The Spring racing carnival in Melbourne wraps up on Saturday with the Zipping Classic raceday at Betfair Park on the hillside circuit. Americain, who ran a luckless fourth in the Emirates Melbourne Cup, is the $1.45 favourite to take care of his four rivals in the 2400m race named after one of the all time great warriors of racing.
The support card to the $350,000 Group Two is very good, with the Sandown Guineas (1600m), Eclipse Stakes (1800m) and Kevin Heffernan Stakes (1300m) expected to be very competitive races.
Race One: Written Tycoon Champion Sire Stakes 1000m
Back Me: Vital trialled really nicely at Cranbourne recently and will prove hard to beat.
Don’t Back Me: Lamingtons has the race experience, but she needs to lead and lead comfortably in order to beat these.
Big Danger: Andre Roo Hoo looked all at sea down the straight on Oaks day yet ran well for second. Looks suited here and should be considered a serious threat.
Roughie: Timely Truce is on debut and was under riding when finishing third behind Differing Fortunes and Andre Roo Hoo in a trial. Drawn well, a definite e/w contender.
Race Two: Twlight Glow Stakes 1400m
Back Me: Ever The Same races like a filly that needs a strong, aggressive rider and she gets that in Froggy Newitt. Step up to 1400m is perfect and she has upside.
Don’t Back Me: Combat Kitty did win well last start, but she meets the two placegetters poorly at the weights here and has to be a risk.
Big Danger: Anise was run off her legs early behind Combat Kitty and her last 200m was excellent so expect the 1400m to be ideal for her.
Roughie: You Can Dance was ultra impressive last Saturday at Geelong and the time was slick. She’ll get the soft run of the speed and could surprise.
Race Three: Sandown Cup 3200m
Back Me: The likelihood of a wet track gives me a bit of confidence that Debecca might run a cheeky race here. Great effort last start after doing all the work from the 800m and from the barrier she will do no work.
Don’t Back Me: Norsqui will stay all day but he has to jump 3kg in weight and has to step up in class.
Big Danger: Jumpin Jack Cash was ridden beautifully my Payne to win at the Valley over 3000m and this gelding does have fresh legs.
Roughie: Forgive and forget Crafty Cruiser as he was three deep no cover for the entire race. Drawn better, should lead and give some cheek.
Race Four: Tmb Printing Kevin Heffernan Stakes 1300m
Back Me: I know he has to step up in class, but gee Cash Bound look awesome when trouncing his rivals first up at Bendigo. With the light weight, expect a big run.
Don’t Back Me: Masthead is a good horse, but he is a costly one for punters. He’ll have his work cut out from the barrier.
Big Danger: Parables was most unlucky behind Facile Tigre down the straight on Cup day and looks well poised here to win her first race since March.
Roughie: Huxssen has had his injury problems but at his best, he is a very good horse. Didn’t mind his run first up and with the patient Nick Hall riding this horse, he looks the big overs in betting.
Race Five: Alannah & Madeline Foundation Stakes 1500m
Back Me: Back Under The Eiffel, watch him win, get in the queue. He is a star who should beat this with ease provided the rain doesn’t hit too hard.
Don’t Back Me: I would have considered Launay a threat, but his effort last start was a touch disappointing and he rises 2.5kg in weight.
Big Danger: If the rain arrives, then Jungle Ruler looks a solid e/w chance. Should lead comfortably and he does look well weighted.
Roughie: Largo Lad got too far back behind Woorim at Flemington. Drop in class and some rain about will help his cause.
Race Six: Zipping Classic 2400m
Back Me: Americain looks hard to beat, but he is short, so I’m going with the youngster Lamasery. Fab win at Flemington and he has a lightning turn of foot when saved up.
Don’t Back Me: Mourayan has really found his best form of late, but the hiccup before the Melbourne Cup and that question mark over him is a concern.
Big Danger: Obviously Americain. Arguably should have won the Melbourne Cup but he gets his chance for some compensation here.
Roughie: Manighar is always around the money in the good races and did place in this event last year.
Race Seven: Betfair Sandown Guineas 1600m
Back Me: An error in judgement from Beadman cost Mahisara last week. Rodd will make sure this horse gets every chance.
Don’t Back Me: The warning signs were there for Galah that he might be looking for the paddock after struggling to beat a weak field.
Big Danger: Grand Brittania was courageous in the greys race on Oaks day after covering ground with no cover. Bowman will ease back from the gate and look to charge late.
Roughie: There was nothing wrong with Saint Etienne and his effort behind Galah. He’ll roll forward from the good barrier and prove hard to beat.
Race Eight: Betfair Eclipse Stakes 1800m
Back Me: Ulundi bumped into a smart one on Oaks day in Fawkner. Drawn the paint, he’ll do no work and be very strong at the end.
Don’t Back Me: Erewhon was very disappointing last Saturday yet has opened as favourite. Rather watch him then back him.
Big Danger: This is the easiest race Ginga Dude has contested since his win on Manikato Stakes night. He’ll lead and left alone, he can certainly beat these.
Roughie: Folding Gear was excellent when resuming at Bendigo although he was very green late. His lone second up run resulted in a fourth to the handy Dusty Star. Blowout hope.
Race Nine: Le Pine Funerals Summond Stakes (1500m)
Back Me: Yavanna, on the fresh side, looks hard to beat. Drop back to 1500m suits and the bigger surroundings here should see her charge late.
Don’t Back Me: Hi Belle is racing in great heart of late, but she has had five tough runs this time in and she might be at the end of her prep.
Big Danger: Divorces was on the worst part of the track when finishing a close up third behind Sophie’s Spirit. She has plenty of weight but class will carry her a long way.
Roughie: Sussuro had little to no luck in the race mentioned above. Drawn wide which suits. Hall will ease back, look to get the trail behind Divorces and try to out gun her.
Written by Adam Page
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