The thrilling finish to the Makybe Diva Stakes with the strong finishing burst provided by I’m Thunderstruck was the highlight of the Flemington meeting.
The win showed I’m Thunderstruck is on target to be a legitimate Cox Plate chance.
Although he hasn’t won over 2000 metres his jockey Mark Zahra and his co-trainers Mick Price and Michael Kent Junior are confident, he will run out the journey.
The other significant aspect of the Makybe Diva Stakes was the run of Alligator Blood who was grabbed in the final stride.
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Firstly, because it showed that Alligator Blood will be a threat in Group 1 weight-for-age races and also because when he does run in them it’s going to ensure there will be a leader in these races.
Mark Zahra, Australia’s most under-rated jockey stole the show with a winning treble at Flemington. Zahra rarely rides a bad race and will be to the fore over spring.
FLEMINGTON HORSES TO FOLLOW
MAKRAM
Lindsay Park trainers Ben and JD Hayes have a big opinion of this import who won his second race at Flemington at his fourth Australian start with his victory in the 1700m Handicap. He’s on a Caulfield Cup mission.
YOUNG WERTHER
First run in almost a year and it was a very solid one in the same race. He was slow to begin and looked a slight winning chance before dying on his run. He’ll come on in leaps and bounds from that run.
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PINSTRIPE
Enver Jusofovic has a very talented galloper with this four-year-old who made a great return to racing with his second to front runner Scallopini in the Sofitel. He ran the fastest last 400m (23.08 seconds) and 200m (11.97 seconds) for the meeting.
VOW AND DECLARE
Not sure whether he’s going to win another Melbourne Cup but it was a great second up effort from the stayer to finish third to High Emocean in his best run for ages. He’ll be competitive in any staying race he will contest over the spring.
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