3 minute read
The curtain comes down on the 2021 Melbourne Cup Carnival with Stakes Day.
Unfortunately one of the nation's premier sprints, the VRC Classic, looks little more than a pageant in honour of Nature Strip. A sprint program in need of some tinkering by those who love racing more than themselves required to ensure that race fans get the best sport they can get.
But sporting is just what the Mackinnon is and a deep and interesting contest also looks like a great spot for a bet.
Annabel Neasham saddles race favourite Zaaki, who missed the Cox Plate with an unfortunately timed tempreature, but she also saddles one that ran well there in Mo'unga who appeals as a good play away from the favourite.
The margins in the Cox Plate were accentuated by the conditions and the way that the race was run. Mo'unga was well beaten on the line but the way that he moved into the race was notable. After his customary 'flat spot' he moved strongly into the race at it's hottest point before gassing out late.
Zaaki's peaks are beyond Mo'unga, but none of the others rate above him, and there must be a fair bit of doubt around Zaaki producing his best having had that setback since a plain run last time.
Each-way odds are very appealing about the 'second stringer'.
It's a good stable and so we will stick with them for our best of the day which comes in the first. Early birds and all that...
Equation gets to the mile and takes on the well-regarded Hosier who heads the early betting.
Hosier went four from four in his first Australian prep, and is a nice prospect without a doubt, but he will want to keep progressing to keep Equation at bay if that one can peak has expected/hoped.
Equation has been short of his peak in all three runs this time in but they have all said one thing - further.
It's been unfolding too quickly for him this time around but the Flemington mile can give him a chance to find his flow. The jockey is riding okay too....
THE MELBOURNE MAIL
Bet Of The Day: Race 1 #9 Equation @ $4.00
Each Way Play: Race 8 #7 Mo'unga @ $9.00
