Racing Preview – Sat 31 Oct

With only a couple of days to go before the 2009 Melbourne Cup, Flemington shows its best with a nine race programme of all Group races. There are four Group 1, two Group 2 and three Group 3 races. Some horses are still trying to qualify for the Melbourne Cup and many past winners and placegetters have had their last lead-up run on Derby Day.

Victoria Derby – Flemington
The Group 1 $1,500,000 AAMI Victoria Derby over 2500 metres has a quality field of 11 three-year-olds all having their first try at the distance, although 5 of them ran in the Geelong Classic over 2206 metres. The clear favourite in the early market is Shamoline Warrior at $2.90 after wins at his last 2 starts. Next in the market is Rockferry at $4.80, Monaco Consul at $6.50, Viking Legend at $10 then Southern Skye, Our Heir Apparent, Extra Zero and Onemorenomore all at $13.

Both Rockferry and Our Heir Apparent came from well back in the field to run 2nd and 3rd in the Geelong Classic, but with only 3 starts each it is hard to get a handle on their form. However Rockferry appears to have potential and should handle the distance. Shamoline Warrior has won 3 of his 6 races, and Our Heir Apparent is bred to stay.

Jo’s tips: 1. Rockferry, 2. Shamoline Warrior, 3. Our Heir Apparent

Mackinnon Stakes – Flemington
The Group 1 $750,000 Mackinnon Stakes is a weight-for-age race over 2000 metres and has a field of 13 including 6 runners that are aiming for the Melbourne Cup, although Cima De Triomphe will have to run in the first three to pass the ballot clause. The favourite in the early market is Rangirangdoo at $3.60 following his outstanding win over 1600 metres at Moonee Valley last week.

Next in the market is Vigor at $5.50, Zipping at $7, Scenic Shot at $7.50, Drumbeats at $8, Viewed and Master O’Reilly at $10 and Miss Maren at $13. Drumbeats worked home solidly in the Coongy last start and should improve at Flemington. The long straight should also suit Master O’Reilly and Miss Maren, the only mare in the field, should not be far from the winner.

Jo’s tips: 1. Drumbeats, 2. Master O’Reilly, 3. Miss Maren

Coolmore Stud Stakes – Flemington
The Group 1 $500,000 Coolmore Stud Stakes over 1200 metres is a set weights race for three-year-olds and has a field of 15 runners. The 11 colts and geldings will carry 55.5 kg while the 4 fillies will carry 53.5 kg. The early betting market is wide open with Irish Lights favourite at $6 followed by Wanted at $7, Demerit at $7.50 and Paprika at $8.50.

Headway, More Than Great and Phelan Ready are all at $10 while King Pulse and Shellscrape at both at $13. Shellscrape is a nice colt with 5 wins and 6 placings from 13 starts and should go well if he can handle the Melbourne way of going. Irish Lights has won her last 3 starts, including her only start at Flemington, and Paprika is set to improve on her first-up 4th at Caulfield.

Jo’s tips: 1. Shellscrape, 2. Irish Lights, 3. Paprika