Horse Racing » Flemington Jan 1 Selections and Comments by Peter Ellis

Flemington Jan 1 Selections and Comments by Peter Ellis

Heavenly Emperor. Image: Racing Photos, Ross Holburt.

Race 1

  1. Marchena [7]
  2. Bombay Rocket [4]
  3. Who Runs The World [12]
  4. Stormborn [11]

 

Race 2

  1. Rocking Eagle 5]
  2. The Closer [6]
  3. Divine Mr Tycoon [3]
  4. Zoumanor [8]

Rocking Eagle has more scope than any of these winning two of four and was decidedly unlucky at Bendigo. Nailed Equaletta is last stride Valley 1200m and that form has since been franked.

The Closer lost form after finishing close-up in Gr.2 Kewney this course 10 months ago but first-up 2nd Valley 1200m was encouraging.

Divine Mr Tycoon is going much better than latest efforts would suggest and is sure to relish weight relief.

Zoumanor has improved this campaign scoring first-up Traralgon 1100m before close thirds at the Valley and Cranbourne. Take catching.

Luca Bratzi [2] kicked off career with some handy efforts in Victoria before moving to Tasmania, winning two of three this season.

 

Race 3

  1. Yulong January [3]
  2. Firsthand [2]
  3. Twitchy Frank [4]
  4. Morvada [5]

Yulong January is now confirming his early potential winning his past three [x1400m] all in front when n controlling the tempo.

Firsthand was competitive against some quality gallopers last season and did work home nicely when resuming behind in-form Signore Fox Randwick listed 1200m.

Twitchy Frank hasn’t put a foot wrong since moving to Tasmania early last year placing in past seven starts winning Gr. 3 1400m. Collared late 3rd Launceston listed 1400m Dec 18.

Morvada had some issues after an excellent 3yo season but is back on track outpacing his rivals in past two Morphettville Parks 1400m while Mamzelle Tess [6] usually pulls out a big run at Flemington and does add value to exotics.

 

Race 4

  1. Bold Star [7]
  2. Halvorsen [4]
  3. Snitzkraft 2]
  4. Superhard 6]

Bold Star boasts an outstanding record in Adelaide and has transferred that form to Victoria winning first-up Valley 955m before explosive victory Flemington 1000m.

Halvorsen hit a purple patch of form last summer and appears even stronger this prep winning back-to-back 1100m this course. Inside barrier a negative.

Snitzkraft has been sparingly raced since chasing home Viddora Magic Millions Sprint two years ago but was solid beating stablemate More Than Exceed Pakenham 1200m.

Superhard worked home nicely when returning behind William Thomas Ballarat 1200m then ridden “too close” 4th Halvorsen 1100m this course Dec 14. Obvious target.

Smart Coupe [5] can mix her form but usually pulls out a big run on her home course including last year when 2nd [30/1] Whispering Brook.

 

Race 5

  1. Bowing [3]
  2. Dogmatic [1]
  3. Approach Discreet [2]
  4. Censored [10]

Bowing, progressive 4yo appreciated the step to 1600m and spacious Bendigo circuit when successful in C1 then set an impossible task 4th [10/9F] Valley 1600m.

Dogmatic has drawn awkwardly but hasn’t missed a beat since transferring to Cranbourne. Should have beaten Living The Dream when resuming over 1720m here 18 days ago.

Approach Discreet was spelled after one start last campaign but has hit the line nicely in two starts this time in. Drawn to get a cosy run.

Censored failed to produce on soft ground in first campaign but has powered home in two starts this campaign suggesting the 1800m will suit.

Chaska, [4] staying bred gelding much too good for maidens on resumption Hamilton 1400m before again cruising through his gears Bendigo 1600m.

Ignored [5] won three [1400m-1600m] of nine when trained in NZ and did pick up late ground on local debut Valley 1600m. Keep safe.

 

Race 6

  1. Rapidora [12]
  2. Soaring Eagle [13]
  3. Goldifox [14]
  4. Regal Riffle [15]

Rapidora hit the line strongly when finally in clear 6th in-form Neighbourhood Lakeside 1200m before peaking under 60kg 3rd Hillside 1400m. This looks her race.

Soaring Eagle has never gone better powering home Valley 1200m and Hillside 1300m before just failing to overhaul Parlay Princess Caulfield 1440m.

Goldifox showed enormous potential last season and is sure to appreciate the Flemington 1400m after resuming Valley 1200m. Check betting.

Regal Riffle acquitted herself well in all four starts showing the benefit of Sandown hit-out when a runaway winner Geelong 1400m. Drawn to lead or sit top-three.

Parlay Princess [7] has been favoured by on-pace bias in both her win this campaign and will find this much tougher.

 

Race 7

  1. Secret Blaze [3]
  2. Wall Of Fire [5]
  3. High Bridge [6]
  4. Etah James [4]

 

Secret Blaze looked a stayer of the future winning listed Galilee at Caulfield last April and since confirmed that potential with three wins and two places in five starts this prep.

Wall Of Fire has been carefully placed since 16th [10/1] 2017 Melbourne Cup but past two dry track runs have been excellent – 4th Herbert Power and 2nd Sandown Cup.

High Bridge was successful in first two Australian starts but has been winless in 16 months since. However he did hit the line with intent recent 2nd Randwick listed 2400m.

Etah James lost her way after a failed trip to New Zealand last April but was dominant in Pakenham Cup following a luckless 4th Azuro Sandown Cup.

Azuro [1] has built a reputation as a “two miler” since arriving from France with his three wins [12 starts] in the past 12 months – 3200m handicaps. Weighted to best.

 

 

 

Race 8

  1. Heavenly Emperor [4]
  2. Manhattan Arch [19]
  3. Analytica [9]
  4. Eureka Street [1]

 

Heavenly Emperor has created a good impression since transferring from NZ winning three of seven including this course/distance when charged home final 200m.

Manhattan Arch showed promise before extended break and appears as good as ever placing at Bendigo and the Valley before clear-cut victory 1400m this course.

Analytica, carefully placed 4yo ready to win following two starts from a break, closed from rear 4th Bendigo 1300m before 3rd Gawler 1500m when thwarted by a muddling speed.

Eureka Street has come back well following an injury winning Pakenham 1600m before 6th Bm80 this route when covered extra ground. Drawn wide.

Ruby Skye [15] needs the break to fall her way but is ready to fire. Raced inferior ground 8th this  route then never sighted daylight in Wodonga Cup.

Sovereign Award [13] scored over this journey at the Valley then went too freely in lead when stepping to 1700m here Dec 14.

 

 

BEST:               HEAVENLY EMPEROR

EACH-WAY:     BOWING

VALUE:             SOARING EAGLE

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