A great day of racing on Magic Millions Day—along with the Gold Coast there are high quality races at Flemington and Rosehill, which includes the Listed Kensington Stakes. ‘The Horse’ has profiled the best races from around the grounds.
Horse Racing Tips: Saturday, January 16th
Flemington Race 2
At the risk of jinxing her, Jamie Kah gets a great chance here to get the early double. (4) Hasseltoff previously won at this track and distance, and gets a handy draw in this small field. (7) Dance Ready looks the hesitant leader, allowing Kah to gain the cushy one-back inside run. It’s the ideal spot for her, and with her previous closing 600 metre times better than main danger (3) Saccharo, she looks every chance.
The Ellerton/Zahra runner (5) High ‘n’ Dry will also be in the mix. With the bookies offering their promotions in the early races (the best being TAB’s in-venue), I think you’re going to be hard-pressed not to get something back here following the Hoff.
Flemington Race 5
The race favourite (3) Over Exposure is going to be pretty popular here after a solid first-up run at this track over 1400 metres. That day he placed second behind Vassilator, who has since gone onto a better race (and won). Over Exposure was unlucky not to win and you can’t help but feel this one is his race to lose. This really is a pet distance, doesn’t mind the Good or Soft conditions, and maintains the services of Damian Lane. He looks to be the Best Bet on the program.
The race is pretty thin behind him, but the likely threats are those found in the market, (7) Heavenly Emperor & (1) Kentucky Breeze.
Gold Coast Race 7
Focusing on the $2 million Magic Millions 3 year old Guineas over 1400 metres and the two runners who I couldn’t split last time face-off again. (13) Isotope was awesome at Doomben—but comes to the Gold Coast for the first time. She has had 7 starts for 4 wins, and just keeps winning. Not sure the change in track will be an issue.
We backed (3) Away Game to beat her last start, and she looked to have the race wrapped up, but Isotope flashed late and somehow won. That day I said Away Game was the best horse in the race, but it was remarkably tight. That race was over 1200 metres, today we jump to 1400 metres. The catch is, the extra distance is good for Isotope, but Away Game comes in with additional fitness now second up. Away Game does go better second up. Argh! (12) Forbidden Love is the obvious danger.
From a punter’s perspective, the draw advantages Away Game, and her price is much better than Isotope, so if you’re looking for value, than the Game is the one.
Flemington Race 7
The Kensington Stakes—a great looking race, and decent field considering the ‘big players’ are not yet back for autumn. (6) Pandemic is quality! Going for three on the trot, has Damian Oliver in the saddle, and a pretty formidable record—11 starts for 5 wins and 2 places. His last start victory he spanked them, coming from seventh in running to win by almost 2 lengths.
(1) Fabergino is the class runner of the field, and accordingly gets the 60kgs—but that shouldn’t be a problem. Last start she lugged weight and came home over the top of them (also from seventh) in nice time to beat (2) Prezado. You’d be brave to think she can’t win—overall record of 16 starts for 10 wins, and importantly 3 from 3 at track and distance. The other one looking for three straight is (8) Sword Of Mercy, most recently winning a BM84, and gets no weight here, so watch out.
The race looks to be between Pandemic & Fabergino—cannot split them, so taking both.
Tip: (1) Fabergino $3.70 Sportsbet
Also backing: (6) Pandemic ($4.40)
Rosehill Race 9
I am pretty keen on the chances of (8) Private Eye to make it 5 wins from 6 starts. The Joseph Pride runner continues to be impressive, each and every step-up he makes. He goes slightly up in distance again, but that shouldn’t be an issue—and he performs in all conditions. He is starting to become a real anchor for punters.
Without over complicating it, (5) Smart Image looks the obvious danger, but it’s pretty wide outside the top two.
