The first of the majors at Randwick this Saturday is the Flight Stakes (1600m), where Apocalyptic dominates the market.
Down below is a speed map, runner preview and $100 betting strategy for the 2025 Flight Stakes.
2025 Flight Stakes Runner Preview:
1. Apocalyptic: Apocalyptic is the obvious but does seem well found. Just got there to win the Furious first up before going to the Tea Rose when wide throughout but the mid race anchor drop helped her cause and her turn of foot once balanced up was impressive. 1600m seemingly no issue and is hard to beat.
2. Artistic Venture: From a price perspective, I want to be with Artistic Venture. She was a few weeks between runs when contesting the Tea Rose and yes, she had the back of Apocalyptic, she kept chasing and was good in defeat. Like her up to the mile, she’ll be strong late…she’s the each way play.
3. Tupakara: Still a maiden. She tried hard in the Tea Rose but was safely held by Apocalyptic and can’t see her turning the tables.
4. Within The Law: Talented but I’ve had enough of her and even though she draws much better this time around, she seems way too short in betting.
5. Queen Of Clubs: She’s very dangerous. Just got too far back in the Tea Rose but really liked the way she closed off. Maps to settle much closer and she’ll eat up the mile.
6. Karinska: Didn’t mind her effort in the Tea Rose when off speed and made up headway late without threatening. If she can use the gate and settle closer, she’s a first four threat.
7. Next Jen: SCR
8. Enviable: Enviable is a very good filly, I am convinced of that. She was stiff not to be in the finish in the Tea Rose. She looked to be bolting but got badly held up in behind and it ended up being an ugly watch. If the breaks go her way, she can win without shocking me.
9. Reflect: Gives the vibe of appreciating 1600m. Tough on speed win over 1500m at Kembla last time, fending off her rivals. Lands on speed, tough, off a win…wider multiples threat.
10. Magenta Skies: Magenta Skies looks a good filly on the up for Michael Freedman. Not sure she beat a great deal on Newcastle Cup Day but the manner in which she put them away was very impressive. Keen to see her at the mile, even though I reckon 2000m+ will be her go.
11. Lighthouse Lass: Nice filly but she’s not up to these.
2025 Flight Stakes $100 Betting Strategy:
$20 Win/$80 Place Artistic Venture Tote/SP
Group l Strategy Outlay: $800
Group l Strategy Return: $605
2025 Flight Stakes Field
| No | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Barrier | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | APOCALYPTIC | Michael Freedman | Tommy Berry | 7 | 56kg |
| 2 | ARTISTIC VENTURE | John O’Shea & Tom Charlton | Dylan Gibbons | 1 | 56kg |
| 3 | TUPAKARA | Annabel & Rob Archibald | Ethan Brown | 11 | 56kg |
| 4 | WITHIN THE LAW | Bjorn Baker | Jason Collett | 2 | 56kg |
| 5 | QUEEN OF CLUBS | Gary Portelli | Nash Rawiller | 4 | 56kg |
| 6 | KARINSKA | Chris Waller | Zac Lloyd | 5 | 56kg |
| 8 | ENVIABLE | Chris Waller | Kerrin McEvoy | 10 | 56kg |
| 9 | REFLECT | Joseph Pride | Adam Hyeronimus | 8 | 56kg |
| 10 | MAGENTA SKIES (GB) | Michael Freedman | Tim Clark | 6 | 56kg |
| 11 | LIGHTHOUSE LASS | John Ramsey | Reece Jones | 3 | 56kg |
Flight Stakes Odds
2025 Flight Stakes Speed Map
Drawn wide, I reckon they’ll give Tupakara a dig in the rubs to slide cross and potentially lead. Reflect will settle handy as well. Within The Law has drawn well and can settle handy, as can Artistic Venture.
