Flemington Race 1

Flemington, Race 1, ATA Trust/TAB We’re On, 1400m, Soft 5

Preview: Flemington’s Race 1, the ATA Trust/TAB We’re On (1400m, Soft 5), shapes as a competitive 3YO OPEN contest with a balanced speed map and a track favoring both on-pace and closing runners due to the rail at 3m. Harry’s Yacht stands out as the horse to beat, boasting a dominant 2.3L win at Caulfield (1440m, Soft 6) three weeks ago, where he showcased a strong finishing burst (36.36s L600m) and beat a field with subsequent form. His versatility to settle forward or lead, combined with Jye McNeil’s 67% win/place rate with him, makes him a formidable contender, despite a slight query over the Flemington straight based on a prior lame run. Duchess Zou is a major threat, with a Listed 3rd at Flemington (1200m, Soft 5) and two impressive wins at Geelong and Sale. Her closing speed (32.81s L600m) and light weight (55.0kg) with Craig Williams aboard give her every chance to challenge late, especially on a Soft 5, where she’s proven (2-1-3 on Heavy). Just For Show brings strong credentials, with a close 3rd at Sandown-Hillside (1400m, Soft 5) and a Flemington trial win, but his slow start at Caulfield (5th, 5.9L behind Harry’s Yacht) is a concern. Blake Shinn’s booking boosts his claims, and his closing style suits the straight. Legacy Bay is in career-best form after a 1.8L win at Sandown-Lakeside (1400m, Soft 5), with fast closing sectionals (11.95s L200m). Her light weight (54.0kg) and Luke Cartwright’s claim make her dangerous, though barrier 8 requires luck. Lario and Acta Non Verba can fight for minors, with Lario’s on-pace style from barrier 2 giving him an edge over Acta Non Verba, who faded badly last start. En Flique and Chronic are outclassed, with Chronic unproven on turf and En Flique stepping up sharply from maiden company. The race should see a moderate pace, with Lario and Acta Non Verba leading, allowing closers like Duchess Zou and Legacy Bay to make their moves late. Harry’s Yacht’s class and form give him the edge, but Duchess Zou’s upside and Just For Show’s consistency make this a tight contest.

Top Predicted Contenders:

• Harry’s Yacht – Dominant Caulfield win, strong wet-track form, versatile running style, and proven at 1400m.
• Duchess Zou – Listed form, explosive closing speed, light weight, and loves Soft/Heavy tracks.
• Just For Show – Close Sandown 3rd, Flemington trial win, and Shinn’s booking; needs to start cleanly.
• Legacy Bay – Recent Sandown win, fast sectionals, and light weight; barrier 8 a challenge.
• Lario – On-pace style from barrier 2, solid Sandown 2nd, but class ceiling a concern.
• Acta Non Verba – Forward runner but poor Caulfield run and limited class make him a place chance only.

Flemington Race 2

Flemington Race 2 - Byerley Handicap, 2yo, 1800m, Soft 5

Preview

Flemington’s Byerley Handicap (1800m, Soft 5) shapes as a fascinating contest for 2yo runners, with the Taj Rossi Series Final (1600m, Soft 6) formline dominating the analysis. Bayou Music, Arcora, and Bermondsey bring the strongest credentials, having finished 4th, 3rd, and 2nd respectively in that Listed race, won by the quality Buccleuch. Bayou Music, trained by James Cummings, is a standout with a Bendigo 1500m win and a strong closing effort in the Taj Rossi despite settling at the rear. His Street Boss/Zabeel pedigree suggests the 1800m will suit, and barrier 2 with Jamie Melham ensures a tactical ride. Arcora, a Justify colt, led in the Taj Rossi but faded late, indicating he’s better suited sitting off the pace. His Flemington form (0-3-4) and stamina-oriented pedigree make him a serious threat third-up. Bermondsey, despite being a maiden, ran a bold 2nd in the Taj Rossi, outpacing Bayou Music and Arcora, and his barrier 3 draw with Jye McNeil keeps him in the mix. His Hanseatic pedigree raises slight distance queries, but his form is undeniable.

Zuppa Inglese offers value as a consistent filly with a 3rd at Geelong (1430m) and a 2nd at Echuca (1200m). Her Omaha Beach pedigree and Flemington wet-track form (0-2-2) suggest she can hit the frame third-up. Frankie’s Boy, a Frankel colt, is lightly raced with only a 4th at Newcastle (1300m, Heavy 8) to his name. His pedigree screams 1800m, and Gai Waterhouse’s training prowess makes him a potential improver, though his exposed form is limited. Arabian Prince, a debutant by Ghaiyyath, has a stamina-laden pedigree and the Kent/Williams combination, but his trial form (1st and 4th at Cranbourne) leaves him an unknown quantity. Valda Warrior showed promise with a 2nd at Bendigo behind Bayou Music but was well-beaten (8th) in the Taj Rossi, suggesting she’s outclassed. Last Summer has no form to compete here, with two poor runs and a wide barrier.

The Soft 5 track and rail out 3m should produce fair racing, with a moderate pace likely led by Arcora or Valda Warrior. The long Flemington straight favors closers like Bayou Music and Bermondsey, while Frankie’s Boy could surprise if he handles the class rise. The Taj Rossi form should hold, with Bayou Music and Bermondsey the ones to beat.

Top Predicted Contenders

• Bayou Music: Proven winner, strong Taj Rossi form, ideal barrier, and suited to 1800m.
• Bermondsey: Excellent Taj Rossi 2nd, loves Flemington, and peaking third-up.
• Arcora: Consistent, strong Flemington form, and stamina for 1800m.
• Zuppa Inglese: Consistent wet-tracker, good barrier, and scope to improve.
• Frankie’s Boy: Lightly raced, strong pedigree, and potential to step up second-up.
• Arabian Prince: Debutant with a stout pedigree and top connections, but untested.

Flemington Race 3

Flemington, Race 3, VRC Member Gerald Jongebloed Trophy, 1700m, Soft 5

Preview:

Flemington’s Race 3, the VRC Member Gerald Jongebloed Trophy (1700m, Soft 5), shapes as a competitive 3yo open contest with a mix of progressive types and consistent performers. The rail is out 3m, and the Soft 5 track should provide a fair surface with a slight bias toward horses who can settle handy and finish strongly. The pace looks moderate, with So You Will likely to lead or sit just off the speed from barrier 2, setting a tempo that suits his front-running style. Aloysius (barrier 12) may push forward to challenge for the lead, while Em Sixty (barrier 1) and Zorro’s Flight (barrier 11) will look to settle just behind the leaders, with the latter needing luck to avoid being caught wide.

Em Sixty stands out as a progressive gelding with back-to-back 1600m wins at Ballarat and Swan Hill. His dominant Ballarat victory (2.8L margin) and ability to handle soft and heavy tracks make him a top chance, especially from barrier 1 with John Allen riding. His recent form suggests he’s peaking third-up, and the step to 1700m suits his Smart Missile pedigree. So You Will brings strong Flemington form, with a 5th in the Silver Bowl Series Final (1600m) behind a quality winner. His front-running style and love for Soft tracks (2-0-4) make him a danger, though he must avoid overracing. Zorro’s Flight was 3rd in the same Silver Bowl race, beating So You Will, and his closing sectionals (fastest L200m) suggest he’ll relish 1700m. Barrier 11 is a concern, but Tom Prebble’s 2kg claim helps. All Business is a consistent filly with a recent 1600m win and a strong closing kick. Her versatility and Luke Cartwright’s 3kg claim make her a threat. Aloysius, trained by Waterhouse/Bott and ridden by Craig Williams, is lightly raced with a strong Hawkesbury maiden win. His speed and class make him dangerous despite the wide barrier. Dubai Watch has a good turn of foot and recent wins, but barrier 13 and the class rise are challenges.

The race hinges on pace and barrier draws. A moderate tempo favors those near the front, like So You Will and Em Sixty, while Zorro’s Flight and All Business will need a genuine pace to unleash their closing bursts. The Soft 5 track suits most runners, but Em Sixty’s heavy track form gives him an edge if the surface deteriorates. Key contenders are Em Sixty, So You Will, Zorro’s Flight, All Business, and Aloysius, with Dubai Watch a smoky for a place.

Top Predicted Contenders:

• Em Sixty - Dominant recent wins, perfect barrier, loves soft/heavy tracks, peaking third-up.
• So You Will - Strong Flemington form, ideal barrier, front-running style suits pace.
• Zorro’s Flight - Excellent Silver Bowl run, strong closer, but wide barrier a query.
• All Business - Consistent, good closing speed, benefits from claim and good barrier.
• Aloysius - Classy maiden win, top jockey/stable, but wide barrier a concern.
• Dubai Watch - Strong finisher, recent wins, but wide barrier and class rise are hurdles.

Flemington Race 4

Flemington, Race 4, VRC Member Sarah Hart Trophy, 1000m, Soft 5, 2yo Open

Preview:

Flemington’s Race 4, the VRC Member Sarah Hart Trophy, is a 1000m sprint for 2yos on a Soft 5 track, with the rail out 3m. The race promises a hot pace with likely leaders Ornos (barrier 1) and Sideline (barrier 2) setting a strong tempo, which should suit closers like Shining Smile and Oyster Lane. The Soft 5 surface favors horses with proven wet-track form, and the straight course will test early speed and finishing strength.

Shining Smile stands out as the horse to beat. His three wins from four starts, including a Listed victory at this track and distance, mark him as the class runner. Despite carrying 62.5kg, his recent trials (win at Kilmore, 2nd at Flemington) and perfect Soft track record (4-2-6) make him the benchmark. His ability to stalk the pace and finish strongly, as shown by his 33.64 last 600m in his Flemington win, gives him a significant edge.

Oyster Lane is a major threat. His narrow defeat at Caulfield (1000m, Soft 6) on 28/06/2025, combined with three trial wins, suggests he’s peaking. The Ciaron Maher/John Allen combination and barrier 4 enhance his chances, and his pedigree (Blue Point) suits this trip. Ornos is another strong contender, with a Bendigo maiden win and a solid Moonee Valley 2nd. Barrier 1 and Blake Shinn’s booking make him dangerous, especially as a likely leader on a Soft track (1-1-3).

Sideline impressed in his Ballarat maiden win and has the Grahame Begg/Jordan Childs polish. Barrier 2 is ideal, but his lack of Soft track form is a query. Lamassu won at Sale but faces a class rise and a wide barrier (10), which may hinder his chances. Petit Artiste has a Morphettville win but a wide draw (9) and inconsistent form make her a place hope. Yamashita’s Gold, Tallingas Immortal, Night Flower, and debutant Bold Secret face tougher tasks, with the latter’s trial form making him a watch.

The race hinges on Shining Smile’s class overcoming the weight, with Oyster Lane and Ornos likely to challenge if they capitalize on their barriers and pace.

Top Predicted Contenders:

• Shining Smile – Class runner with track/distance form, strong trials, and Soft track affinity.
• Oyster Lane – Strong Caulfield 2nd, ideal barrier, and top trainer/jockey combo.
• Ornos – Front-runner with barrier 1, Shinn aboard, and Soft track suitability.
• Sideline – Promising maiden winner with good draw and Begg’s polish.
• Lamassu – Sale winner with upside, but wide barrier and class rise are concerns.
• Petit Artiste – Morphettville win is solid, but wide draw and form queries lower her chances.

Flemington Race 5

Flemington, Race 5, RMBL Investments Rising Stars Final, 1600m, Turf, Soft 5

Preview:

Flemington’s Race 5, the RMBL Investments Rising Stars Final (1600m, Soft 5), promises a competitive contest with a mix of proven performers and emerging talents. The rail at +3m and the Soft 5 rating suggest a fair track, with no significant bias expected. The pace should be solid, with Lake Vostok and Pariah Pearl likely to push forward, setting up a race that favors horses with strong finishing bursts.

Miss Tarzy stands out as the horse to beat. Her recent win in the Leilani Series Final (1400m, Soft 5) at this track was outstanding, showcasing her ability to close from the back with the fastest last 200m (11.55s). Second-up, she’s likely to peak, and her Flemington record (1-1-3) and Soft track affinity (3-4-11) make her a formidable contender. The 62.5kg is offset by Weatherley’s 3kg claim, and her tactical versatility from barrier 6 ensures she can adapt to the race shape.

Pariah Pearl is a major threat, with consistent form (2nd in her last two starts at Sandown, 1600m) and a Flemington win (1400m, Good 4) in April. Her ability to settle on-pace or just behind from barrier 4 gives her a positional advantage, and her Soft/Heavy track record (5-9-20 combined) is excellent. She’s rock-hard fit seventh-up and should be in the finish.

Sound It Out is another strong contender, coming off a dominant win at Sandown (1600m, Heavy 8) over Pariah Pearl. Her closing speed and Waller’s training prowess make her dangerous, though barrier 13 is a challenge. Her lightly raced profile (7 starts) suggests further improvement, and her Flemington record (3-1-6) is a plus.

Claymore Mine is in career-best form, with two recent wins at Ballarat (1400m, AW). The step to 1600m and BM78 company is a test, but her inside draw (barrier 1) and strong Soft track record (2-2-8) give her a chance to stalk the leaders and feature. Lake Vostok is a potential improver second-up, with a forward-running style that could see her control the race from barrier 7. Her 3rd to Indian Jewel (1600m) last prep shows she can compete. Cindy Falls has place claims but needs to lift after a mixed campaign.

The race hinges on pace dynamics, with Miss Tarzy and Sound It Out likely to benefit from a strong tempo, while Pariah Pearl’s tactical speed gives her an edge. Claymore Mine and Lake Vostok are the value contenders.

Top Predicted Contenders:

• Miss Tarzy – Recent Flemington win, strong closing speed, loves Soft tracks.
• Pariah Pearl – Consistent form, good barrier, proven at Flemington.
• Sound It Out – Dominant Sandown win, lightly raced, strong finisher.
• Claymore Mine – In-form, inside draw, untested but improving.
• Lake Vostok – Forward runner, second-up, potential to surprise.
• Cindy Falls – Place chance if she finds her best form.

Flemington Race 6

Flemington, Race 6, VRC Member Colin Gilson Sprint, 1200m, BM84, Soft 5

Preview:

Flemington’s Race 6, the VRC Member Colin Gilson Sprint (1200m, BM84), shapes as a competitive affair on a Soft 5 track with the rail out 3m. The race features a mix of in-form gallopers and resuming runners, with pace dynamics suggesting a moderate tempo led by Freak of Nature and Talbragar, allowing stalkers and closers to feature prominently. La Fracas (8) stands out as the horse to beat, coming off dominant back-to-back wins at Mornington and Sandown-Lakeside. His ability to close strongly, combined with barrier 1 and Blake Shinn’s tactical brilliance, gives him a significant edge. Great Maximus (2) is in career-best form, with recent wins and a strong Flemington 4th, making him a major threat despite barrier 10. Moby Dick (6) is consistent, with a recent Caulfield 3rd and Craig Williams aboard, though barrier 11 poses a challenge. Eye of the Fire (3) has strong Sydney form and should improve second-up, but barrier 12 requires luck. De Bergerac (11) is a lightly raced improver with a good Flemington record, while Dazzling Lucy (10) can hit the frame if she jumps cleanly. The race suits closers, with the Soft 5 track favoring horses with strong finishing bursts. La Fracas’ form, barrier, and jockey make him the standout, but Great Maximus and Moby Dick are serious dangers in a race where tactical positioning will be key.

Top Predicted Contenders:

• La Fracas - Dominant recent wins, perfect barrier, and Shinn’s ride make him the one to beat.
• Great Maximus - In top form with strong Flemington record and closing speed.
• Moby Dick - Consistent, with a good Caulfield 3rd and Williams aboard.
• Eye of the Fire - Strong Sydney form, suited to 1200m, but wide barrier a concern.
• De Bergerac - Improving, with a good Flemington record and upside.
• Dazzling Lucy - Consistent mare, suited to conditions, but needs a clean start.

Flemington Race 7

Flemington, Race 7, Deane Lester Flemington Cup, 2800m, Soft 5

Preview: This 2800m staying test at Flemington promises a fascinating battle among a competitive field of stayers, with the Soft 5 surface and rail out 3m likely to favor those with tactical speed and stamina. The race shape suggests a moderate pace, with Bold Soul, Sir Chartwell, and possibly Samuel Langhorne vying for the lead or prominent positions. This setup will suit horses who can settle close to the speed and sustain a long run, while backmarkers like Ardakan and Hopeful will need clear passages to make ground. The Banjo Paterson Series Final (2600m, Soft 6) from 14 days ago is the key form reference, featuring Bold Soul (2nd), Samuel Langhorne (3rd), Virtuous Circle (4th), Ardakan (5th), and Shamarkand (6th), with its form strengthened by the subsequent performances of its placegetters. The Bruce Gadsden Handicap (2540m, Good 4) also looms large, with Bold Soul (1st), Muktamil (2nd), Virtuous Circle (4th), and Samuel Langhorne (6th) all engaged here, highlighting the depth of that race. Bold Soul stands out as the horse to beat, boasting a win and a close 2nd in his last two starts at Flemington, including a gritty performance in the Banjo Paterson. His ability to race prominently from barrier 6 and his perfect 6-3-16 record on Soft tracks make him ideally suited. Muktamil is a major threat, with a win and a 2nd in his last two starts, including a strong closing effort in the Bruce Gadsden. His 4-7-15 Flemington record and Craig Williams’ booking enhance his claims. Samuel Langhorne’s 3rd in the Banjo Paterson and ability to settle forward from barrier 3 make him a strong contender, especially with Jye McNeil riding. Loft’s hurdle form and Flemington record (2-1-6) give him a big chance, particularly with Blake Shinn aboard. Mormona’s recent 2nd in the Stayer’s Cup (2400m) and inside barrier make him a live chance, while Virtuous Circle’s consistent placings suggest he can hit the frame again. The Soft 5 surface should suit most runners, but those drawn wide (Ardakan, Hopeful, Shamarkand) may need luck to overcome their barriers. Expect a tactical race where positioning will be key, with Bold Soul and Muktamil likely to fight out the finish.

Top Predicted Contenders:

• BOLD SOUL - Recent win and 2nd at Flemington, loves Soft tracks, and will race prominently.
• MUKTAMIL - Strong form with a win and 2nd, excellent Flemington record, and Craig Williams rides.
• SAMUEL LANGHORNE - Close 3rd in Banjo Paterson, good barrier, and suited to 2800m.
• LOFT - Hurdle form and Flemington record strong, Blake Shinn a bonus.
• MORMONA - Recent 2nd in Stayer’s Cup, inside barrier, and distance suits.
• VIRTUOUS CIRCLE - Consistent placings, but slow starts and wide barrier a concern.

Flemington Race 8

Venue: Flemington, Race 8, VRC Member Gabriella Delutiis Trophy, 2000m, Turf, Soft 5

Preview

Flemington’s Race 8, the VRC Member Gabriella Delutiis Trophy over 2000m on a Soft 5 track, promises a competitive clash with a mix of proven stayers and emerging talents. The rail at +3m and expected genuine pace, driven by frontrunners like Amberite and Nellie Leylax, should set up a race favoring horses with strong finishing bursts. Sayedaty Sadaty (7) stands out as the horse to beat, coming off a dominant 2000m win at Caulfield, where he showcased superior stamina and tactical versatility. His ideal barrier (7) and booking of Craig Williams give him every chance to control the race from a forward position. Casino Seventeen (1), despite the 61.0kg impost, is a major threat after a strong 2nd in The David Bourke at Flemington, with his closing sectionals and soft track prowess making him dangerous. Flash Feeling (12) is in career-best form, with a recent Flemington win and Caulfield placing, though his wide barrier (16) is a hurdle. Relentless Voyager (2) has class from UK runs and could improve second-up, but his wide draw (15) demands luck. Charterhouse (8) and Milford (9) are consistent and well-placed to round out the top chances, with Shinn’s booking boosting Charterhouse’s appeal. The pace should be solid, with Amberite likely leading, allowing closers like Casino Seventeen and Sayedaty Sadaty to capitalize late. Track conditions favor horses with soft track form, and the race shape suggests a fair test for all.

Top Predicted Contenders

• Sayedaty Sadaty: Dominant 2000m win, ideal barrier, top jockey.
• Casino Seventeen: Strong Flemington form, excellent soft track record.
• Flash Feeling: Recent win and placing, peaking but wide barrier.
• Relentless Voyager: Classy UK form, second-up improvement expected.
• Charterhouse: Consistent, Shinn’s booking a plus.
• Milford: Solid recent runs, good barrier, blinkers on.

Flemington Race 9

Flemington, Race 9, VRC Member Daniel Reynolds Sprint, 1000m, BM78, Soft 5

Preview

Flemington’s Race 9, the VRC Member Daniel Reynolds Sprint over 1000m on a Soft 5 surface, promises a thrilling contest with a fast pace set by front-runners like Call To Glory and Boonie. The rail at 3m should favor horses racing on or near the speed, but the soft track and short distance will also allow strong closers to make ground if the tempo is hot. Beast Mode, drawn in barrier 9, is a standout after his close 2nd at Morphettville Parks (1000m, Soft 6), where he showed tenacity despite a frontrunner bias. His Flemington record (0-0-1) and Soft track prowess (4-4-13) make him a major player, though he’ll need to overcome the wide draw. Losesomewinmore, from barrier 11, brings strong closing speed, evidenced by his Flemington win (1100m, Good 4) and near-miss 2nd to Harry Got Styles at Sandown. Craig Williams’ booking is a significant boost, but he’ll need luck from the wide gate. Harry Got Styles (barrier 4) is a danger after his Sandown win, with a perfect Flemington record (5-1-8) and Soft track affinity. His inconsistency is a concern, but the inside draw suits. Hajra (barrier 3) is a progressive mare who impressed in her last-start Morphettville win (1050m, Soft 5), closing from 10th. Her Soft track form (0-2-7) and Jamie Melham’s ride make her a threat. Rewards And More (barrier 13) is in career-best form after two Ballarat wins, and Blake Shinn’s booking adds class, though the step up and wide draw are challenges. Soju (barrier 12) has been consistent and loves Flemington (4-5-18), but her wide draw tempers expectations. The pace will be set by Call To Glory and Boonie, but both face challenges holding off the closers on this track. The key to this race lies in balancing speed and stamina on the Soft 5 surface, with the inside barriers likely to play a crucial role.

Top Predicted Contenders

• Losesomewinmore: Strong closing speed, Flemington win, and Craig Williams’ booking. Wide draw is the main concern.
• Beast Mode: Excellent recent form, loves Soft tracks, and suited to 1000m. Wide barrier a slight negative.
• Hajra: Progressive mare with a strong last-start win and ideal barrier. Soft track specialist.
• Harry Got Styles: Sandown win and perfect Flemington record. Inside draw suits, but consistency is an issue.
• Rewards And More: In-form with two recent wins. Shinn’s booking is a plus, but wide draw and class rise are hurdles.
• Soju: Consistent and loves Flemington. Wide draw is a challenge, but her closing speed keeps her in the mix.