Track: Good Weather: Fine

Ten have accepted for the final Group 1 of the famous Flemington Carnival – the $1.2 mil Mackinnon Stakes.   Four back up after a run in either the Cantala Stakes or Empire Rose last weekend.  Two others had their last start in the Cox Plate.  James Cummings and Annabel Neasham have two runners.  The early favourite in the betting is Zaaki.  He was scratched on the morning of the Cox Plate due to an elevated temperature but has since recovered and is ready to attempt to win his second Group 1 here.

Colette charged home to win her second Group 1, the Empire Rose, here last weekend.  Mo’unga was fourth in a high rating Cox Plate and Hugh Bowman sticks with him.  Private Eye has eight wins from fourteen starts and has an inform Nash Rawiller in the saddle.  Hungry Heart is one of two mares in the race and maps perfectly from barrier seven.  Superstorm and Cascadian were first and third in the Cantala respectively.  The remaining runners are longer than $20-1.

1. Homesman

Returns to Flemington.  Won the Group 1 Australia Cup this track and distance in the Autumn.  Was eleventh beaten 9.9 lengths in the Caulfield Cup at his last start.  Rough hope.

2. Cascadian

Has been racing well with out winning this time in.  Latest, was a close up third behind Superstorm in the Cantala last Saturday.  Placed all three runs at Flemington.  First go at 2000m a query.

3. Superstorm

Backs up after a terrific Group 1 win here over the mile last week.  Yet to prove himself at 2000m but did run on well in last years Turnbull Stakes which is his only previous start over 2000m.  Each way claims.

4. Zaaki

Was a warm favourite for this years Cox Plate before being sensationally scratched on race morning with an elevated temperature.  Has won five of his last six and gets James McDonald back aboard from barrier eight.  The one they have to beat.

5. Keiai Nautique

Ex Japanese horse.  He has a poor winning strike rate and hasn’t run a place at this distance.  Prefer others.

6. Dalasan

Ran well in the Epsom on October 2, then was soundly beaten in the Cox Plate.  Query on him seeing out a strong 2000m.

7. Mo’unga

Another who comes via a run in the Cox Plate.  Was a solid fourth there.  The third horse Verry Elleegant has since bolted into win the Melbourne Cup.  His two Flemington runs have been excellent and he gets Hugh Bowman from a perfect draw.  Strong each way claims.

8. Private Eye

Talented galloper who charged home to win the Epsom Handicap two starts ago.  Was eighth in The Golden Eagle last weekend but came very wide around the turn.  Has a chance here.

9. Colette

Terrific mare trained by James Cummings.  She won the Group 1 Empire Rose here on Saturday very impressively.  Draws well in barrier four and will have no problems at the distance.  More rain the better for her!  Top chance.

10. Hungry Heart

Finished midfield in the Epsom two back, then was a close up third behind Colette last Saturday.  Drawn perfectly and will run the trip.  Must be respected.

The following are the top 4 selections for this years race.

Jo’s Tips	Lewis’ Tips
4. Zaaki	4. Zaaki
9. Colette	7. Mo’unga
10. Hungry Heart	9. Colette
3. Superstorm	3. Superstorm

Group 1 VRC Sprint Classic 2021 (Flemington 1200)

Group 2 Matriarch Stakes 2021 (Flemington 2000m)

Group 3 Queen Elizabeth Stakes 2021 (Flemington 2600m)