Track: Good Weather: Fine

A capacity field of sixteen have accepted for the $200,000 Listed Bendigo Guineas.  There are three key leads up for this event – the Australian Guineas, the Typhoon Tracy Stakes and the Cirka Plate (3 year old open handicap ran at Flemington on March 11).  It’s $5 the field in the early betting with Marble Arch a drifting favourite.

1. Kings Consort

Was third in the Sandown Guineas in November.  Last start finished a solid fourth in the Magic Millions Guineas in Jan at Gold Coast.  Rough hope.

2. Meridius

Was competitive at Group 1 level last prep.  Capitalised on the right run to win the Cirka Plate at Flemington second up.  In the mix again here.

3. Elkington Road

Was beaten less than a length in the CS Hayes, then looked a chance in the Group 1 Australian Guineas with 300m to go before weakening.  Back to 1400m could suit.

4. Quang Tri

Got going late over 1100m first up Flemington.  The step up in trip suits.

5. My Bella Mae

WA filly who has a very handy record. Was fifth at the Valley last start but could be better suited ridden with a sit here.  1400m a query.

6. Marble Arch

Progressive filly who has been most impressive winning at all three starts in Australia.  Latest won the final of the Sportsbet Future Stars at Pakenham defeating a number of subsequent winners.  Rates highly.

7. The Fortune Teller

Is in the right camp but on face value his Australian Guineas run was disappointing.

8. Waltz On By

Had the right run at the Valley last start and was only fair I thought.

9. New York Hurricane

Tackled the older horses first up and didn’t do enough to be recommending here.

10. Sorel Rising

Interesting runner.  Has been very good in easier races at his last three.  Won’t be surprised to see him in the money here on his home track.

11. Deekay

Can come across and lead.  That gives her a rough place hope.

12. Is It Me

Was luckless first up at Flemington after a jumping a well backed favourite.  Only saw daylight inside the last 200m and absolutely charged to the line to just miss Meridius.  Will need a good ride from barrier 13 but if he gets it he can win.

13. Lethal Thoughts

Finished 7th behind Meridius first up at Flemington.  Drawn to do no work.

14. My Brothers Keeper

Has ability but this looks too tough an assignment first up.

15. Do It La

Was disappointing first up.  Happy to watch her here.

16. Running By

Was a sneaky good run on Cox Plate day last year.  Had a glorified barrier trial first up at Flemington.  The gate makes it tough but I think she is potentially a big improver here and is the best roughie.

The following are the top 4 selections for this years race.

Lewis Oliver’s Tips	Jo Jackson’s Tips
12 Is It Me	5 My Bella Mae
3 Elkington Rode	6 Marble Arch
6 Marble Arch	2 Meridius
16 Running By	12 Is It Me