Friday Night Australian Racing – June 27th

My favorite Australian track, by far, is Flemington. The track it is probably closest to in North America would be Woodbine’s grass course, which I also like. Both tracks run their the large majority of their grass races around one turn and they have very long stretches – making it fair for all running styles.

Flemington (Race 1C) – 10:35 PM EDT – expected track condition = “good”

Distance = 7 furlongs, 2 years (colts, geldings and fillies)

This race is definitely a bettor’s race, with 16 horses entered. I like my top 5 horses in here but I will probably switch the order a bit if I get very good value on one of my lower picks.

Picks (in order of preference) 3,5,6,7,10

#3 What a Hoot is lightly raced and gets Michael Rodd to ride. Trainer Leo Corstens is top notch, and having only raced once this horse has every right to improve on his initial speed figure.

#5 Profit Share might be coming out of a very strong maiden race, beating #7 Allergic and #10 Skellig, who I believe are possible winners in this race. Trainer Dennis Weir is a magician with these horses shipping to Melbourne off “provincial” wins, and deserves a lot of respect.

#6 Crafty’s last race was very strange, coasting in 41 seconds in the first three furlongs and then blasting her opponents coming home in 33 and 2/5ths!! Her other two races aren’t nearly as dynamic but her speed figures are competitive and Robert Smerdon’s runners can never be discounted, especially when they are not favored.

#7 Allergic and #10 Skellig are very well bred animals that may improve going 7 furlongs. Throw them in your trifectas and supers if the price is right.