Our Black Book: Horses You Must Follow From Flemington 7/10

Our analyst has reviewed the sectional times, ratings & replays from last Saturday’s Flemington meeting & has placed four horses you must follow in our black book below.

RIFF ROCKET

He was given a superlative ride by James McDonald but wins don’t come much easier than his victory in the Super Impose Stakes. He burst clear over the last 200 metres where he recorded the fastest split for the day of 11.42 seconds and he wasn’t extended. It was a great trial for the Victoria Derby.

ZARDOZI

Just as Riff Rocket put in a great Victoria Derby trial so did this Godolphin filly for the VRC Oaks. The superbly bred filly looked a level above her rivals and she will only be better suited by more ground. Her last 200m of 11.75 seconds was the fifth fastest for the day.

BASILLINA

She could be a smoky for the VRC Oaks. Her jockey Damien Oliver elected to go back from her outside draw and she was never really in contention after that. She finished off nicely on the inside and her last 200 metres of 11.99 seconds was the second fastest for the race. She was also very strong after the line.

CLIMBING STAR/BELLE ET RICHE

Neither mare had much galloping room over the concluding stages behind Life Lessons. No question they would have finished closer if they did see daylight. Don’t sack either in a similar field.

INTERPRETATION

He went to the line full of running in the Bart Cummings producing the quickest last 200 metres in this race of 11.92 seconds. RV Stewards reported he was held up from the 400m to the 100m. He could be a Geelong Cup chance.

WEST WIND BLOWS

Not much went right for the English stayer so it was a courageous effort to hold on for second. RV Stewards reported he raced wide in the early and middle stages before crossing to obtain a position closer to the rail near the 600m. He was left in front early in the straight. He will be much better suited over the 2400 metres of the Caulfield Cup.