Hotham Handicap – 2020

Track: Good   Weather: Fine

Eleven horses are entered into this race and ten of them are attempting to win the last ballot exempt ticket into this years Melbourne Cup as they are in the final 45 horses in the Melbourne Cup order of entry . There are a number of different lead ins to this years race. Three of the runners come through the $500,000 St Leger Stakes run at Randwick two weeks ago. Three are backing up after running in the Moonee Valley Cup last week. Two come through the Geelong Cup and two come through the Bart Cummings. The remaining runner is Future Score – he won the Cranbourne Cup on October 11.

Ashrun is an equal early favourite after an eye catching third in the Geelong Cup. He is owned and trained by the same connections that were successful in the 2014 Melbourne Cup with Protectionist. The joint favourite Schabau has had his last two runs at Flemington and was a good fourth in the Bart Cummings last start. Admire Robson also comes through the Bart Cummings – he was an eye catching run in that.

1. Ashrun

Import having his second start in Australia.  He came here with big wraps and was good once balanced in the Geelong Cup.  The Glue on Shoes come off here which is significant – he is going to be hard to beat. He is currently 29th on the Melbourne Cup order of entry.

2. Brimham Rocks

Has been racing consistently well in the top line Sydney staying races.  One of the each way chances.

3. Hushwriter

He needs a firm track so forgive his run on the soft going in the Moonee Valley Cup last week.  If the rain stays away he will improve many lengths. Currently 30th on the Melbourne Cup order of entry.

4. Platnium Invador

Loomed on the turn in the Geelong Cup but was safely held.  Looks outclassed here. Currently 28th on the Melbourne Cup order of entry.

5. Sound

Sound has been racing well this preparation.  He is another backing up from a run in the Moonee Valley Cup last week.  He finished sixth.  Consider for multiples. Currently 33rd on the Melbourne Cup order of entry.

6. Azuro

Azuro has been struggling for form this preparation.  Can’t recommend. Currently 34th on the Melbourne Cup order of entry.

7. Future Score

An impressive winner of the Cranbourne Cup last start.  This is tougher but he is going well this preparation. Currently 44th on the Melbourne Cup order of entry.

8. Carif

Finished midfield in the Moonee Valley Cup last week.  Last time we saw him at Flemington he was a good second behind True Self.  Pike booked, don’t discount. Currently 36th on the Melbourne Cup order of entry.

9. Attorney

Another that has been running around in the top line Sydney staying races.  He is going well and can run a race at each way odds. Currently 41st on the Melbourne Cup order of entry.

10. Schabau

Racing well with out winning this preparation.  Mark Zahra takes over from William Pike – he looks one of the winning chances. Currently 40th on the Melbourne Cup order of entry.

11. Admire Robson

The lightly raced seven year old was luckless in the Bart Cummings three weeks ago.  He should be getting close to peak fitness now and with the booking of Glenn Boss is a key winning chance. Currently 43rd on the Melbourne Cup order of entry.

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

Jo’s Tips	Lewis’ Tips
1. Ashrun	1. Ashrun
2. Brimham Rocks	11. Admire Robson
10. Schabau	7. Future Score
7. Future Score	8. Carif

Group 1 Victoria Derby 2020 (Flemington 2500m)

The Golden Eagle 2020 (Rosehill 1500m)

Group 1 Cantala Stakes 2020 (Flemington 1600m)

Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes 2020 (Flemington 1200m)

Group 1 Empire Rose Stakes 2020 (Flemington 1600m)

Group 3 Carbine Club Stakes 2020 (Flemington 1600m)