Christmas is nearly here and the Saturday preview for Flemington will hopefully be an early present for the punters today.
The track will be in lovely order with the rail going back to the true position. Should be able to win from anywhere today with tempo and talent the likely factors to determine the majority of winners.
Narrowed the best bets down to some each-way selections today.
Race 3 No.4 - DANCE TO DUBAI
Dance to Dubai looks a nice progressive filly.
She was very brave when holding off Audacious Heart in her Sandown maiden last start and the rise to 1400m should be of absolutely no concern.
She maps to lead or sit one pair back. We get an each-way price as well.
Suggested bet: Dance to Dubai each-way at $6.5 the win and $2 the place.
Race 4 No.2 - BLACK SAIL
Don’t mind what Black Sail has been able to conjure thus far this preparation. Hasn't had a run in town but did run a nice race behind Pancho in the Kilmore Cup who does have city credentials.
The horse who finished third in that race, Tavidance, came out the start after and brained them in a solid enough Saturday race at Pakenham. If that is anything to go by Black Sail looks a nice each-way proposition.
Suggested bet: Black Sail each-way at $9 and $2.5.
Race 6 No.7 - LAMU
Big fan of the set-up for Damian Lane’s ride here - Lamu.
Was a good run settling back in the field first-up at Sandown with the apprentice Will Price.
Started much shorter with a similar set-up last preparation. Went to a benchmark-84 at Flemington second-up and started $4.8 and had absolutely no luck from an inside barrier.
Today gets into this benchmark-78 with 57.5kgs and despite drawing barrier one the jockey change should hopefully negate that awkward task of finding clear air.
Worth a peanut each-way.
Suggested bet: Lamu each-way at $8.5 the win and $2.6 the place
Race 8 No. 2 - VINLAND
One of the most intriguing runners on the program.
Has always shown the potential of being a very talented horse but has just struggled to put it together in the last year.
He’s had a change of scenery from the Tony & Calvin McEvoy stable and been handed over to Lindsey Smith down at Warrnambool to try and spark up his racing career.
He’s drawn to get a nice run just in behind the favourite and likely leader Titan Blinders.
Jockey Ethan Brown is riding well too with three wins from his last ten rides.
Vinland also gets a big gear change… blinkers first time.
Suggested bet: Vinland each-way at the $9.5 the win and $2.8 the place.
Is Gambling a problem for you? Call Gamblers Help on 1800 858 858 or your local state gambling helpline. Gamble responsibly.
More in Horse Racing
SENTrack: Sunday best bets from Sam Hyland and Miles Pfitzner (06/04)
Best bets for around the country.