Welcome to Weekend Winners, your one-stop tipping sheet for Saturday's big meetings.
MAKYBE DIVA STAKES TIP – JON SNOW (Flemington - Race 7 No. 8) – We couldn’t get away from Hartnell in the race if we are going to be serious so we’ve decided to play the ‘FAVOURITE OUT’ markets. This Kiwi galloper will enjoy the step up to 1600m and didn’t lose any fans with his return in the Memsie Stakes and he’s sure to prefer Flemington over Caulfield. The Group I Australian Derby winner is a genuine Cups contender and already being a winner second-up, he can make his presence felt here.
STAR BET – REDZEL (Randwick - Race 7 No. 2) – Top class sprinter that can strike another blow enroute to The Everest after he secured a start in the $10 million weight-for-age sprint earlier this week. His first-up win indicated he’s come back a better horse again this preparation and back to weight-for-age conditions on Saturday, we suspect he’ll be off and gone by the time horses like English and Chautauqua are hitting top gear. He’s the horse we think is Saturday’s banker, outside of Winx and Hartnell.
VALUE TIP – VIRIDINE (Randwick – Race 3 No. 2) – He’s been a good horse to Weekend Winners with us being on in both of his wins. Resumes in a strong race on Saturday but he’s a good horse and because there’s depth in the race, he’s good odds. His two trials leading up to this campaign were as good as his trials prior to his debut and he’s drawn to get the soft run behind the leaders. He’s eased in early betting with support coming for his stablemates Malahat and Marsupial and now at each-way odds is worth the gamble.
SHOW US THE MONEY TIP – VIOLATE (Flemington – Race 3 No.15) - Connections of this galloper feel they are due some good luck and some cash after they copped a dud deal in the Group III Gunsynd Classic at Eagle Farm earlier this year. The jockey aboard the winner Dreams Aplenty threw the whip rules out the window in the straight, yet Violate had to make do with second place despite a threat of legal action at one stage. What comes around goes around in life, and the racing gods are due to smile kindly on this guy at Flemington. Was slow out last time and rushed home, will be much better suited here at the 1400m and dropping dramatically in weight.
FRAME THE TICKET BET - TOM MELBOURNE (Randwick – Race 4 No.3) - We reckon everyone should have a buck on good ol’ Tommy in Sydney tomorrow cos who wouldn’t want to say they backed him when he finally wins. Tommy has been coulda, woulda, shoulda gunna win for ages now but surely it’s time and the Chris Waller magic will kick in. Trialled impressively and was probably the unluckiest horse in Australia first-up and then was brave last start. It’s Tommy’s time.
WORLD WAR III TIP - TAKING AIM (Flemington - Race 5 No.4) - Let's hope it doesn't come to this but Kim Jong-un has an increasingly itchy trigger finger. We reckon the name of this colt covers off some crazy North Korean antics, including firing off a missile at Japan on Friday. Reckon this Snowden colt might run a race here given he had excuses fresh and held his ground last time behind Pariah. Won’t be found in betting given there are some pretty smart ones in this, but Flemington should suit and can give plenty of cheek.
AUSSIE, AUSSIE, AUSSIE TIP – CHARLEVOIX (Flemington – Race 8 No.10) - In a race full of former imports and overseas-bred stayers, local yokel Charlevoix gives us a patriotic bet. It’s fair to say Craig Williams hasn’t exactly enjoyed the best association with this stayer, so Regan Bayliss gets a go. Charlevoix won at Flemington four starts ago and must have crossed paths with a black cat in the meantime. Can bob up at good odds here.