Race 6 – Melbourne Cup Carnival, Fancy A Gallop (1100 METRES)
9 JENNYANYDOTS – $5 Progressive type who gets the map advantage here. Strong last start rating and excels around this trip. Likely to hold a spot just off the speed. Trialled well in the lead-up and presents hard fit for this target.
12 SUN SETTING – $5.5 Brings consistency and strong figures in this grade. Peaked nicely second-up with a sharp last 600m. Drawn wide but has tactical versatility. Looks suited on the quick turnaround.
13 MCKEYLA – $9 Solid return last time behind Jennyanydots. Better second-up and has a strong turn of foot when right. Well drawn with McNeil sticking. Watch for market push.
Race 7 – Howden Victoria Derby Preview (1800 METRES)
1 ENGINE OF WAR – $4.4 Dominant late to score last start and gives every impression 1800m will suit. Profiles well off a genuine tempo and Zahra takes the reins. Tactical versatility and upside make him a major player.
2 AUTUMN MYSTERY – $5 Strong platform building. Raced wide two back and brave last start on heavy. Will relish firmer going and draws well to settle midfield. If the tempo’s right, can wind up late with authority.
10 MATSUDA – $15 Looks a sneaky improver. Set a strong tempo last start and stuck on well behind Engine Of War. Blinkers off gives chance to settle better. Expecting sharp improvement at double figures.
Race 8 – TAB Clubhouse On Sale (1420 METRES)
4 CATOGGIO – $8.5 Pings fresh and maps to lead from gate 2. Strong historical SPs and trialled up nicely behind Tuvalu. Suited by the wide Flemington expanses and looks the one they’ll have to catch.
11 COMANCHE MISS – $17 Talented mare who’s proven at the level and handles the sting out. Efforts in stakes grade earlier this year stack up. Drops back from some strong form references. Big improver off the first-up run.
16 ETERNAL EM – $7.5 Won well two back and did enough at Sandown last start when hitting the line from well back. Down in weight and drawn to tag the speed. Has another win in her this prep.
The Professor’s Play:
Best Bet: ENGINE OF WAR (Race 7) – Brings the right platform and maps well. Zahra stays on and 1800m looks perfect. Still has upside.
Value: ETERNAL EM (Race 8) – Stays down in the weights and gets the map edge in a race with tempo. Flying under the radar.
Each-Way: JENNYANYDOTS (Race 6) – Tactically sound and proven in the grade. Can hold a spot and give a kick. Value still around.
