Racing returns to Flemington this weekend for a good meeting that looks to throw up several good betting options.

One of those betting options, and the one that we will label our bet of the day, comes in the fifth race in the shape of Lycurgus.

Lycurgus ran second in the key lead-up to the weekend at the same course and distance. Unfortunately that race turned into something of a farce with the leader, and eventual winner Choysa, rolling out to a long lead despite not going particularly quickly at all.

In fact, a look at the sectional times shows that Choysa, despite holding such a long lead through the middle stages, was travelling slower than ideal himself.

Lycurgus was eventually sent out after the winner but it was all too late. His finishing speed of 110.1% from the 600m mark compares with 104.2% for the winner.

Conservatively we could say it cost him the race. It may actually have cost him winning by around four lengths...

He gets Damien Oliver this weekend and it can be seen as a positive that he has arrived at this stage of his preparation without a hard run as yet. That should leave him with more to offer.

For an each way play we look to another that was left with too much to do at the Flemington meeting a fortnight back.

Mintha drew wide there and they opted to ride her back to offset that. Alas, the tempo was gentle and Mintha was left running on hopelessly when it was all over.

Again, closing speed hints at her being an unlucky loser. She goes to a mile now which won't pose a concern but she does draw wide again.

It will be interesting to see whether more positive tactics are employed - she certainly has the pace to settle closer - but even so, prices in the double figure range look to have plenty of juice to offset that.

THE MELBOURNE MAIL

Bet Of The Day: Race 5 #5 Lycurgus @ $3.20

Each Way Play: Race 6 #8 Mintha @ $11.00