Saturday best bets from Luke & Taggart (01/08)

By SENTrack

Cam Luke & David Taggart have your Saturday sorted on Trackside.

The lads have taken a close look at Flemington & Rosehill in a bid to find the family some winners.

See their best bets below:👇

Cam Luke

FLEMINGTON

Race 2 | 7. Almontego (each-way)

Was good on debut in a race that seems a little tougher than this. Got checked when about to flatten out and still hit the line pretty well. I like that in a horse who was debuting. This is an open race with many a chance but with the race day experience, I also doubt a GT slows him and the fact he handled the straight I think this bloke is over the odds and genuine place or Top 4 bet.

Race 3 | 5. See That Storm (best)

Forget the 2 Aust runs on the HT, back onto Good is where this bloke excels. Up to 2000 is also a big tick as is 3rd up. He was warming up really late last start over the mile, so the trip today is lovely. He will again enjoy Flemington and from a better gate will be more prominent than last start. I think he has a bunch of talent and in a race like this, if the weather gods smile upon him and the track stays Good, we will see a different horse than the first 2 starts. Best of the Day in Melbourne.

Race 5 | 8. Stage 'n' Screen (each-way)

Actually didn’t mind her run last start over the 1200 where she was strong through the line. Gets up in trip and drawn to have a lovely speed map. She always runs well at 7 furlongs and LB rides her very well and the claim sees her well weighted. Has won 3rd up before and the good track is a big positive for her today. Open race but she has a lot of favours for her and is way over the odds and a great each way play!

Race 7 | 1. War Machine

He is the best horse in the race and we can forget the Autumn, excuses galore in those 2 runs. He handles weight fine and won down the straight fresh before. He does goes well fresh and the GT is the preferred surface for him. He is the best horse in the race. My only concern is the inside gate as it rarely plays best deep rail.

Race 8 | 2. Rise At Dawn

Little tricky gate but scratchings help a little bit with that. I thought he was pretty good 1st up and will strip fitter. His 2nd up form is good enough for this and he should be able to cruise forward and be prominent with Sass Appeal in the run. Stays at the 1400 which I think works and GT is no concern. He never runs a bad race and I doubt he will today. Will be in the finish for sure and might out tough SA in her first crack at open grade. Craig interesting (I wonder if he goes forward with blinkers on from that gate, can't win though but nice horse in the past and will only improve here).

ROSEHILL

Race 4 | 2. Crown The King (each-way / top 4)

Coming back from a long break but was competitive in better races last prep. Was placed in a G3 and chased home Ninja in another. Has been asked a little bit in the 2 trials and GT won't be an issue. Will allow the speed to settle and he can watch it with cover. 1200 works 1st up and if he has come back well, he will run a nice race and only improve.

Race 5 | 10. Horizons

On the 7 day back up. I backed her last week and she had to work harder than I thought and it told late. Mind you she got beat by a horse who has a bunch of talent. Today from that gate she will again be prominent. I like her having her 1st crack at the 2000. Should be able to sit and stalk or sit OSL Mo Chroi. Getting onto a firmer deck is no issue and she again is really well weighted. I'm not sold on the fave 1500-2000 but he has talent, but I think fitness late will be the difference so I am backing this girl again.

Race 9 | 2. Fire Star

Had no luck at Grafton when posted wide last start and was still good. This is easier, and a little longer with a much better gate. The speed is interesting, Aberlour should go forward from that wide gate but FS should be able to cross fairly easily without major speed underneath him. He speeds map perfectly. GT is a win and he does have to carry a little more weight, but he has been on the back of Yellow Brick ect this prep. I expect him to be in this race for a long, long time.

David Taggart

FLEMINGTON

Race 7 | 1. War Machine (best)

Won the G2 Gilgai over this course first up last prep then never disgraced himself in the Everest. Is ready to go off his trials and he should be winning this.

ROSEHILL

Race 6 | 3. Enviable (best)

Made a mess of a maiden field first up and she will only improve from that. Never disgraced herself against the top fillies last spring and this is a race she should be winning.

Race 9 | 2. Fire Star (value)

Hasn’t been further than 2 off the winners all prep in harder races to this as he drops in grade. Draws well and he should get the perfect run throughout just off the leaders. He’s a great EW play.