Bobbie Lewis Quality – 2021

Track: Good Weather: Overcast

Fourteen runners remain after the early scratching of Roheryn for the time honoured Bobbie Lewis Handicap. Three had their last start in the Aurie’s Star Handicap here on August 7 and six are first up.  The early favourite in the betting is Tony Gollan’s entire Jonker.  He finished second at Group 1 level at his last start and gets Damian Lane in the saddle for this first up assignment.  Next in the betting is The Astrologist.  He has won his last three starts at Flemington and has drawn well in barrier nine.

Away Game strips fitter after a good first up effort at Caulfield.  Express Pass was an impressive winner of the Chautauqua Stakes at Flemington last week – and his trainer Nick Ryan is flying at the moment.  Zoutori won the Group 1 Newmarket Handicap here earlier in the year.  Splintex finished fourth in the Show County first up and will see the famous Flemington straight for the first time.  Front Page was a winner at his only previous Flemington start, while Sirius Suspect won the Standish Handicap here earlier in the year.  The remaining runners are longer than $20-1.

1. Zoutori

Resumes.  He had a terrific Autumn Campaign highlighted by a Group 1 win in the Newmarket Handicap.  He has won four of eight first up and loves racing at this track & distance.  One of the chances.

2. Jonker

Six year old entire trained by Tony Gollan at Eagle Farm.  He finished a narrow second to Vega One at Group 1 level at his last start and goes well first up.  Expect a forward showing with an inform Damian Lane in the saddle.

3. Lunar Fox

Won the Australian Guineas here at a huge price in March, then ran well in an All Star Mile.  May find these a touch sharp first up.

4. Splintex

Speedy customer who started favourite in the Show County first up.  He fought on okay there to finish fourth after leading them up.  Each way claims.

5. The Astrologist

Five year old gelding who won the Group 3 Aurie’s Star here at the start of August.  He has missed a place just once from seven goes at Flemington and should get a gun run up on speed again.

6. Roheryn  – SCRATCHED

7. Greyworm

It may pay to forgive this Chris Waller trained geldings first up run at Moonee Valley where he raced wide with no cover.  He is better suited stepping out the 1200m here.  In the mix.

8. Vassilator

First up.  All five of his Flemington wins have come at 1400m+.  Rough place chance at best.

9. Away Game

Away Game was scratched from Moonee Valley last week to run in this.  I thought her first up run at Caulfield was excellent after being back and wide.  May end up getting the right run here.  Key player.

10. Begood Toya Mother

Group 1 winner who has trialed well leading into this first up assignment.  Consider for multiples.

11. Express Pass

Backs up after a dominant listed win at Moonee Valley last week.  He was a big winner here three back and is suited staying down in the weights.

12. Sirius Suspect

This seven year old gelding won the Standish Handicap here in on New Years Day.  Despite racing in the wrong section of the track he wasn’t beaten far first up in the Aurie’s Star and drops 2.5kg for this.  Looks a likely improver second up.

13. Riddle Me That

Another who was scratched from Moonee Valley last week to run in this.  He ran really well first up over this distance at Moonee Valley last preparation and I like him drawn out wide on the track.  Each way claims.

14. Too Good Too Hard

Too Good Too Hard likes to get back and fly home in her races.  She closed off very strongly to finish third in the Aurie’s Star Handicap last start.  Gets the senior rider on here.  Must consider for multiples.

15. Front Page

Lightly raced son of Magnus who had a big boom on him as a younger horse.  He resumed from a lengthy spell at Moonee Valley on August 21 where he finished fourth behind Corner Pocket.   Possible improver.

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

Jo’s Tips	Lewis’ Tips
9. Away Game	12. Sirius Suspect
2. Jonker	11. Express Pass
5. The Astrologist	14. Too Good Too Hard
11. Express Pass	2. Jonker

The track was rated as Good 4.

Scratchings: 6. Roheryn.

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	4. Splintex
2nd	9. Away Game	0.2 length
3rd	5. The Astrologist	0.7 length
4th	1. Zoutori	0.8 length