2024 Newmarket Handicap Tips
Buenos Noches looks one of the main dangers to Imperatriz in Saturday's Newmarket Handicap. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos.

2024 Newmarket Handicap Tips

Several top class sprinters are set to descend upon the Flemington straight this Saturday to contest the time-honoured Newmarket Handicap.  

Imperatriz has dominated betting since markets opened, and it’s no surprise to find Mark Walker’s mare at a very short quote in search of her 10th Group 1.  

It’s far from the strongest edition of the Newmarket, but there’s still plenty to dive into looking ahead to Saturday’s feature! 

Suggested Betting Strategy  

  • 1 Unit Buenos Noches  
  • 1 Unit Imperatriz 
Newmarket Handicap – 1st 
No. 3 Buenos Noches  

Buenos Noches has the ability to lay down a serious challenge to Imperatriz.  

The smart entire by Supido has held his own at this level over the last 12 months, finishing runner-up in the Champions Sprint down the straight here at Flemington to the mighty mare two runs back during the spring. 

He found excuses first-up in the Expressway a couple of weeks ago, taken back and forced to make up ground down the outside.  

He should be better for that run though, and I do think we’ll see him settle closer to midfield with a hot tempo expected.  

Competing in the blinkers for the first time, I’m happy to take the price that continues to shorten.  

Newmarket Handicap – 2nd  
No. 1 Imperatriz  

Imperatriz has been all class since this time last year, winning six Group 1’s in a row and arguably establishing herself as the best mare in the country. 

She did it tough in the Lightning Stakes first-up, responding massively to a solid challenge from Private Eye to prevail in her final few strides right before the line.  

You could make an argument that she’s contested tougher races than this, but from a weight perspective, this is the first time she’ll carry anything above 56.5kg’s since arriving in Australia.  

Newmarket Handicap – 3rd 
No. 5 Ruthless Dame  

Ruthless Dame is a mare that could give this a genuine shake in her return to the races.  

The daughter of Tavistock has mixed her form, but she’s no stranger to winning at Group 1 level having taken out last year’s Robert Sangster Stakes at Morphettville.  

She held her own when splitting Espiona and Magic Time in The Invitation last year in Sydney, and was also runner-up in the Surround Stakes last autumn behind Sunshine In Paris.  

Drawn well off two solid trials, she could surprise.