Thu, Feb 17, 7:26pm by Kevin Pitstock
Superstar Black Caviar takes centre stage of racing from her now former stable mate, the retired Typhoon Tracy. The Cricket World Cup commences, the Super 15 Rugby kicks off with the addition of the new team Melbourne Rebels, while in AFL,the pre-season NAB Cup continues.
Horse Racing
IASbet.com expert racing analyst, Gerard Twomey previews The Lightning Stakes, The Vanity, The CS Hayes Stakes and the Super 15s
Flemington Race 6 Lightning Stakes
Super race with the return of the world’s best sprinter, the unbeaten Black Caviar. She looks primed to add to her imposing record and we expect that punters will continue to flock to her. Expect Hay List to be the testing material and provide greater competition that when they last met, where Hay List had received a setback and probably on reflection shouldn’t have run. His previous four victories were very dominant. For those playing the exotics, three year olds have a good record in this race and Stirling Grove and Crystal Lily are well worth including.
Flemington Race 4 The Vanity
In recent years,this race has been dominated by on-pacers and the Peter Moody trained Do Ra Mi is the short priced favourite and should be able to control the race. Unbeaten Adelaide filly Southern Speed looks an improver but she’ll need luck to get in from barrier nine. Another interesting runner is Absolutely who made significant improvement at her last start when second behind Zubbaya in a listed race at the Valley in the spring. The Flemington 1400m looks an ideal starting point for an encouraging campaign.
Flemington Race 5 CS Hayes Stakes
Another race favoured to on-pacers. Dusty Star backs up from winning the old Autumn Stakes last Saturday and is the likely leader. The emerging Enjin Number nine conquered Star Witness at Sandown last start and looks to get the run of the race just behind the leader. Anacheeva carries a penalty here but look for him to find the line late in preparation for next month’s Guineas.
Rugby Union – Super 15
Super 15 Rugby kicks off this weekend with the Hurricanes a very short favourite to defeat the Highlanders on Friday. Plenty of interest will be with the new team from Melbourne, the Rebels,when they host the Waratahs at AAMI Stadium. Another great season awaits us and in early markets the crusaders and the Bulls are favoured to win the competition at season’s end.
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