A $9 chance can form a key part of a winning strategy for punters at Flemington on Saturday. Get Gilbert Gardiner’s Four-Play and Quadzilla for finals day.
Self-trumpeter of the Year crowned | Season review – studs & duds | $23 value play
In the final episode of the racing season, the ‘Self-trumpeter of the Year’ is crowned. Alex and Lamby also deliver their Top 5 horses and 5 biggest flops of the season.
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FOUR-PLAY: Gilbert Gardiner’s $200 betting strategy for Flemington
RACE 4: LISTED TAJ ROSSI SERIES FINAL (1600m)
$50 win PISCES (1) at $2.60
Most experienced two-year-old in the race, won two of seven starts and placed on four occasions, which should bode well rising to 1600m for the first time. Last start second behind SNEAKY SUNRISE (2) and would be surprised if the pair don’t fight out the finish again. Only half a kilogram separates Pisces and Sneaky Sunrise on Saturday compared to 3.5kg last start when less than half a length decided the race.
RACE 6: MAHOGANY CHALLENGE FINAL (2500m)
$25 each-way ELIUD (2) at $4.60
Drew wide and forced to settle behind the speed last start, then held up at a crucial stage at Flemington. The race was over by the time the Kiwi raider saw any clear air. First time beyond 2000m, like most of these, but bred to handle the trip. Drawn closer to the rail on Saturday, barrier five, and could be able to jump, lead and dictate the race under champion jockey Blake Shinn. Respect AZTEC STATE (1), he could not have been more impressive last start.
RACE 7: LISTED SANTA ANA SPRINT SERIES FINAL (1200m)
$25 each-way WHO DARES (4) at $9/2.70
A month between runs last start and finished a creditable sixth – beaten two lengths – as favourite or close to with most bookmarkers. Far too good a price on offer not to take advantage here. Two starts back Who Dares won the Listed Straight Six – track and distance – at Flemington where he defeated Nicolini Vito, who franked the form thereafter. Should be better for the 1100m pipe-opener a fortnight ago and conditions to suit.
RACE 8: LISTED WINTER CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES FINAL (1600m)
$25 each-way FLASH FLOOD (8) at $12/$3.60
FLASH FLOOD (8) to cause a minor upset? Last start fifth in the Swan Hill Cup 2.4 lengths behind MUNHAMEK (1) and placed third first-up at Warrnambool on a tough day to make any ground from back in the field. Drawn the pole on Saturday to settle just behind the speed and with a relatively light weight 54kg – 6.5kg less than Munhamek – could take some running past. First go at Flemington but has won seven of 24 starts and placed nine times. Form suggests the Ciaron Maher galloper should be in the money somewhere.
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QUADZILLA
LEG 1, RACE 6
ELIUD (2) settled behind the speed last start at Flemington and held up, tightened for room in the straight. Could Blake Shinn roll forward on the Kiwi import and dictate the race on Saturday? AZTEC STATE (1) could not have been more impressive in the same race last start. Lindsay Park is excited to finally get the emerging stayer out to 2500m, so respect the stable confidence. STEEL RUN (4) has a big finish and should be suited up in distance.
1ST LEG 1, 2, 4
LEG 2, RACE 7
PRESS DOWN (7) is shooting for a hat-trick after dominant wins at Murray Bridge and Swan Hill. The South Australian raider placed third down the Flemington straight last year so track and distance no problem. WHY WORRY (13) an interesting runner third-up on a seven-day back-up. First look at the straight too. WHO DARES (4) down in weight and up to preferred 1200m. Won the Listed Straight Six track and distance two starts back. Don’t overlook. IT’SOURTIME (2) runner-up in the race last year, could he go one better 12 months on?
2ND LEG 2, 4, 7, 13
LEG 3, RACE 8
FLASH FLOOD (8) is ready to peak third-up. Drawn to be prominent from barrier one and has won third-up previously. Placed third behind Tuvalu first-up at Warrnambool and fifth behind favourite MUNHAMEK (1) last start in the Swan Hill Cup (1600m), beaten 2.4 lengths. Meets Munhamek 1kg better this time, 6.5kg separated the pair last start compared to 5.5kg. POUNDING (4) not to be overlooked either, hard fit and back on top of the ground. Include GREEN FLY (10) among the better chances.
3RD LEG 1, 4, 8, 10
LEG 4, RACE 9
PHARARI (12) has been too good and too fast the past two starts to win by a combined 13.8 lengths. Up in class and first look at the Flemington straight but nothing the American Pharoah filly cannot handle. FLEETWOOD (2) a most talked about third-placed runner last Saturday, blew the start and charged into third. APPARATUS (7) caught the eye late last start at Flemington behind The Black Cloud. Only lightly raced and open to improvement.
FOURTH LEG 2, 7, 12
FLEMINGTON QUADDIE
Race 6: 1, 2, 4
Race 7: 2, 4, 7, 13
Race 8: 1, 4, 8, 10
Race 9: 2, 7, 12
COST $100 FOR 69%
SKINNY QUADDIE
Start with AZTEC STATE (1) and ELIUD (2). In the second leg take WHO DARES (4), PRESS DOWN (7) and WHY WORRY (13). Then in the third leg take MUNHAMEK (1), POUNDING (4) and FLASH FLOOD (8). Come home with FLEETWOOD (2) and PHARARI (12).
FLEMINGTON SKINNY QUADDIE
Race 6: 1, 2
Race 7: 4, 7, 13
Race 8: 1, 4, 8
Race 9: 2, 12
COST $100 FOR 277%