Flemington offers up a typically deep and interesting betting meeting on Chester Manifold Stakes Day.

Tempo, or lack thereof, looks a key theme going to Flemington this Saturday with a couple of key favourites facing issues in that department. 

One of those is Silentz who runs as the obvious favourite in race three. He's a backmarket with barrier one and no obvious pace on paper. He does have acceleration which can get him out of a jam.

Two races later Masculino will head out as favourite, again in a race lacking obvious tempo, but he doesn't have a turn of foot. What he does have is the ability to take up a handy position and intent under Zac Spain will be the key to his success.  

We are banking on Spain, who linked up with Masculino for three straight peak ratings back in the winter, to be positive with Masculino and keep him rolling. Masculino is racing well this preparation but slow tempos have left him looking fairly laboured at his latest couple - we think he is going much better than it appears to the eye.  

His rivals are simply marking time. Masculino should press on and make time. Get him rolling, Zac! 

For an each way play we head back to the fourth on the card where the Phillip Stokes-trained Symphonette takes on the boys after a fair effort in a race that didn't really pan out for her last time. A bigger track and 1400m look real positives for her now and her closing effort behind a smart one at Pakenham two starts back is an appealing piece of form for this race.  

THE MELBOURNE MAIL 

Bet Of The Day: Race 5 #3 Masculino @ $2.25

Each Way Play: Race 4 #5 Symphonette @ $7.00