We’ve got a massive day of racing all around the country today with a group 1 meetings at Randwick and Flemington. The highlights of the day include the running of the Blue Diamond Stakes at Flemington as well as the Chipping Norton down in Sydney.
Billy Bestford has cast his eye across the meetings and has found his best bets to help you have a fill up this Saturday.
Horse Racing Tips: Saturday, February 26th
Caulfield R2
Not sure how they beat (2) Flying Mascot off the back of that enormous fresh run where he pushed the star Probabeel all the way. He looks perfectly primed for 1400m off that run and is yet to miss the quinella in three 2nd up performances. Will roll forward and with added race fitness on his side I would be very surprised if they caught him.
Caulfield R4
(4) Argentia was an enormous run to win first up getting well back and storming over the top late. She’s always showed promise and there’s been a bit of hype around her and she is starting to show why. She’s even better suited at 1400m now with a run under the belt and with natural improvement I think she looks a very good chance. Will admit barrier 1 could be a touch sticky but has Zahra on and he’s one of the best at squeezing through the gaps.
Randwick R5
(2) Ellsberg has an incredible fresh record, unbeaten from three first up runs and has trialed up nicely for his return. Gets Tim Clark on who rates them perfectly up in the lead and with a bottomless track expect, he should see every favour up on speed. Likes sting out of the ground and his form last prep was very strong.
Caulfield R7
The feature race on the Caulfield card is the Blue Diamond and this looks an absolute cracking installment. (6) Jacquinot arguably should have finished much closer lasty start in the Prelude but was still an enormous run considering he raced tight for room the entire straight. Was a dominant win on debut and barrier 10 today is perfect, keeping him n the 3 wide line with a bit of cover should be ideal and out of trouble. Very keen on him to bounce back here and I think he is the best 2yo in Melbourne.
As a value play I don’t mind (5) Counttheheadlights who will enjoy getting to 1200m now and has shown a bit of ability. He’ll put himself up near the speed and should get a nice trail off the leaders backs. He looks the best knockout chance.
Randwick R8
I think (7) Espiona can bounce back today and lost no admirers with a tough run first up when just pipped by Fangirl. Espiona was 3 wide on that day and she still kept finding and actually kicked back after the post. She looks every bit ready for 1400m and I actually think she could be a gun wet tracker. Her debut win where she romped in was on a soft but the track was downgraded to heavy later that day. I think if you wait we might get closer to $2.50 and she becomes a cracking bet at that price.
Caulfield R9
(5) Desert Icon bolted in last start over 1800m which followed a string of placings and has been super consistent this prep. He will go forward once again and looks ready for the 2000m where he has a great record. Maps to probably sit OSL and I think he is airborne at the moment. No doubt this is a tougher test but many of these don’t win out of turn and I think he just needs to run up to his last start performance to be winning again.
