Mitchbet

Flemington hosts the first metropolitan meeting in Melbourne for the 2023/24 season and it is the Victorian punter’s first look at regular 10 race cards. It’s going to be the “new normal” down here in an attempt to drive extra turnover. However, I just can’t get my head around how in a world of 20/20 cricket, TikTok and trying to compress entertainment, race clubs think extending an already long day is a good idea. And to kick it off in the middle of winter when we’re already scraping the barrel with benchmark 70’s is lunacy! But we digress…

In a week where we’ve taken on some shorties at the midweeks, we’ve landed some handy place bets. Hopefully now the eye is well and truly focused in and we can find a few to stick their head past the winning post first. Don’t forget to follow @MitchbetAU on twitter and good luck!

Flemington best bet: Race 9 Number 5 Nicolini Vito

I’ve got plenty of respect for the favourite Berkeley Square who is first-up here but he arguably has much bigger goals on the cards. This race sets up perfectly for Nicolini Vito and the Hayes boys. He’s been extremely competitive in listed contests and after two good runs at 1200m, makes the step up to his pet trip of 1400m. Has Ollie on board and I think he’s ready to peak.

Flemington best each way: Race 7 Number 5 Zethus

Goldolphin have sent Zethus back to Melbourne for this Group 3 contest after being back and luckless at Rosehill last start. The gelding by Exceed And Excel has good form around listed/G3 level, he’s ready to peak here third up and has premiership winning jockey Blake Shinn in the saddle. You can take extra confidence that the stable elected to scratch the stablemate Ingratiating and I think this is a great each way play.

Flemington best roughie: Race 3 Number 1 Extreme Spirit

If there’s one horse that seems way over the odds to me, it’s Gary Portelli’s colt Extreme Spirit. Ran 0.95L third behind Hong Kong-bound Stellar Olympus down the Flemington straight first-up before being back and and never having a chance when the fence was red hot at Rosehill last start. The claim for Carleen Hefel brings him right into calculations and with race fitness and experience, I can’t understand why he’s been drifting since markets went up. Another solid each way play at $17/$4.20.

Selections by Mitchell Hamilton

Race 1: VRC Members Sprint 1100m 11.50pm
River Noire 8, Jean Valjean 6, Squizzy Mizzy 7, The Hass 4.

Race 2: VRC Pamela Perry Aspirant Sprint 1200m 12.20pm
In Her Stride 8, Air Defence 7, Jet Jitsu 17, Rockribbed 3.

Race 3: VRC Matthew Hodder Plate 1410m 12.55pm
*Extreme Spirit 1, Flying Concello 2, Gangitano 3, Gawnski 4.

Race 4: VRC Jennifer Lefebvre Trophy 1410m 1.30pm
Cardigan Queen 4, Queen Air 2, Cuban Link 10, Beour Bay 9.

Race 5: VRC Barbara Stephens Trophy 2530m 2.05pm
Mostly Cloudy 7, Alhambra Lad 4, Teewaters 2, Mimi’s Award 1.

Race 6: VRC Member Simon Green Plate 2000m 2.40pm
Shaiyhar 3, Parisian Dancer 16, Excelman 7, The Nephew 14.

Race 7: Aurie’s Star Handicap 1200m 3.20pm
**Zethus 5, It’sourtime 4, Cause For Concern 11, Chassis 6.

Race 8: VRC Lionel Moss Trophy 1620m 3.55pm
Presser 14, Brayden Star 3, Hennessy Lad 10, Arran Bay 2.

Race 9: VRC Dennis Foley Sprint 1410m 4.30pm
***Nicolini Vito 5, Berkeley Square 3, Poland 9, Tijuana 15.

Race 10: Jockeys Celebration Day 1100m 5.05pm
Benedetta 2, Arbitration 16, Ranting 7, Najem Suhail 3.