Track: Good   Weather: Fine

A field of eighteen runners have accepted for the $1.25 million dollar Newmarket Handicap.  There are two key lead up races; the Oakleigh Plate and the Lightning Stakes.  Seven had their last start in the Oakleigh Plate while four of them ran in the Lightning Stakes on February 13.  There are four Group 1 winners in the field and four three year-olds.

The clear favourite in the early betting is September Run.  This filly trained by Chris Waller won all three of her starts at Flemington in the spring and put in a terrific run here first up in the Lightning Stakes over the 1000m.  She looks primed to run another great race stepping up to 1200m with a run under her belt.  The second favourite is Swat’s That.  This filly trained by Leon and Troy Corsten’s ran third in the Coolmore Stud Stakes in November and third first up in the Lightning Stakes.

Celebrity Queen stormed home in the Oakleigh Plate to dead heat with Portland Sky – an eye catching performance.  Sirius Suspect won the Standish Handicap on New Years Day and despite being a six year old appears to be only getting better.  Kemalpasa is a model of consistency and never far away while Imaging ran second in the Group 1 CF Orr Stakes first up.  The remaining runners are $20-1 or longer.

1. Zoutori

Ran okay first up in the Oakleigh Plate and has won 2 of his last 3 starts at Flemington.  Losing Jamie Kah is a key negative.

2. Elite Street

Beaten 12 lengths first up in the Lightning – too bad to be true?  Had won 3 in a row previous to that, including the Winterbottom Stakes in December and has jumped out well in between runs.

3. Imaging

Interestingly comes back 200m in trip after running second first up over 1400 in the Orr Stakes.  The booking of Damian Lane is a plus.

4. Kemalpasa

Ran third in the Oakleigh Plate last start and just kept finding the line.  I like on speed horses drawn towards the outside in the straight races.  Not out of this!

5. Celebrity Queen

Celebrity Queen ran a bottler first up in the Oakleigh Plate, flying home in the inferior section of the track to dead heat with Portland Sky.  Look for her flashing late again.

6. Dalasan

Talented horse.  He sprinted well first up over this distance in the spring, finishing second to Behemoth.  Interesting runner and if there is a knock out he could be it.

7. Flit

Flit was well fancied in the Express Way Stakes first up but put in an average performance.  Back onto firmer footing could be more to her liking.

8. Standout

Gets Blinkers for the first time following a plain run in the Oakleigh Plate.  Can’t recommend off that.

9. Bold Star

Didn’t have the best of luck in the Oakleigh Plate but think she is a few lengths off being able to win at this level.

10. Brooklyn Hustle

Get back runner who flew home in the Oakleigh Plate to run fourth.  Yet to prove herself at 1200m.

11. Halvorsen

Started $151 in the Lightning and never looked likely.  No.

12. Indian Pacific

One of three WA gallopers in this years race.  He was only narrowly beaten by Fabergino last Saturday and Fabergino wasn’t that far off some of the more fancied runners here in the Lightning.  Consider for multiples.

13. Prophet’s Thumb

Thought this mare was pretty poorly ridden in the Oakleigh Plate – her run was much better than her finishing position in the form guide suggests.  That being said, her record at 1200m is questionable.

14. September Run

Won three in a row down the straight in the spring and then return with a terrific closing second in the Lightning Stakes.  The step up to 1200m is a big tick and she meets a weaker field than what she did first up.  She is a stand out in this years race and with even luck is clearly the one to beat.

15. Sirius Suspect

Sirius Suspect has had a couple months off since winning the time honored Standish Handicap on New Years Day.  His recent jump out was excellent and he looks well drawn out in barrier 14.  In the mix.

16. Amish Boy

Drops back 200m in distance after finishing second to Poland over 1400m in the Autumn Stakes.  Not sure that’s the strongest form.

17. Prague

Was competitive at Group 1 level as a 2 year old and also put in a good run here in the Danehill during the Spring.  Has won a trial since running third first up at Randwick on February 6.  Place claims.

18. Swats That

Wonderful filly who doesn’t know how to run a bad race.  Unfortunately for her and her connections she keeps running into September Run who has proven to be a length or two better.  That being said, she gets a 1.5 kg weight swing off that filly which could help her bridge the margin.

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

Jo’s Tips	Lewis’ Tips
14. September Run	14. September Run
5. Celebrity Queen	18. Swat’s That
18. Swat’s That	15. Sirius Suspect
1. Zoutori	2. Elite Street

Group 1 Australian Cup 2021 (Flemington 2000m)

Group 1 Randwick Guineas 2021 (Randwick 1600m)

Group 2 Sires Produce Stakes Stakes 2021 (Flemington 1200m)

Group 2 AV Kewney Stakes 2021 (Flemington 1600m)