Cox Plate Day is here, and there's racing at Flemington and Randwick from just after midday. Here are my two best bets for Saturday 24 October, plus who I'm with in the Cox Plate.
Best Bet: CIARON'S STAR (Randwick R4, Brian Crowley Stakes)
The market liked her last start, but she ran into Blue Door, who had a fitness edge. Blue Door's connections thought enough of her to run her in The Everest next.
Her key rivals bring midweek form, while her last four runs have been in Group 2 or Group 3 company. She maps well from barrier 3 and further is no problem. I reckon she's simply too good for 'em.
Next Best: OCEAN TSUNAMI (Randwick R2, TAB Highway Handicap)
It's almost Halloween, but we haven't seen a horror show quite like her last start for a while. She was keen in the run and badly held up, even without my glasses I could see she should have won.
Zac Lloyd goes on her tomorrow, which is a big positive. Hopefully that horror story gets a happy ending.
Cox Plate: BIRDMAN (Flemington R8)
A strong Cox Plate with no standout, and that's where the value is. Birdman wore the blinkers to win the Underwood Stakes at Caulfield by almost two lengths, his best figure yet, then ran a sound third in the Might And Power. He's a Group 1 winner at 2000m, so the trip suits, he draws the inside gate which could get sticky, but it’s no knock. He's our top pick at a nice price. See our full free Cox Plate preview, with our Top 4, speed map and suggested bet.
Want the rest of Saturday's tips?
These are two of our four Pro Tips for Saturday. Members get all of them, plus full previews for every race at Flemington and Randwick, our quaddies and Black Book runners. Start a 7-day free trial and you'll have the lot tonight. No lock-in, cancel anytime.
You can also find both best bets with speed maps on our Saturday Best Bets page.
Tips and analysis only, not financial advice. 18+. Gamble responsibly. For free and confidential support, call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.
