Track: Good Weather: Fine

Nine runners have accepted for the $750,000 Group 2 Zipping Classic.  Five met in the Group 3 Queen Elizabeth at Flemington at their last start, while two others met last weekend in a benchmark 84 at Ballarat.  Spanish Mission stifles the betting as a $1.55 favourite at the time of writing this.  He stays in Australia after his third placing in this years Melbourne Cup and is now under the care of Peter Moody at Pakenham.  Next in the betting is Warning.  He has won his last two starts and maps to get a soft run from the inside barrier.

Sound was second in the Queen Elizabeth last start.  Wentwood is the Victorian Country horse of the year.  Dr Drill was second in the Geelong Cup two back, while Lunar Flare won the Moonee Valley Cup on October 23.  The remaining runners are longer than $20-1.

1. Spanish Mission

Ex European who stays in Australia after his third placing in this years Melbourne Cup.  Is now under the care of Peter Moody and by all reports he has trained on well since the first Tuesday in November.  Suited here at weight for age – if he holds his form he should justify the short quote.

2. Warning

The 2019 Victoria Derby winner made it two wins in a row after finding the lead for the first time in his career at Flemington in the Group 3 Queen Elizabeth last start.  Damian Oliver takes over from Nash Rawiller for this. Each way claims again.

3. Sound

Was second 1.25 lengths behind Warning in the Queen Elizabeth last start.  Close up in the Moonee Valley Cup at his start prior.   Is looking for his first placing in five attempts at the track.

4. Wentwood

Won the Group 3 Bendigo Cup two starts ago, then kept coming to finish third in the Queen Elizabeth.  Lane sticks.  Each way chance.

5. Flash Aah

Backs up after finishing towards the rear in the Ballarat Cup last Saturday.  Daniel Moor takes over from the apprentice but hard to have off recent form.

6. Dr Drill

His close up second in the Geelong Cup on October 20 was good, then was plain last start in the Queen Elizabeth.  Perhaps he didn’t run out a strong 2600m?  Could be worth another go here.  Watch betting.

7. Skelm

Blinkers come off.  Was eighth behind Silent Sovereign at Ballarat last week.  Outclassed here.

8. Lunar Flare

Has won the Anset Classic and Moonee Valley Cup in recent times.  Well fancied in the Queen Elizabeth but dropped out to be beaten ten lengths.  Capable of a much better showing here.  Consider for multiples.

9. Silent Sovereign

She is on the quick back up after dead heating in a benchmark 84 over 2000m at Ballarat last week.  Going well but this is tougher.  Consider for multiples.

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

Jo’s Tips	Lewis’ Tips
1. Spanish Mission	1. Spanish Mission
2. Warning	6. Dr Drill
9. Silent Sovereign	8. Lunar Flare
4. Wentwood	2. Warning

Group 1 Winterbottom Stakes 2021 (Ascot 1200m)

Group 2 Sandown Guineas 2021 (Caulfield 1600m)