The Emirates Stakes meeting will be held at Flemington this Saturday. The course proper was rated a Good 3 on Thursday and with overcast weather in Melbourne, Flemington could border on Good/Dead on raceday.
In the opening event at Flemington (Melbourne Race 1, 1000m), Contract Racing-owned Iceflow can go one better in the Maribyrnong Plate. Iceflow ran a slashing 2nd last start coming from 10th at 400m to be beaten only 0.75 length on the line. With similar condition on Saturday and experience down the straight track, Iceflow will again figure prominently at the finish. Iceflow is currently at good value at $6.00 fixed odds.
The in-form Damien Oliver can bring Excess Knowledge home first in the Antler Luggage Handicap (Melbourne Race 3, 1600m). This import has won well over the mile last start at Randwick 2 weeks ago and the distance will suit him on Saturday. Though he has drawn barrier 9, Damien Oliver will have plenty of time from the 1600m start to work Excess Knowledge into a position just behind the pace. There aren’t a lot of depth in this field so Excess Knowledge should win on class alone.
The Herbert Power winner Big Memory can continue on his good form and win the Queen Elizabeth Stakes (Melbourne Race 5, 2600m). Big Memory ran a terrific race in the Caulfield Cup beaten only 2.75 lengths by Admire Rakti, followed by a good 2nd in the Lexus Stakes to Signoff, who franked the form by running a slashing 4th in the Melbourne Cup. Another plus is his Herbert Power winning rider Tommy Berry will be back on board replacing Corey Brown.
The Godolphin-owned Contributer looks the horse to beat in the Group 1 Emirates Stakes (Melbourne Race 7, 1600m). The lightly raced 5YO has been in great form winning his last two, including his last start victory over Signoff in the Coongy Handicap. A significant addition of a ‘Tongue Tie’ (with the existing lugging bit) on Saturday could also have a positive effect on Contributer’s performance. From barrier 2, James McDonald can go straight into a prominent position on the fence and get a soft run behind the leaders. Contributer will be the horse they all have to catch.
By Owens Wong, Editor
