BENCHMARK 78 HANDICAP

RACE 2 - 1600m

MOMETZ / MADIYYA / WALKING PAINTING

MOMETZ is expected to do well over the mile distance for the Moody/Coleman team, even from this awkward gate. The PIERRO gelding showed a lot of promise two weeks ago at Sandown, where it just lost to DUCHESS ZOU after getting into a bad spot at a key moment, which slowed down any rapid progress. With its current form and readiness, this race is a great chance for a win.

☆☆☆☆

MADIYYA is nearing a pivotal moment thid campaign aftet her latest performance at Flemington appeared somewhat constrained, although the Hayes-trained SUPER SETH mare did experience interference and was hampered two or three times. Now has an adequate opportunity to perform optimally, should be afforded ample space to move and is anticipated to deliver a strong finish.

☆☆☆

Willing to forgive WALKING PAINTING on the last run here as the SIYOUNI gelding was pressured forward from a wide gate and his condition gave out late after running up near the early pace. Much better the run prior when defeating SOUNDS UNUSUAL over 1550m at Randwick and fought on too well against a Waller horse who has since gone on to win at Rosehill. Good gate here and goes particularly well at this mile distance with six victories

☆☆

BENCHMARK 100 HANDICAP

RACE 7 - 2000m

ZAHRANN / SHOCKLETZ / VIRTUOUS CIRCLE

ZAHRANN made his Australian debut for Ciaron Maher here at Flemington following promising performances in recent jumpouts and he ran on nicely over the 1600m. His Stakes form in the UK was admirable and the repeated scratchings indicated a deliberate search for an optimal race to kick off on, although his presence up in trip should suit much better for a horse who knows how to stay. Expecting a bold run.

☆☆☆☆

SHOCKLETZ flashed home late in the Golden Mile at Bendigo before the race shape not suiting at Sandown and is set to improve stepping up in distance. A strong return from the Ciaron Maher-trained mare, who has shown plenty of promise in previous campaigns, so go on that run. Restrained to the rear early, Shockletz settled last in the 12-horse field and was held up from the 400m until the 150m before charging late to finish within half a length of the winner VON HAUKE. Drawn the ace, light weight, can feature.

☆☆☆

VIRTUOUS CIRCLE demonstrated a commendable performance despite the recent defeat at Sandown two weeks prior and he is just the type to cause a boilover. He maintained a strong pace on a challenging track and exhibited some resilience, ultimately delivering a noteworthy effort over 1800m at Sandown. Given his affinity for Flemington and suitability for the 2000m distance, he presents as a serious upset chance.

☆☆

BENCHMARK 84 HANDICAP

RACE 6 - 1400m

IT'S A KNOCKOUT / CAPPER THIRTYNINE / SPIONE

The Maher-trained mare IT'S A KNOCKOUT will start here instead of Sydney and we believe the daughter of DUNDEEL could be at false odds at the 1400m trip as a strong fresh up performer. All of her 14 starts have been in NSW up until now, with the Maher stable trialing her up there twice in preperation for a return. Jumps away well here then can sit around midfield from the draw, with the 3kg claim showing some serious intent. Tricky field overall but backing the stable to have her forward enough.

☆☆☆☆

CAPPER THIRTYNINE's recent performance at Caulfield was pretty unremarkable, in the sense that the jockey's strategy attempting to challenge EL ROCKO early in the part of the race depleted her stamina and killed off any chance. 1400m at this class should be manageable, assuming a more conservative riding approach, as she possesses the capability to compete effectively at this level. Won well here over 1400m in April moving up smoothly from the 200m and from the soft inside gate should have an opportunity to challenge.

☆☆☆

About that ride on SPIONE two weeks ago, let's keep it short. The horse faced a big challenge, but considering how well it did against the pattern at Hawkesbury last time, a good ride here would make it a real contender. SPIONE is flying for Team Hawkes and should be tough to beat here after a big effort at Hawkesbury three weeks ago, closing strongly in the worst going behind ASGARDA for third, and a beautiful first-up win against the pattern. The SHOWTIME gelding has clearly come back in good shape for Team Hawkes and will prove hard to beat right down in the weights.

☆☆

BENCHMARK 84 HANDICAP

RACE 5 - 1400m F&M

STYLISH / LOVELYCUT / ELSIE MAY

STYLISH, a mare from Team Hayes, is set for her first race back and presents as is a formidable competitor in this as the LONHRO mare goes well fresh up and at the Track/Trip. She ran really well last time at Geelong in Jan, finishing strong behind HARRY'S YACHT, so was in good form with placings at Caulfield and Ballarat to boot. Her recent trials have been amazing, so she's definitely one to watch and these odds are acceptable.

☆☆☆☆

FIRST CHORUS will be heavily supported in this event coming off a fine 1600m at Caulfield and was just too classy in the wet. Far too good for them resuming at Pakenham on a Heavy 9 before a sound effort for 2nd to OCEANA DREAM at Caulfield. We do the GHIBBELINES is better suited to a bit further and possibly more give in the track as it may continue to dry, so possibly a bit short in the market, but the ability is genuine.

☆☆☆

We believe ELSIE MAY is a formidable competitor in this after recently changing stables, but comes back in trip which leaves a big question mark. Demonstrated nice closing ability at the Sandown a fortnight ago, advancing from the rear to secure a commendable third place. Should she manage to maintain a position nearer to the front and within striking distance, she will undoubtedly be a formidable opponent.

☆☆

BENCHMARK 84 HANDICAP

RACE 9 - 1200m

KA YING CHEER / ROSA AOTEAROA / ZOUPER FUND

The Hayes brought KA YING CHEER back from Hong Kong and this REWARD FOR EFFORT gelding returned to score victories at Pakenham first up, then Seymour and Caulfield after a months break. Had a good run but overraced in the next at Caulfield before being held up when 3rd at Bendigo up to the 1300m and rock solid for 2nd at Caulfield Heath last start after racing four wide without cover. Can get it right from this tidy draw.

☆☆☆☆

ROSE AOTEAROA is an interesting horse coming through the grades and this DUNDEEL gelding hasn't done much wrong in ten starts. Won twice over 1200m at Mornington last spring before returning with a soft victory at Sale in April. Raced wide in the early stages until obtaining cover near the 600m over 1300m at Bendigo last start and deserved all honours with a great win. Ace gate, will score a soft trail up close and can claim another one.

☆☆☆

The ZOUSTAR gelding ZOUPER FUND may be a lightly raced type from the Ciaron Maher barn, but with 5 wins from 9 starts has to be considered a serious competitior fresh up. In saying that, he has been knocking around Ballarat, Sale and Cranbourne, so this is a tough ask despite the fine record. Will likely settle in just behind the leaders from this gate, with two sound jumpouts suggesting he could play a part late.

☆☆

THREE-YEAR-OLD HANDICAP

RACE 8 - 2000m

AZAZEL / BRAVE DANZA / SHE'S GOT THE CASH

The VRC Derby came up a bit soon for three-year-old gelding AZAZEL, although he is nicely bred being by the hardy sire SHOCKING out of a TAVISTOCK mare, so should handle this trip. His granddam ALAGANT SATIN (Al Akbar) was a top miler in NZ, who won four in succession, and the gelding is related to an Oaks winner via NOBLE BIJOU. AZAZEL produced a tough 1600m debut win for Mark Walker and OTI, then did little at Caulfield but may be stronger this time in with more experience. The big upset.

☆☆☆☆

BRAVE DANZA appears to be the most apparent choice, even with a wide draw to contend with. The BRAVE SMASH gelding overcame an initial disadvantage to secure a victory at this very track and distance three weeks prior, demonstrating improved performance throughout the race to win in a remarkable fashion. There seems to be no discernible reason why a repeat victory would not be achievable with the 1.5kg Cartwright claim a small bonus. Can power into the finish late

☆☆☆

SHE'S GOT THE CASH is a Price/Kent Jnr trained filly by the NZ sire TURN ME LOOSE and this girl has been running well in the three runs since resuming. Blew the start but was solid for 3rd at Sale, before improving around the field to win over 1600m at Moe and it was a strong display. Crept forward from well back at Flemington up to the 2000m and swooped on them but couldn't peg back BRAVE DANZA. Drawn to play a major role in the finish.

☆☆

BEST BET: MOMETZ

NEXT BEST: STYLISH

BEST VALUE: IT'S A KNOCKOUT

WILDCARD: AZAZEL