Rubisaki a leading hope
Flemington Listed Taj Rossi Series Final, $150,000, 1600m
Rubisaki (Rubick) is a progressive filly who posted consecutive wins last month at Seymour and on this course over 1400 metres.
In her latest appearance, the Patrick Payne-trained youngster hit the line strongly enough to suggest that she will have no trouble mastering a mile and she is proven on soft going.
Desert Dreamer (Dream Ahead {USA}) led all the way to win easily last time out when at short odds and a repeat effort will see him competitive while Pancho (Dissident) was fifth from the outside gate behind Rubisaki when they last met and he’s drawn much closer for their re-match.
Moonlight Maid (Puissance de Lune {Ire}) coped well with a heavy track to win on debut and looks a player again. Lindsay Park has three runners - Cassius (Sebring) is already a winner over 1600 metres, Pontivy (NZ) (Tavistock {NZ}) was impressive last time out and Edinburgh (Sebring) has made a bright start with successive seconds.
Blade a sharp chance
Flemington Listed All Victorian Sprint Series Final, $160,000, 1200m
Holy Blade (I Am Invincible) has a good strike rate with six wins and five placings from 19 appearances and has performed well in both starts to open his current campaign.
He was placed when resuming at Caulfield and was then a last-start third on this track so there’s a sense of timing about the Peter and Paul Snowden-trained representative.
Milwaukee (Fastnet Rock) beat Holy Blade at their last meeting and while he is worse off in the weights, his chances can’t be ignored. Neither can those of the genuine Western Australian sprinter Malibu Style (Magnus).
Crown Fontein (Turffontein) is racing well and is coming back to a distance he has twice been successful over while Halvorsen (Magnus) made good ground for fifth in the Listed Creswick S., but might need luck again after drawing another wide barrier.
Romancer in top form
Flemington Listed VRC-CRV Winter Championship Final, $160,000, 1600m
Romancer (NZ) (Redwood {GB}) won in fine style at his most recent appearance for trainer Grahame Begg and while this is a sterner test, he’s at the top of his game and is on the minimum.
Mr Marathon Man (GB) (So You Think {NZ}) got home strongly to beat Waging War (Rebel Raider) at Ladbrokes Park and both rate highly again.
The former’s stablemate Radipole (Ire) (Rock Of Gibraltar {Ire}) finished fourth at Flemington off the back of a six month break and with natural improvement could be one for a longer price.
Royal Order (Commands) has fashioned a tidy record, which was furthered by his resuming success at Bendigo and is another who should be all the better for the outing.
Attractive prospect
Belmont Listed Aquanita S., $100,000, 2000m
True Attraction (More Than Ready) is the horse to beat here following his strong run of form for trainers Grant and Alana Williams.
He was a winner on the course two runs back before he overcame the outside barrier to finish runner-up in the Listed Belmont Guineas and should appreciate the step up in trip.
Play Hard (My Admiration) gives the stable strong back-up in what is a modest line-up while Luke’s Choice (Galah) is genuine and his placed form in the lower grades strongly suggests he’s a player for the multiples.
No mystery filly
Belmont Listed Belmont Oaks, $100,000, 2000m
Mystery Miss (Animal Kingdom {USA}) gives the Williams training combination another outstanding chance of further black type success.
She rolled True Attraction in the Guineas and in her current touch it’s hard to not see her adding this to her record.
One Point Lady (Demerit) has won three of her last five starts and moving up to 2000 metres looks to be in her favour. Cockatiel (Galah) and Forgotten Star (Star Witness) have both been racing well enough to see them rate as place prospects.
