Track: Good-Slow Weather: Shower or two

There is a field of sixteen runners plus four emergencies for the $750,000 Bart Cummings – Dashing Willoughby is an early scratching.  Trainers Robert Hickmott, Chris Waller & Team Hawkes each have two runners.  Eight had their last start in the Naturalism Stakes at Caulfield, while three last ran in the Kingston Town at Randwick.  The early favourite in a wide open betting race is Grand Promenade.  He ran well in the Naturalism Stakes last start after being caught wide with out cover.  The second favourite is Sheraz.  He has joined the Chris Waller stable and is one of three runners that had their last start overseas.

Tralee Rose is a talented daughter of Tavistock who will have to over come a wide barrier if she is to win her way into this years Melbourne Cup.  Pondus finished second at his only previous Flemington start.  Amade strips fitter after a midfield finish in the Naturalism first up and has been met with some early market support.  Dawn Patrol finished eleventh in the Feehan Stakes at his Australian debut.  Port Guillaume hit the line well second up in the Naturalism, while Zeyrek is a lightly raced five year old with plenty of upside.  The remaining runners are $20-1 or longer.

1. Selino

Won the Sydney Cup earlier in the year at a price but hasn’t done much in two runs back over 1600m and 2000m.  Prefer to see him again.

2. Dawn Patrol

Former overseas galloper now with Robert Hickmott.  He was heavily supported first up in the Feehan Stakes at The Valley but never came into it.  This trip will be more to his liking.  Don’t discount.

3. Knights Order

Was dominant winning the Brisbane Cup at Eagle Farm in June.  Strips fitter second up after finishing midfield in the Naturalism first up and should get control from the front.  In the mix.

4. Pondus

International raider who ran well in the Bendigo Cup and Queen Elizabeth last spring.  Finished second in the Group 2 Curragh Cup at his last start in June and gets Prebble for this first up assignment.  One of the chances.

5. Amade

This eight year old gelding has nine wins and three placings from sixteen starts.  He won over 2600m here on Anzac Day.  Ground to line first up in the Naturalism.  Will improve off that.

6. Master Of Wine

Wasn’t beaten far in the Winx Stakes first up but has been safely held in both runs since.  Can’t recommend off recent form.

7. Dashing Willoughby – SCR

8. Port Guillaume

Ex European galloper.  He was an eye catcher in the Naturalism finding the line nicely to finish sixth.  Out to 2500m suits.  Has a chance here.

9. Miami Bound

2019 Vrc Crown Oaks winner.  She is unbeaten at the distance but is yet to fire in her two runs back from a spell.  Not sure where she is at.

10. Sheraz

International galloper now with the Chris Waller stable.  He last ran in June where he was dominant winning the La Moskowa by 4.5 lengths over 3000m at Chantilly in France.  Major player with Damian Oliver booked to ride.

11. Grand Promenade

Consistent gelding who won the Banjo Paterson here in July.  He had no luck in the Naturalism last start, caught wide with out cover the entirety but still finished within three lengths of the winner Nonconformist.  Should get a gun run here from barrier six.  Rates highly.

12. Realm Of Flowers

Won her way into this years Melbourne Cup by winning the Andrew Ramsden in May.  Fitter again here third up.  Expecting her to improve.

13. Tralee Rose

Won the Bagot Handicap by seven lengths here on New Years Day.  Ran well first up in the Heatherlie Handicap, then good again in the Naturalism when checked and pushed backed to the inside which was the inferior going.  Set for the race and ready to fire.  The only knock is barrier 20.  Will need a good ride early from Dean Holland.

14. Mosh Music

Went around $100-1 in the Naturalism and wasn’t disgraced finishing seventh.  Not sure she is quite up to this level but does go well at the track.

15. The Good Fight

Wet tracker.  Is on the quick back up after finishing fourth behind Lunar Flare at Mornington last Sunday.  Lacks the class to be winning here.

16. Sweet Thomas

Trained by Matthew Smith at Wawrick Farm.  His form doesn’t read well enough for this.

17. Long Arm – 1st Emerg

1st emergency who gains a run here with the scratching of Dashing Willoughby.  He didn’t have the best of luck first up and is suited stepping up in trip.  Rough hope.

18. Zeyrek – 2nd Emerg

Lightly raced five year old trained by Team Hawkes.  He finished third in the Kingston Town at Randwick last start and is still on the way up.  In the mix.

19. Hasta La War – 3rd Emerg

Won well at Morphettville last start but that was in a much weaker race than this.  Not for me.

20. Killourney – 4th Emerg

Ran well here two starts ago then was safely held behind Tooradin last time.  Prefer others.

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

Jo’s Tips	Lewis’ Tips
11. Grand Promenade	10. Sheraz
10. Sheraz	13. Tralee Rose
5. Amade	11. Grand Promenade
13. Tralee Rose	8. Port Guillaume

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	11. Grand Promenade
2nd	13. Tralee Rose	1.25 lengths
3rd	6. Master Of Wine	1.55 lengths
4th	1. Selino	2.05 lengths

The track was rated as Soft 5.

Scratchings: 7. Dashing Willoughby, 18. Zeyrek, 19. Hasta La War, 20. Killourney.