Flemington
Race 1 – Chasing Aphrodite
Jockey – Harry Coffey
2500m – Barrier 6
Last start runner-up Chasing Aphrodite is on the quick back-up from the Onkaparinga Cup at Oakbank seven days ago when he heads to Flemington this afternoon. The six-year-old son of Profitable was beaten half-a-length in the 2350-metre feature last weekend, backing up a similarly brave effort when second at Ballarat behind Muktamil the start prior. Jockey Harry Coffey hops back on from towards the outside and can roll forward from the outset, looking to land in front or outside the speed on settling.
Mozu Marcassin is the other speed influence in the race, likely to punch forward from gate two, while expect Cable Dancer and St Vincents Garden to be thereabouts when runners find their positions. Could make a case for most of these. Preferential was wide throughout last start when beaten half-a-length at Caulfield. She was a good winner the start prior and with better luck today can give this a shake. One of the main chances. St Vincents Garden has been solid in both runs this campaign and hits this fitter third-up. Drawn the inside and should enjoy a lovely trail throughout. Must be considered. Mozu Marcassin was a good first-up winner before a sound on-speed effort last time out. Beaten home by Preferential last start but can be in this for a long way. Others with claims in an interesting affair.
Chasing Aphrodite has bounced through last week’s run and is well-weighted in today’s race conditions. Up to 2500-metres should be of no concern, expect him to be right there when things get serious. Winning chance.
Currently, Chasing Aphrodite is a $6 chance in the market.
Flemington
Race 5 – Different Gravy
Jockey – Jamie Mott
1400m – Barrier 7
Promising two-year-old Different Gravy is second-up and fitter when he gets out to 1400-metres at Flemington this afternoon. The son of Ghaiyyath settled rearward first-up at Sandown before peeling off some slick late sectionals, hitting the line strongly once clear in the home straight over 1300-metres. Jockey Jamie Mott sticks on today and can let his colt find his feet in the early parts, finding cover from the outset before running on down the big Flemington straight.
Speed is tricky, but expect Warrior Smile to be positive from a low draw and hold the front, while Maldini can tuck in behind the speed from the inside alley. Warrior Smile and Stay Cosmic ran the quinella in front of Different Gravy last start, with nothing between them in the finish. Expect them both to be around the mark today in an even contest. Gable was a strong winner at Geelong last start and blinkers go on third-up today. He beat Crack A Deel by a length on that occasion. Amazake ran well at this track and trip on debut, albeit with all the favours. Each way claims. So too debutante Highvol, who is well supported in the market. Probably doesn’t end there.
Different Gravy will appreciate the open spaces of Flemington and slightly up in trip is in his favour today. He’ll likely have a few lengths to make up in the run home, but look for him to be charging late. Each way claims.
Currently, Different Gravy is a $23 chance in the market.
Flemington
Race 5 – Crack A Deel
Jockey – Harry Coffey
1400m – Barrier 6
Improving galloper Crack A Deel is second-up at Flemington today, following a solid effort at Geelong when fresh. The two-year-old son of Dundeel loomed as a winning chance on that occasion, battling away gamely to the line to run third and strips fitter for this afternoon. Jockey Harry Coffey leaves from gate six and can let his colt settle where comfortable, likely midfield with cover before peeling out to run on late.
Speed is tricky, but expect Warrior Smile to be positive from a low draw and hold the front, while Maldini can tuck in behind the speed from the inside alley. Warrior Smile and Stay Cosmic ran the quinella in front of Different Gravy last start, with nothing between them in the finish. Expect them both to be around the mark today in an even contest. Gable was a strong winner at Geelong last start and blinkers go on third-up today. He beat Crack A Deel by a length on that occasion. Amazake ran well at this track and trip on debut, albeit with all the favours. Each way claims. So too debutante Highvol, who is well supported in the market. Probably doesn’t end there.
Crack A Deel gets winkers on today which could spark improvement, and presents fitter for his first-up effort a fortnight ago. He’ll be better over more ground, but no surprise to see him picking up and challenging late. Each way claims.
Currently, Crack A Deel is a $27 chance in the market.