thirds this campaign but he will have to carry a big weight of 60.5kgs and has never won at Flemington.
Exhilarates (Snitzel) ran a credible sixth in the G3 Northwood Plume S. first-up but this will be her first time racing at Flemington. Trained by James Cummings, she is sure to have trialled down the straight before and she is due for a win.
