Racing returns to Flemington on Saturday with Racing Victoria opting for an earlier start to the day with the temperature predicted to reach 37 degrees by mid-afternoon.
Race one will get underway at 10:30am, with the last of nine to start at 2:53pm.
The track will be a Good 4 with the Group 3 Standish Handicap to be run over 1200m which will be race six on the program.
Brendan Bunworth brings us his free preview and best bets for Flemington below!
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Flemington Racing Tips: Saturday, January 14th
Race 2
(1) Dunkel got the money for us last time and I’ll tip him again here after he stormed down the outside last time. That win was at Sandown Hillside which is a big spacious track and Fleimington is much the same so the son of Dundeel should enjoy it. That win was on a Good 4 surface which he gets again and there was plenty left in the tank last time, so that run wouldn't have taken too much out of him.
(2) Hard To Cross rises 200m in distance which should be ideal and he is another who looks like he will appreciate larger tracks after running well at Hillside.
(6) Barefoot Tora was 2nd to Dunkel last start and it looks like she will appreciate the extra distance also. Before that effort it was a good 2nd at Kyneton after she hit the line well over the final 200m.
(7) Soul Choice was punted last start when winning at Terang over 1600m. If she comes in again, she may be worth a play.
(1) Dunkel WIN
$2.10 (4 Units)
Race 5
(4) Belle Et Riche is in very consistent form and did run a good 3rd here at this track & distance last time. She's never missed a placing on Good tracks and if she can get to the rails here and save ground she is a huge chance. She will probably settle around midfield in the run but we don't want her to get trapped wide like she did last start. She shouldn't!
(6) Throntari was 4th but beaten less than a length at this track two starts ago and we can forget her Moonee Valley run where she had no luck after that.
(9) Rioyuki has a wide barrier in 11 but does normally get back anyway. Probably goes better on the Soft but is good enough to run a drum.
(11) Gabstar was slow out last time but is another who gets back. Can run on well at the end.
(4) Belle Et Riche WIN
$4.50 (2 Units)
Race 6
(3) Indian Pacific comes over from Western Australia and although he hasn’t won in his last 10, he can win this. He has had a month of in readiness for this and has placed in the Newmarket at Flemington before. He enjoys running on Good tracks and is used to it having done most of his racing in the West. Daniel Moor will take the ride and Indian Pacific only has to carry 54.5kg this time. He will settle on speed and can make up for his luckless unplaced run in the Group 1 Winterbottom.
(8) Rose Quartz has been costly on the punt to me over the last 12 months but she did keep finding unsuitable tracks during the Spring. Grahame Begg has her primed for this and she is probably better drawn in eight compared to the inside and the 1200m is ideal.
(5) Dawn Passage is another who hasn't hit the scoreboard in his last 10 starts but is up to this level.
(6) Regardsmaree drops in weight and will carry 54kg. The Good track is the key and he can run a place at nice odds.
(1) Western Empire is having his first try over the distance but is all class. He has jumped out well in the last few weeks.
(3) Indian Pacific WIN
$6 (1 Unit)
Race 9
(10) British Columbia has drawn well in three and comes off a close up 2nd at Hillside last time. He is obviously fitter for that first up effort and he did win at his only try second up. He should get a good run in transit and can hit the line hard.
(13) Shove Over won very well at Mornington last start (2.75L) and can go on with it. His overall time on that day should be very competitive in this.
(9) Victory Bay is the likely favourite and is in very good form, as is his stable (Moody). Barrier 13 is a slight concern and if he had drawn better, he would be 2nd pick.
(2) Suparazi has won 4 from 8 over the distance so has to be included in the top 4. He is very fit and likes Good tracks.
(10) British Columbia WIN
$4 (2 Units)
Quaddie Tips
Leg one: 3, 5, 6, 8
Leg two: 2, 3, 5, 7, 8
Leg three: 3, 6, 9
Leg four: 9, 10, 13
