Laurie got a reminder of the old punting proverb last "you can’t eat value” but he’s back to do it all again and chomping at the bit to get into Saturday’s Flemington meeting.
LONE EAGLE (Flemington Race 2 No 6)
I have been waiting for this galloper to get back to Flemington and out to 1400m for some time. Last start he got back from a wide draw at Moonee Valley, checked twice between the 800 and 500m, and he should have finished closer in a leader dominated race won by Overshare. To the eye he looked to run on ok and the sectionals confirmed that. He’s drawn a good barrier and the step up in distance is a real plus. I will be playing Toga Picta with him in exotics.
BET: EACH-WAY
ODDS $26 @ Sportsbet, Ladbrokes, CrownBet, Luxbet, Bet365, William Hill, Unibet, PalmerBet
SNITZSON (Flemington Race 3 No 6)
He resumed in the Aurie’s Star when fifth to Hey Doc then went to Caulfield second-up and was responsible for a good run behind Grande Rosso. He raced three wide that day with cover and kept coming to be beaten a length when fourth. Go back to his start prior to his spell when he came from 11th at the turn to run third in the Australian Guineas over 1600m here at Flemington. That run indicated that he possessed above-average ability as he had to weave a passage through traffic and was closing late. Mr Sneaky looks hard to beat, however, he is yet to place in two tries second-up. Will included Chocolate Holic as the wide gate beat him last start when carrying our cash.
BET: WIN
ODDS $7.50 @ Sportsbet, Ladbrokes, CrownBet, Luxbet, William Hill, PalmerBet
HANS HOLBIEN (Flemington Race 8 No 6)
He’s on the seven-day back-up here after what looked to be an average run last week at Moonee Valley. In that race he was crowded shortly after the start necessitating Beau Mertens to ride him back out of his comfort zone. Wide when making his run and the race was again won by those advantaged on the speed and near the rail. He won here at Flemington on Anzac Day by eight lengths on a 10-day back-up and his chances are further enhanced if the track is rain-affected.
BET: WIN
ODDS $7 @ Sportsbet, CrownBet, Luxbet, Bet365, William Hill, Unibet, PalmerBet
HARDHAM (Flemington Race 9 No 7)
Go back to last year when this horse resumed in the Vain Stakes at Caulfield when beaten half-a-length by Russian Revolution and then second-up he was beaten 3-1/2 lengths over 1200m by Defcon. They were his best runs in the spring but in the autumn he progressed to win the Alister Clark 2040m at Moonee Valle beating Ruthven which progressed to win the Queensland Derby. At his next and final run for that campaign was beaten less than a length in the Australian Derby behind Jon Snow. I liked the way he went through the line first-up behind Grande Rosso at Caulfield. Out to 1700m appeals and I think we will get better than the price shown come race day as his second-up form reads ordinary but this distance should suit. Tiamo Grace can be included in exotics if she gets a run.
BET: EACH-WAY
ODDS $7.50 @ Sportsbet, Ladbrokes, CrownBet, Luxbet, Bet365, William Hill, Unibet, PalmerBet
