Start your weekend with our Saturday best bets, highlighting the key runners across the nine-race Flemington card!
TRUE REBEL (2) should be one of the hardest to beat for Danny O’Brien.
An impressive winner second-up at Geelong, the son to Rebel Dane ate into the margin at Caulfield a couple of weeks ago for second in behind Mister Whiskers, who went like a bat out of hell in front and led all the way for a narrow win.
True Rebel ate in the margin massively over the final 100m, so the extra trip plus the 1.5kg relief in the saddle is a big plus with Shinn taking over for the Moonee Valley Vase.
| 2. True Rebel (3) J: Blake Shinn 57kg 312 T: Danny O’brien | |||
| Form hard to fault. Last start 2nd of 8 in a 3yo Bm70 at Caulfield on October 14 over 1600m, head behind Mister Whiskers with 58.5kg at $2.90. Before that favourite; won by 0.8 len in a Mdn-Sw at Geelong on September 23 over 1525m defeating Meness carrying 57kg at $1.80. Went close last time. Big run latest now gets to right trip and draws perfectly for Shinn. | |||
ANGELS FURY (3) looks ready to return in a big way for Ciaron Maher.
The filly to Harry Angel is two-from-three to start her career, winning a 2YO race at Caulfield back in July where she was up close to the speed early and simply too good in the run home.
She was caught in a pocket in a recent jump out at Cranbourne but quickly rounded up the field, letting down with a serious turn of foot to go clear along the outside.
Drawn a low gate with only 57kg on her back, she should be doing her best work late again under Ethan Brown.
| 3. Angels Fury (1) J: Ethan Brown 57kg 9x11x T: Ciaron Maher | |||
| Filly returning from a spell and has won previously when first up. Finished off last campaign won by 0.8 len Caulfield 2yo F Hcp July 11 over 1100m slow track defeating Portinari carrying 54.5kg at $1.80. Previous preparation first-up favourite; won by 1.5 len Bendigo 2yo Mdn-Sw June 13 over 1000m slow track defeating Heat Map with 56kg at $1.95. Progressive filly, 1200m fresh is interesting. | |||
EXTRAGALACTIC (8) has been given a solid four-week gap since her runner-up effort in the Manikato Stakes in behind Jimmysstar.
The Deep Field mare was midfield early before clicking into gear around the 800m mark, patiently waiting for a gap to open along the rail, only for the winner to get the better of her wider out.
Her first-up run in the Moir Stakes at Sandown was equally likable, overcoming some early traffic to run fourth in a race that has produced some good form lines with the runner-up Cavalry Girl going on to win last week’s Caulfield Sprint.
With fresher legs and James McDonald sticking in the irons, this girl ticks some important boxes third-up in the McEwen Stakes 2026.
| 8. Extragalactic (7) J: James McDonald 56.5kg 22×42 T: Trent Edmonds | |||
| Third-up today and placed third-up previously. First-up 4th of 13 in the G1 Moir Stakes at Sandown-Hillside on September 5 over 1000m, on a slow track; 1.3 len behind My Gladiola carrying 56.5kg at $13. Second run from a spell sat on speed throughout when 2nd of 13 in the G1 Manikato Stakes at Caulfield on September 27 over 1200m, 0.8 len behind Jimmysstar carrying 56.5kg at $5. Been very good in a pair of G1’s, her turn of foot should really suit the straight. | |||
AELIANA (10) in the big one.
This is the race she’s always been aimed at coming off two solid place efforts behind Autumn Glow and Cosmic Crusader respectively, the latter coming in the Turnbull Stakes where she faced a very wet deck and was only seen doing her best work over the final 50m or so.
With a run under her belt now over 2000m and the barrier likely forcing James McDonald into more of a forward position, she should be prominent early and tough to run down when it counts.
| 10. Aeliana (10) J: James McDonald 57kg 1×023 T: Chris Waller | |||
| Racing well recently. Last start 3rd of 13 in the G1 Turnbull Stakes at this track on October 3 over 2000m, on a wet track; 2.75 len behind Cosmic Crusader with 57kg at $3.80. The start before that 2nd in a small field in the G2 7 Stakes at Randwick on September 19 over 1600m, 1.3 len behind Autumn Glow carrying 57kg at $21. Building beautifully, will be charging home. | |||