Race 7 – The Lexus Bart Cummings (2520m)
2 REVELARE – $3.80 / $1.70
Dominant winner of the Archer Stakes last start and now rises to Group 3 company but maps perfectly again from barrier 4. Profiles as a genuine stayer who has handled 2500m at Flemington already this prep. Ratings stack up and he’s rock-hard fit now fourth-up. Tactical speed should see him lob in the first half and get every chance.
12 MORMONA – $12.00 / $3.20
No match for Revelare last start but stuck on well and is arguably better suited on softer going. Drawn kinder this time in barrier 3 and should park a little closer in run. Proven beyond 2800m and the sting out suits. Capable of turning the tables with a genuine tempo.
Race 8 – TAB Turnbull Stakes (2000m)
3 SIR DELIUS – $5.00 / $2.00
Frankel entire who’s gone to a new level this prep, peaking on the clock in the Underwood. Versatile in run and has the turn of foot to win from back or midfield. Only knock is the wide draw, but with even luck, he’s a deserved favourite.
4 VIA SISTINA – $2.40 / $1.30
Arguably the best weight-for-age mare in the country at the moment. Back to 2000m suits, drawn to do no work from barrier 1, and brings G1-winning form lines. Has tactical flexibility and just needs clear running from the 300m to be steaming over them.
13 ZARDOZI – $31.00 / $6.50
Big price but not hopeless. Third-up now and starting to find the right tempo after peaking late in the Underwood. Wide draw not ideal but has proven Group 1 credentials and can run a race if the leaders overdo it.
Race 9 – Gilgai Stakes (1200m)
1 WAR MACHINE – $3.90 / $1.80
Looks set for a big prep. Sensational late splits in the Stradbroke and tuned up with sharp jumpouts. Wide draw might suit with cover and clean air. This is a target race and he’s trialled like a bomb.
2 AIRMAN – $18.00 / $4.50
Forgive last prep. Fresh run last campaign was electric. Blinkers back on, gets Mott, and has won down the straight before. Massive overs on old figures.
8 NADAL – $8.00 / $2.70
Backs up off a sharp piece of work and has the platform to spike now third-up. Maps beautifully and McDonald goes on. Doesn’t win out of turn but could stalk and pounce late.
Race 10 – Paris Lane Stakes (1400m)
3 CAFE MILLENIUM – $6.50 / $2.20
In career-best form and flying under the radar. Versatile pattern and booming finish. Loves Flemington, loves 1400m, and Celine takes 2kg off. Tough horse to hold out late.
4 AMENABLE – $11.00 / $3.30
Jumpouts have been rock solid and he’s a proven fresh performer. Maps well midfield with cover and is capable of exploding late. Knockout chance.
9 MEDIA WORLD – $3.50 / $1.60
Flew late last start and now hits 1400m third-up, which is perfect. Comes through strong form races and brings a sharp turn of foot. Can win with even luck.
The Professor’s Plays:
Best Bet:
REVELARE (Race 7) – Profiles beautifully and maps to get the run of the race. Proven at the trip and peaking now.
Value:
AIRMAN (Race 9) – Blinkers back on. Looks dangerous fresh and is big odds off his best.
Each-Way:
CAFE MILLENIUM (Race 10) – In career-best form and gets a nice weight swing. Can blouse them late.
Quaddie Numbers:
Race 7: 2, 12 |Race 8: 3, 4, 13 |Race 9: 1, 2, 8 |Race 10: 3, 4, 9
