Race 7 – Lexus Archer Stakes (2500m)
3 SAYEDATY SADATY (IRE) – $6
An honest and professional type who has thrived deep into his prep. Ran well in strong grade this winter and comes here with residual fitness on his side. Out to 2500m is the unknown, but he’s built like a genuine stayer and maps to get every chance in transit. Respect.
4 REVELARE – $3.10
Progressive galloper who’s been a revelation this prep, stringing together a series of dominant wins. Versatile in his pattern and extremely tough when challenged. He’s earned this shot at stakes level and from a soft draw should get every opportunity to make the leap. The only knock is the rise to 2500m, but if he sees it out, he’s the one they all have to catch.
6 JENNIVAMOOSE (NZ) – $8
Ultra-consistent staying mare who handles all conditions and always gives a sight. She loves this sort of trip, drops nicely in weight, and looks ideally placed against some of the more one-dimensional stayers. Will be coming hard late and represents genuine each-way value.
Race 8 – Crown Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m)
1 MR BRIGHTSIDE (NZ) – $5
Champion miler who never knows how to run a bad race. Hit the line impressively fresh and looks to be in for another high-class campaign. Flemington is his playground and he maps to stalk the leaders and get every favour in the run. Genuine weight-for-age star.
3 ANTINO (NZ) – $7.50
Queensland’s rising star who really came of age last prep with dominant victories in Group company. He’s trialled strongly and brings some serious closing figures into this. If they overdo it up front, he’s the one flying late.
5 VIA SISTINA (IRE) – $1.85
Superstar import who made an instant impression on Australian shores. Showed tactical speed and acceleration in Sydney Group 1s last prep and returns with the right profile. J-Mac sticks and she looks to stamp herself as one of the country’s elite. The clear benchmark.
Race 9 – Kirin Ichiban Let’s Elope Stakes (1400m)
3 LAZZURA – $2.40
Exciting mare with real Group 1 potential. Dominated fresh when showing an electric turn-of-foot to round them up from off the speed. Now fitter, better drawn, and facing her own sex again. She’s got the class to string wins together and looks awfully hard to beat.
6 ABOUNDING – $10
Classy mare who’s danced in elite company and held her own. Was caught wide and worked hard last start but stuck on admirably. She thrives second-up and gets a nice weight swing here. Big improver at double figures.
7 ON DISPLAY – $5.50
Progressive type on the rise. Beat a smart field last start and the stable has always had an opinion of her. She gets in light and draws well. Faces a deeper pool here but should measure up with the right run. One for the multiples.
**The Professor’s Play:**
Each-way all day on REVELARE in Race 7 – thriving, tough, and looks well-placed to graduate to this level.
Best Bet: LAZZURA (Race 9) – oozes class and gets her chance to dominate again from a perfect draw.
Value: ABOUNDING (Race 9) – forgive last start, she’s primed to spike second-up and looks set to run a race at double-figure odds.
