The Group 3 Aurie’s Star Handicap runs this Saturday at Flemington, and we have our best Aurie’s Star Handicap tips, predictions, and best bets.
Nine runners line up for the $200,000 feature out of headquarters, headlined by Group 1 winner War Machine, who is tipped to make a winning comeback to the track.
Check out our Aurie’s Star Handicap betting guide, with Aurie’s Star Handicap odds available at TAB.
Proven form and a good fresh-up record are key pointers for the Aurie’s Star Handicap, which is why War Machine goes on top.
The 6YO is a proven winner at Group 1 level, and if he’s anywhere near his best, he will put this field away by a couple of lengths. He has over $3.3 million in the bank from just 18 starts, which includes seven wins and five placings.
One of those wins came at Flemington, and although drawing the inside down the Flemington straight isn’t always the place to be, having Blake Shinn in the saddle could negate that aspect.
His most recent run was an 11th at Flemington behind Caballus, but that came at the end of his preparation, and he has yet to finish out of the money first-up with two wins and three placings.
This is Group 3 level racing, so his class should shine through as the new season is brought into light.
| 1. War Machine (1) Scratched: | |||
The 6YO gelding by Harry Angel isn’t always the easiest runner to follow, but his best form is good enough to take out the Aurie’s Star Handicap.
As Kiwi racing fans saw last preparation, he’s a nice thoroughbred. He finished second at Ellerslie behind Jigsaw at Group 1 level before struggling behind First Five Te Rapa, but the form has stacked up well.
Jigsaw went on to win The Quokka, so to finish under a length from a star sprinter is a good form guide for this race. We love that Lindsay Park brought him across the Tasman, as it shows that he’s a versatile type.
Expectations are for a big spring preparation, and our Aurie’s Star Handicap tips can’t leave him out.
| 2. Arkansaw Kid (2) J: Mark Zahra 59kg 3273xT: Ben, Will & Jd Hayes |
With some rain about in Melbourne, there could be an upset result. Royal Insignia fits the bill as a roughie chance, and he could turn around his winless record at Flemington.
The 5YO son of Written Tycoon put the writing on the wall with a second placing here last start, and that’s an encouraging sign. It was his first placing from eight attempts at Flemington, and there is no reason why he shouldn’t enjoy straight racing.
The penny might have dropped now, and with a light weight of 54kg on his back, he could get the last shot at them over the final 100m. That’s enough to include him in Aurie’s Star Handicap picks, and the double-figure odds are worth taking.
| 8. Royal Insignia (4) J: Luke Cartwright 54kg x7562T: Grahame Begg |
With some rain about in Melbourne, there could be an upset result. Royal Insignia fits the bill as a roughie chance, and he could turn around his winless record at Flemington.
The 5YO son of Written Tycoon put the writing on the wall with a second placing here last start, and that’s an encouraging sign. It was his first placing from eight attempts at Flemington, and there is no reason why he shouldn’t enjoy straight racing.
The penny might have dropped now, and with a light weight of 54kg on his back, he could get the last shot at them over the final 100m. That’s enough to include him in Aurie’s Star Handicap picks, and the double-figure odds are worth taking.