FRIDAY NIGHT RACING (Saturday, 1:40 AM EDT)

Australian Race 8A (Eagle Farm)

Okay….I don’t handicap many Group 1 sprint races having 18 horses in them, but I am going to give it my best shot.

Top Pick:  #18 Hucklebuck This horse cranked out good speed figures at Flemington (by FAR Australia’s top track), and then after a 7 week break he showed uncharacteristic speed in his comeback, only beaten 1.5 lengths.  Draws post 1, and there should be enough speed in this race to “stretch the field out” and allow Hucklebuck some room in the stretch.  A 4/1 quote on the Morning Line, I expect he will be higher odds at “go time.”

Second Pick:  #17 Srikandi is 7-6-1-0 in her career and has been really impressive.  The 7 furlong distance will push her limits but she is so quick she might be clear fairly early.  Glen Boss sticks with her over Rebel Dane, even though he was quoted that Srikandi should NOT be the favorite.  The punters aren’t buying it though, as she is currently the 3/1 favorite in the early betting (9/2 ML in my program).

Third Pick:  #2 Rebel Dane This horse is maddeningly inconsistent, but if/when he puts it all together he can beat anybody.  Has shown an affinity for 7 furlongs (4-2-1-0) but don’t bet the house payment on him (6/1 ML).