All eyes will be on Flemington Racecourse this Saturday for the Australian Cup and Newmarket Handicap. The 2000m Australian Cup is a Group thoroughbred race for horses three years old and over with $1.5 million prize-money up for grabs. Whilst the Newmarket Handicap is a 1200m open handicap sprint with a purse of $1.25 million. Justhorseracing.com.au sat down with Palmerbet CEO and racing expert, Grant Palmer to get his view on another big Saturday of racing.
The Australian Cup looks an open race on Saturday, who do you like and why?
It is a very open race this year, several good chances. But it’s hard to look past the tough galloper Stratum Star. He comes into the race having won 3 straight, his latest victory the Group 2 Peter Young Stakes – where he beat 9 of the horses he will face in The Australian Cup including the two favourites. Darren Weir just knows how to get him up for the big races.
Will clear favourite Spieth take out The Newmarket Handicap?
No, we are keen to take him on as we believe he is a horse that needs space to get into his stride and the 1 gate will be a hindrance. The 3yr olds Star Turn & Extreme Choice look the horses to beat – if Bossy lets Star Turn run instead of cuddling him then he will be awfully hard to run down.
Turning to Rosehill, who do you like for the Coolmore Classic?
Pre-barrier draw we had marked Omei Sword extremely short and whilst she is still the horse to beat we have to take her on from the outside gate. Dixie Blossoms who will push forward and make her own luck looks a knock-out chance.
What is your best value bet for Saturday and why?
Like the value of Undoubtable Miss in race 4 at Flemington. Has been without luck against quality fields in her 2 starts this campaign, but should have the race run perfectly to suit and is great value at double digit quote.
Who are the punters all over on Saturday?
Extreme Choice in the Newmarket. We took plenty pre-post, and they have kept coming for him after Flying Artie was ruled out and Spieth drew unfavourably.
