We are really starting to get into the swing of things this racing season with a massive day on the track, highlighted by the G1 Black Caviar Lightning at Flemington. There is also a strong meeting at Rosehill where we will see the two year olds do battle in the Silver Slipper as well as a cracking field contesting Hobartville Stakes.
Billy Bestford has done the form throughout the day and has narrowed down his best bets on what looks a huge day of racing around the country. Remember to head to our Racing Tips page for regular updates on Wednesdays and Saturdays and check out RacingBet.com.au for more in depth previews.
Horse Racing Tips: Saturday, February 19th
Flemington R2
(5) Tuvalu continued on his merry way when winning very well fresh in a strong form race where the 2nd horse came out and won well in town next start. This horse looks like group-class and this is a perfect stepping stone towards that. He goes forward and is bulletproof up on the speed and while he might not get it all his own way today, I think he can go on to bigger and better things after today. Should be able to get a nice sit off Gentleman Roy and be too strong late.
Rosehill R4
(3) Expat is a speedy, honest horse who can run time up front. Bounced back from the QLD fail run where you can forgive for just a flat 2nd up performance I think. Won well the next start over Brookspire and has since looked very sharp in a recent trial. Any sort of rain that is forecast will help and I think he can get away with this in a race which lacks a big amount of speed.
Flemington R5
Pretty keen on (5) Barb Raider here who came on leaps and bounds last prep to prove herself as a classy horse. She has trialled up as good as you’ll see and I think that tells me she is back for an even better prep this time around. The early markets have gravitated towards her and I think she probably starts favourite here. Loves the big Flemington track and she’s very likeable with her on speed racing pattern.
Flemington R7
Backing (1) Nature Strip to return to the track a winner here and you just can’t knock the world’s best sprinter. No doubt Eduardo arguably is a tougher opponent over 1000m but I think NS can get a nice sit off him and Profiteer and be too strong late. Loves this Flemington track and I think Jamie Kah will get him home once again.
If there’s a horse who can cause a slight upset it has to be (4) Gytrash. Yes there’s some questions over how well he’s going but by all reports that trial mishap was due to theme experimenting with a barrier blanket. Arguably should have beat NS and Ed first up last prep and his stats are prolific over this track/trip when fresh. Finds his best and he can win - He’s my value in this cracking race.
Value: (4) Gytrash - $11 at Boombet
Rosehill R8
Star colt (1) Anamoe did absolutely everything you could have asked for first up on a day where it was impossible to make ground. Was one of the few horses who ran on that day and it was an enormous effort. His 2nd up performances in the past have been high quality and I think he’s just too classy for this field. Rising in trip onl suits him more and with even luck he will notch up another victory on the CV.
