Races

Warren Huntly’s Melbourne Cup Day Preview

Posted on | Posted by Warren Huntly

Race 1

Plenty to learn with the unraced. ZULFIQUAR has jumped out well since his debut win down the straight but is unknown on wet ground. HELLISH looked to have plenty to offer and moved nicely in a recent jumpout. EXPOSITION has trialled ok in Sydney. DIBELLI and PARADE GROUND have jumped out quite well behind Zulfiquar. AWESTRUCK is another of the debutantes to look good at the jumpouts.

Selections: 1,5,4,3

Suggested Bet: Look and learn

Race 2

WHITE MARLIN had the better of Derby winner Manzoice at his fist Australian start and chased down Peninsula Cup winner Keats last start. His overseas form indicates that 2800m should suit. CABOCHE is racing well and gives the impression he will run the trip out. VERIMLI will ride the speed and give a sight. PAPPALINO, AURORA’S SYMPHONY, HERMEN HESSE and THEMOONLITEGAMBLER have claims.

Selections: 7,8,9,6

Suggested Bet: White Marlin to win

Race 3

ASCENSION was a big odds winner last start, but on face value there was plenty of merit in that victory and he handled rain affected ground well. EXCELMAN is also effective fresh and won this race last year. STRUCK BY hits this race with a good second up record following a strong first up win. CRIMINAL CODE has jumped out nicely and is capable first up.  KOOLED was no match for Ascension last time but will strip fitter. SMOKIN’ TOFF handled soft ground well last start.

Selections: 4,8,5,3

Suggested Bet: Working around 4,8,5 & 3

Race 4

QUANG TRI won well first up and is sure to strip fitter. She handles rain affected ground and was brave after covering ground here over 1800m last prep. DASHING comes through the strongest form lines, he will ride the speed and give a sight. ZOE’S PROMISE fought back strongly to win last start and the extra trip should be no problem. DREAM HOUR might be suited coming back in trip.

Selections: 12,3,1,4

Suggested Bet: Quang Tri to win

Race 5

Tough race. ALPHA FLIGHT handles all surfaces, can make his own luck and is building a good record. KIN had no luck two starts back and the drop back to 1000m looks suitable. KATSU takes another rise in grade but looks promising and will be strong late as will YOWIE. BOLDINHO has been kept fresh after winning impressively on the synthetic in easier company last start. Many more hopes in a deep race.

Selections: 5,17,12,6

Suggested Bet: Alpha Flight each way

Race 6

DYNASTIES gets some weight relief after a solid second up run at Caulfield. JUST FOLK has earned his weight this grade. He’s got the frame to carry that weight and is comfortable on rain affected ground. BERMADEZ did some early work at sale, he’ll strip fitter and likes it here. CHARACTER, NONAME LANE, SIR DAVY and WHITE NOISE are among the other chances in a wide race.

Selections: 15,1,8,6

Suggested Bet: Dynasties each way

Race 7

DEAUVILLE LEGEND is short enough in the market but has the right international profile. Weight and track conditions are legitimate queries, but he may well have the class to overcome those challenges. LUNAR FLARE has had a great build up and worked through the line strongly in the Moonee valley Cup following her win in the Bart Cummings. REALM OF FLOWERS ran well in the Metropolitan and any rain leading in would be a positive. STOCKMAN worked through the line well in Sydney last week and handles wet ground well. YOUNG WERTHER has a blowout chance.

Selections: 8,18,24,9

Suggested Bet: Deauville Legend to win with savers on Lunar Flare and Realm of Flowers

Race 8

MUNHAMEK has been very good at his two runs for the Nick Ryan stable. He’s drawn to give Blake Shinn some options depending on any track pattern. MINSK MOMENT won well second up and has a heavy track win to his credit. THE GARDEN maps for a good run somewhere near the speed. FIELD OF ROSES is in the mix if he gains a start, his form ties in PASCERO. NUGGET is an interesting runner having his first Australian start, he’s been trialling well. DETONATOR JACK is promising and has jumped out well.

Selections: 10,6,7,19

Suggested Bet: Munhamek each way

Race 9

Hard race to sort out. HERESY handles wet ground and she will strip fitter third up. She looks suited up to 1400m. PROMISE OF SUCCESS won the Invitation well last start and handles wet ground. LITERARY MAGNATE was sharp enough to win over 1200m last start and looks better suited at this trip. DECENT RAINE has claims through the same race. KATALIN gets blinkers on and back to 1400m suits, a heavy track would be some query. FINEPOINT and ROOTS are right in the mix if they make the cut.

Selections: 5,1,3,11

Suggested Bet: Heresy each way

Race 10

ZETHUS has returned well and covered some ground last start. NICOLINI VITO worked home well in the same race and is a winner down the straight. PIONEER RIVER loves the straight course and covered ground behind Zethus last start. CHASSIS wills strip fitter and boasts a strong second up record, the same could be said about VESPERTINE.

Selections: 11,10,14,13

Suggested Bet: Zethus each way

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