Tim's Tips for National Jockey's Trust Day
TIM HABEL was a racing journalist with the Sun, then Herald-Sun for 36 years and now works as a contributor for The Age. His selections are published mid-week and each Saturday.
FLEMINGTON SATURDAY MAY 20, rail 5, track good 4
RACE 1: LE ZEBRA 1, Lady In Pink 2, Riff Rocket 3, Gates 4
RACE 2: LADY JONES 1, Jenny Jerome 2, Free Willed 3, Vagrant 4
RACE 3: SIGH 1, Our Heidi 2, Mrs Chrissie 3, Along The River 4
RACE 4: DASHING 1, Verifier 2, Tapa Capall 3, First Immortal 4
RACE 5: PESTO 1, Yarrawonga 2, Designs 3, Never Again 4
RACE 6: ALTIVO 1, Bold Bourbon 2, Convenor 3, Independent Road 4
Undefeated Altivo is on a 7 day back-up from last week's 1600m win here. Extra 200m shouldn't pose a problem but there is good depth. Bold Bourbon is flying at the provincials, he was ultra impressive in last Sunday's Casterton Cup win while import Convenor is also showing promise but draws wide.
RACE 7: RENOSU 1, Boonie 2, Treporti 2, Pioneer River 4
Renosu is proven down the straight and was brave in stakes class in Adelaide after sitting wide on pace. Intriguing runner is UK import Boonie, Group placed, unbeaten fresh and won a recent Tatura trial.
RACE 8: MAKRAM 1, Pinstriped 2, Keats 3, Visinari 4
Makram resumes after a Tatura trial win, has good fresh stats and has twice won here. He has a touch of class on this company. Pinstriped was back to his best last time at Sandown but has had a 32 day break, Keats will lead and give a bold sight.
RACE 9: DAZZLING LUCY 1, Typhoon Titmus 2, Zarafa 3, South Of Houston 4
Dazzling Lucy was an unlucky Sandown second when resuming, has raced well down the straight. So has Typhoon Titmus who has a touch of class and a big finish, query runner is French import Zarafa who pleased in a recent Flemington jump out.
BEST BETS: Sigh, Altivo. VALUE: Makram
THE $20 FLEXI QUADDIE