Flemington Preview: 17th February by Dean McHugh

Ten brilliant races will form Flemington’s card this Saturday, 17th February. The highlight of the day is the Black Caviar Lightning when eight runners will be bidding for Group 1 glory. 

With plenty of value on offer, here is our complete card preview.

image source: The Australian

Ten brilliant races will form Flemington’s card this Saturday, 17th February. The highlight of the day is the Black Caviar Lightning when eight runners will be bidding for Group 1 glory. 

With plenty of value on offer, here is our complete card preview. 

Race 1: Goodwood Trophy (2000m)

Six horses will open up proceedings for the Goodwood Trophy. 

Aramco is likely to start as the short-priced favourite following two wins in his last three starts. 

If he fails to fire, it could be worth siding with El Soleado or Star Vega, who have both won two of their last three starts. 

Race 2: Ronald McDonald House Charities Trophy (1100m)

Thirteen horses will head down to post for the second race of the day. 

With plenty in with a chance, Plus Fours looks to be thriving, a winner when last seen, his two previous runs saw him finish second. This represents a small step up in class but he looks more than capable of claiming another victory. 

Ouroboros could be a good alternative, he has posted just one win, but has yet to finish outside of the places in any of his five starts.

Race 3: TCL Talindert Stakes (1100m)

The racing action starts to heat up with our third race, the TCL Talindert Stakes. 

Champagne Tonight looks set for favouritism but, alongside seven others, will be making the first start of her career. 

It might pay to side with experience, and Pro Forma could be the value selection. A winner on debut, this represents a huge hike in class but he looks intriguing.

Race 4: Royal Ascot Plate (1600m)

Fourteen horses will head to post for the Royal Ascot Plate. 

Circle Of Fire has won just one of his first six starts but has only finished outside of the places on one occasion. He should give his running once again. 

Who Dares has been remarkably consistent of late and has three seconds and one first win in his last four races. The race looks as if it will be decided by these two. 

Race 5: Frances Tressady Stakes (1400m)

The Frances Tressady Stakes is the first of three Group 3 races due to be held on the card. 

Wishlor Lass has won three of her last four starts, which includes two at this level. Proven at this level, she could take all the beating.

Revolutionary Miss was foiled in her hat trick bid when finishing third in the Jewel Magic Millions. Another former Group 3 winner, she is another with a serious chance. 

At a bigger price, it could be worth taking a second look at Vagrant. A winner of her last three starts, she is another who warrants major consideration. 

Race 6: The TAB Vanity (1400m)

The second Group 3 race of the day is the TAB Vanity Stakes, where Mollynickers will start the race as the slim favourite.

Yet to land a blow at this level, she ran well in the Group 1 Darley Flight Stakes. Her fourth place finish should set her up nicely here. 

Infatuation is another looking for her first win at Group level. The winner of a valuable handicap last time out, she looks likely to make a bold bid here.

Donegal has yet to taste defeat. The winner of her first two starts, this represents a huge step up in class, but she could have the class to land a race of this nature. 

Race 7: C S Hayes Stakes (1400m)

Despite thirteen horses having been declared for the C S Hayes Stakes, most of the betting looks set to revolve around King Colorado.

A former Group 1 winner, he has a level of form in this race which few can match. 

Hoping to cause the shock is Otago. Unbeaten in both of his first two runs this will be the stiffest test of his young career but he looks capable of landing a blow. 

Race 8: Black Caviar Lightning (1000m)

The signature race of the day is the Black Caviar Lightning. A Group 1 contest, Imperatriz will start as the short priced favourite.

A winner of seven of her last eight starts, she is a numerous Group 1 winner and will take all of the beating. 

Despite not boasting a level of form nowhere near the level of the favourite, Private Eye looks to have a live chance based on his solid Grade 2 form. 

I Am Unstoppable could be worth backing at a price, but he has found one too good in all of his last three starts and that could be the case once more. 

Race 9: The Elms Handicap (1400m)

Despite being drawn on the wide outside, Jimmysstar looks like one of the best bets of the day. Looking for his sixth consecutive victory, as long as he can navigate the start, he could be in with a serious chance of extending his winning streak. 

Whilst it looks hard to find anyone capable of beating Jimmysstar, Ka Bling was desperately unlucky not to have won last time out and could well make the favourite answer a few questions. 

Race 10: York Trophy (1400m)

The final race of the day is a competitive-looking handicap where sixteen horses have been declared. 

Punch Lane has won three of his last four races and is in flying form. A wide draw does make life difficult but he will hope to display all of his class once more. 

Bel Air has finished inside the places in four of his last five starts and is a consistent sort. He should give his running once again and looks a likely contender.

At a price, it could be worth taking a look at Master Montaro. A comfortable win last time out came in a much lower grade but he arrives with plenty of confidence behind him.