Mick Price has a strong hand in the close to what is a good card of racing at Flemington tomorrow.
Plenty of interest will be with the import Count Of Limonade who showed himself to be in good order at the trials in lead up to this Australian debut.
He was progressive in Ireland under the care of Aidan O’Brien, winning twice in 2013, with Timeform marking him down as a “smart performer”.
However, first-up at 1400m, and set to start at the top of betting, he might be worth taking on today with his stablemate Dany The Fox who won well last time and remains well placed with the claim for Patrick Moloney.
He’s expected to roll forward from his wide draw and if things pan out for him then he is sure to take some beating.
At around 4/1 he’s a worthy gamble.
Another to look very well placed after a claim is smart mare Shamal Wind.
Being drawn right down on the far side is typically less than ideal down the straight but if she’s there to make her challenge at the right time her turn of foot can prove decisive.
She has obvious form claims (started in the market in a red-hot Oakleigh Plate) and meets a field that is, in truth, lacking for horses with upside.
She’s considered a more likely winner than the $3.00 suggests.
At the same price Akzar is considered a less likely winner despite his rich run of form since joining this yard.
It takes a brave man to oppose the Darren Weir stable at present but the facts are that Akzar has only had to gun down a big pussy cat in Extra Zero in his latest couple and things get a good deal tougher for him here.
His numbers put him in the mix as an each way hope, not the 2/1 top elect that he currently represents and with credible dangers about he is one worth steering clear of.
THE MELBOURNE MAIL:
Banker: Race 7 #1 Shamal Wind
Play Of The Day: Race 8 #1 Dany The Fox
Lay Of The Day: Race 6 #5 Akzar
