It’s an early start for punters on Saturday with hot weather forcing the hand of authorities, and Flemington’s Group 1 meeting will kick off at 10.45am.
The time-honoured Newmarket Handicap — featuring Kiwi superstar Imperatriz — will be run at 12.45pm.
Strong northerly winds between 33-43km/h are forecast for the entirety of the Flemington meeting, which is expected to favour horses settling off the pace with cover in the circle races.
In Sydney, Randwick is headlined by the Group 1 Canterbury Stakes and Group 1 Randwick Guineas.
By the time Flemington is run and won, there will be six races remaining at Randwick.
I’m keen on a five-leg multi at Randwick at odds around $29 — Switzerland (R5 place), Aft Cabin (R6 place; note: has to run top two), Think About It (R7 win), Tom Kitten (R8 place) and Thalassophile (R9 place).
In the Newmarket (check out our two-minute form guide), my staking strategy is 60 per cent (win) on Buenos Noches and 40 per cent (win) on South Australian raider, Sghirripa, who is outstanding value around $12.
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AUSTRALIA-WIDE
The Big Bets: A roughie has been backed to win more than $100,000 at Flemington.
Tips from the Big Bookies for Newmarket and Randwic Guineas Day.
Saturday Market Movers: Roughie well found from $26 into $8.
Racenet’s national racing newsroom experts have given their top 4 selections for the three Group 1s at Randwick and Flemington.
FLEMINGTON
Racenet iQ’s Mark Guest’s tips for the big Flemington card.
Laurie Sainsbury has found one at $34 who he says is way over the odds, while Cameron Happ thinks a quality Peter Moody filly can return to the winner’s list.
Brad Waters has done the form for every race at Flemington.
ROYAL RANDWICK
Clinton Payne has found one at $81 who he gives a big place chance to, while he’s zeroed in on a $18 chance in the Newmarket Handicap.
Racenet iQ’s Sydney expert James Molony has revealed his thoughts on each of the 10 races.
Ray Thomas and Ron Dufficy’s race-by-race analysis of Randwick’s stellar meeting.
GOLD COAST
Graeme Carey has done the form for the big meeting at the Gold Coast, and his best bet comes up in Race 9.
MURRAY BRIDGE / BUNBURY
SA and WA form experts Heath Pope and Aaron Mills are keen on a few horses, including one at $18, which rates at $7.50.
Good luck and good punting!