Flemington Blackbookers February 28 – Horses to follow from Australian Guineas Day

Here are our blackbookers and horses to follow from the action.

Gin Twist stamped himself as a serious juvenile prospect with a professional and explosive performance in the 1000m opener. The straight-track debutant travelled strongly throughout and when asked for an effort at the 300m, quickly put the race to bed with a sharp turn of foot. Having been given a straight-track preparation, he handled the unique Flemington layout with maturity, balanced up beautifully and sustained his run through the line. Importantly, he was strong late rather than peaking on his run — always a positive sign for a two-year-old early in their campaign. There was a clear gap back to the chasers and he looked to have plenty in hand, suggesting there’s upside as he steps beyond the 1000m. With natural improvement and race experience now under his belt, he profiles as a colt capable of measuring up in stronger juvenile company, whether the Hayes stable keep him to the straight or explore a bend and a rise in grade.

Maisy just fell short in Race 3 but looks to have returned in promising fashion and is one to keep in mind with the fitness under her belt. The lightly raced five-year-old was a winner over the 1700m at her last preparation at Geelong before stretching out to the 2000m and finishing 3rd at Flemington. She tackled the 1400m in Race 3 and attracted support in the betting to start as a $5.50 chance. The Team Hawkes galloper settled just worse than midfield in the small field and went for home early in the straight, skipping clear before just being out-muscled late by the race favourite, Watersports. She enjoyed a three-length margin on the rest of them and is one to watch as she steps up in trip. 

Planet Red lost no admirers in the feature race of the day, the Group 1 Australian Guineas, and arguably should have won with even luck. From barrier 9, he was restrained through the early stages and forced to settle back off what proved to be only a moderate tempo. Despite the shape of the race being against him, he produced the fastest last 400m and the third-fastest last 200m of the entire meeting — outstanding figures in a high-pressure mile at Group 1 level. He was charging late and simply ran out of ground. With that closing data and the way he attacked the line, he profiles as a major player if he backs up in the Randwick Guineas. A more favourable barrier and genuine speed would make him extremely hard to hold out. He’s a colt trending the right way and looks capable of landing a Group 1 this campaign.