Flemington Finals Day is a winter racing highlight. Nick Foot previews the nine-race program at Headquarters and shares a few top picks.
#1 Rise At Dawn
Meets CRAIG yet again with the score currently tied at 1-1. RISE AT DAWN had a late rider change LS and simply went too fast up on speed, running -12.5L inside Benchmark to the 600m, sticking on gamely in the inferior going. That run had a stack of merit and there is way too much of a price discrepancy between them in the market.
Suggested Bet: Win Bet
#7 Whateley
His debut in the Ken Cox Handicap where he met key most of these was choc full of merit. He was back towards the inside in the inferior going and was solid through the line. He will take a stack of improvement from that run and will be suited by the step to the mile.
Suggested Bet: 1×3 stake
#4 Steel Run
Ran on well LS at this track with race shape against, finishing in race fastest closing splits. Prior to that, was held off late by market danger AZTEC STATE at Caulfield over 2000m. Gets a 4.5kg weight swing off that run and the step to 2500m looks no issue whatsoever.
Suggested Bet: Win Bet
#7 Press Down
Dominant win from the top in the Golden Topaz at Swan Hill LS in what was a fastly run race, still managed to clock the FL200m of the day after . Form around him prior is outstanding, running 3rd to BENEDETTA and CLIMBING STAR who were both subsequent Group 1 winners.
Suggested Bet: Win Bet
#9 Right To Party
She’s a ripping filly for the Anthony & Sam Freedman team. She was dynamic at her first run this prep in Adelaide before going on to win here over 1100m. She got out to 1400m last preparation, however I think she’s suited to these sprint trips and measures up well in this, drawing the right part of the straight. PHARARI could be aptly named and has relished the rain affected going in her 2 runs this prep, would rather spec RIGHT TO PARTY at the price with a confident place bet.
Suggested Bet: 1×4 stake
Best Bet: Race 7 #7 Press Down
Best Value: Race 9 #9 Right To Party (1×4 stake)
Multi: Press Down WIN, Right To Party PLC, Rise At Dawn PLC (approx $9.4)