One of the time honoured G1 races on the calendar is the Newmarket Handicap (1200m) at Flemington and the 2025 edition this Saturday looks an intriguing one.
Down below is a speed map, runner preview and $100 betting strategy for the 2025 Newmarket Handicap.
2025 Newmarket Handicap Runner Preview:
1. Benedetta: Ripping mare who does seem harshly treated at the weights but she loves the straight and her Lightning run was very good in defeat I thought. Recent meetings, drawing inside down the straight hasn’t been too bad so she commands respect.
2. Maharba: Beggy has his stable absolutely humming. I will say though, that Rubiton form looks completely crap. But, he was first up and paraded with improvement. Trial since has been good and go back to the Winterbottom, he was most unlucky behind Overpass.
3. Arkansaw Kid: Likes the straight course and will land near the front…just not sold on him and his jumpout work.
4. Buenos Noches: If in doubt, try and improve with C Maher or C Waller. Maher for this guy and yes, he has trialled well, but he’s always been like that. Not for me.
5. Joliestar: She has to be respected given she is the best horse in the race. If you knew for certain she would bring her best, you’d take $1.10. But, the first up run, despite the ride, was plain and she hasn’t really ticked the box at this level. But to be fair, this isn’t really a deep Group l.
6. Rey Magnerio: He’s so damn genuine. But gee he seems on the short side. Had every chance in the Oakleigh Plate and I’d say was lucky to place. He can win without me.
7. Growing Empire: Growing Empire has to be given another chance. He paraded like a skunk, he was big in condition…just everything went wrong for him in the Lightning so while on face value he was plain, I am going to be forgiving. But, I will say this is D Day for him. Contender or pretender. I am convinced he is top class but has the Spring busted him? We’ll know for sure one way or the other after this race.
8. Ostraka: Ostraka is a big improver up to 1200m I say. He resumed two weeks back in the Oakleigh Plate where he was dragged to near last from the wide gate and pretty much went around like it was a barrier trial behind Jimmysstar. I think a straight run will be ideal for him and he can launch late.
9. Stretan Angel: Loved the way she closed off in the Lightning, hailed as the winner for a few strides but was nabbed late by Skybird. Been set for the race, in well at the weights…she is clearly one of the key threats.
10. It’sourtime: Straight track specialist but is better suited at Listed/Group lll level.
11. Sghirripa: I was keen on him in the Oakleigh Plate but seemed to have his chance and was just fair late in the piece. I do think he likes being clear, outside horses, so he gets that here, and he did trial like a rocket prior. I think he’s an improver.
12. Headwall: Bludged in the Oakleigh Plate and dashed late when clear to run fourth. On paper, I’d say no, but this race could come down to late speed, and he has that. Not penning him.
13. Suparazi: Not up to these.
14. Espionage: I think the value here is clearly with Espionage. I thought he was massive in the Oakleigh Plate given he was four/five wide the trip yet he kept surging to the line. He is very well in at the weights, he had jumped out well down the straight, he’ll land near the front and 1200m looks ideal.
15. Gatsby’s: I thought he was disappointing in the Eskimo Prince. He has run well down the straight before but the end of 1200m is a bug query so I’m taking him on.
2025 Newmarket Handicap $100 Betting Strategy:
$10 E/W on Benedetta, Maharba, Growing Empire, Ostraka and Espionage.
Group l Strategy Outlay: $4000
Group l Strategy Return: $2251
2025 Newmarket Handicap Speed Map
I’d love to see them ride Growing Empire with a sit…but who else will take it up? Ostraka maybe? Espionage and Arkanaw Kid can settle handy but this looks a Newmarket where they could walk.
