Damien Oliver says his farewell to racing on a new designed program that will feature two Group 1 races, the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes and the Thousand Guineas.
Best Bet
Sydney filly Saltaire was very unlucky last time at Flemington and can make up for it here. The John O’Shea trained three year old was hindered at the start and also struck interference in the straight, and it was only a talented rival with a perfect run that was able to beat here. From barrier 12 she will likely get back but can fly over them late.
Recommended Price: $2.80
Confidence Level: 4.5/5
More Racing Tips
Third up is when Robusto typically fires, as he has won at his third start back from a spell at each of his last two campaigns. Both his first and second runs this time in have been satisfactory, and from a more favourable draw I would expect James McDonald to press forward and get a good run on speed.
Recommended Price: $3.50
Confidence Level: 4/5
Arkansaw Kid is Damien Oliver’s best ride of the day and can send out the champion rider a winner. The colt was a terrific fourth in the Coolmore Stakes last time and that’s the outstanding formline coming into this. I think he just might get a few breaks in the run as well.
Recommended Price: $2.50
Confidence Level: 4/5
Kimochi has been up for a long time now but continues to race well. She had no chance at Flemington last time out when caught three wide without cover throughout, but from barrier four here she is likely to get a much better run. Her career peak run came over this trip in the G1 Flight Stakes.
Recommended Price: $6.50
Confidence Level: 3/5
Typically the lightly raced types are the ones to be with in these handicaps and Strait Acer fits the bill. He was terrific against the pattern/bias in the Golden Eagle and that looks the outstanding form line for this race. The gelding also maps ideally, with Mark Zahra primed to give him every chance from barrier four.
Recommended Price: $6.50
Confidence Level: 3.5/5
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