3 minute read

It's the biggest day of the summer/autumn carnival in Melbourne and we have cracking heats of both the Australian Cup and the Newmarket Handicap ahead of us.

The Newmarket is headlined by the three-year-olds with the first three home in the Coolmore - Exceedance, Bivouac and Libertini - all lining up for a rematch with Manikato winner Loving Gaby added for good measure. 

It's a terrific heat and a great betting contest but while Exceedance might be a bit big in the early markets it's another Hawkes runner that gets the nod as our bet of the day. 

That horse is Spend, third up in the shades and out to 1400m against eight that are first up and most that are going to be better over further.  

He was plain first up in testing conditions but ran well in a sit and sprint last time and now gets his chance to deliver on a debut rating that said he was going to prove well up to winning at this level. 

Early prices make him a 3-1 shot (or even a bit better than that) and with plenty in his favour that looks a generous quote. We'll be backing him to catch a few of these on the hop. 

For an each way play we roll on to the seventh on the card, the Kewney, where Godolphin's Tenley appeals as an each way bet. 

Tenley has been a wet track duffer in the past, so she will want the track to be on the improve after the midweek rain, but that is very likely with Flemington almost invincible these days. 

Tenley ran well fresh when being held up for a run around the Valley (after good support in betting) looked to cost her winning the Typhoon Tracy. 

It's been a frustrating 12 months since she won the Riesling on this day last year but her fresh run showed that she retains her ability and given that the $8.00+ on offer is well worth supporting. 

THE MELBOURNE MAIL 

Bet Of The Day: Race 3 #3 Spend @ $4.00

Each Way Play: Race 7 #3 Tenley @ $8.00