Following the completion of the Melbourne Cup Carnival at Flemington, we look back at the four days of racing and select three runners that are worth following as we head deeper into the spring. You can add these runners to your blackbook with your chosen bookmaker and receive notifications when they accept for an upcoming race.
Flemington
VCR Derby Day: Group 3 Belgonia Belle Stakes (1100m) | Time: 1:02.64
- Horse to follow: Cigar Flick (4th)
After she was scratched from multiple races earlier in the spring, Chris Waller entered Cigar Flick in the Belgonia Belle Stakes down the Flemington straight. The daughter of Churchill has never run a placing down the straight, but her slashing fourth-place finish on VRC Derby Day was her best effort by far. After being forced to change tracks due to heavy traffic, Cigar Flick got onto the back of Isthmus; however, she couldn’t go with the winner following a chequered run in transit.
When to bet: Waller has nominated Cigar Flick in the Group 3 How Now Stakes at Caulfield this Saturday, and if they accept in that contest, she could be one of the major players.
Melbourne Cup Day: Listed Batman Stakes (1800m) | Time: 1:50.86
- Horse to follow: Statuario (2nd)
Statuario produced one of the best runs of Melbourne Cup Day in the Listed Batman Stakes. The son of D’Argento settled at the back of the field in his first attempt at Flemington and over 1800m, but as the field hit the home turn, Damian Lane had him positioned perfectly to let down with a strong finish in the middle of the track. On a day where on-speed runners were favoured, Statuario made up significant ground in the worst part of the course.
When to bet: As it was the sixth start of his career in his first racing preparation, Statuario may go out for a spell before returning in the autumn. Keep this guy in your blackbook, as he looks to be a talented stayer in the making.
VRC Oaks Day: Group 3 Red Roses Stakes (1400m) | Time: 1:24.10
- Horse to follow: Vestas (2nd)
Clinton McDonald chose to take Vestas from maiden grade to the Group 3 Red Roses Stakes on Oaks Day, and the three-year-old filly nearly maintained her unbeaten record. Ben Melham rode the daughter of Toronado on debut and stuck with her at Flemington, where they finished within a length of the winner, Amelita. Vestas was second last at the 250m mark, but once she got into clear air, she stormed home to nab second in the final strides.
When to bet: With no nominations available yet, keep an eye out for where McDonald sends Vestas next. If they accept in a 1200m race in a weaker or similar grade, she will prove very hard to beat.
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