Australian racing picks for Doomben and Rosehill Gardens

There’s a terrific night of Australian racing ahead of us tonight, with the Group 1 Makybe Diva Stakes at Flemington the headline act.

Makybe Diva secured her place in Australian racing folklore when the mighty mare won three successive Melbourne Cups between 2003 and 2005. She also won the Cox Plate at Moonee Valley in 2005.

I think No. 4 Fierce Impact will be hard to beat in the Flemington race on the back of an eye-catching run behind Very Elleegant in Sydney a few weeks back.

In addition to the sensational card at Flemington, BetAmerica players can also enjoy Group racing from Rosehill Gardens in Sydney, along with two meetings from Queensland – Doomben and the Gold Coast.

Here’s a couple of picks to get your night of Aussie action underway!

Rosehill, Race 4: No. 5 Masked Crusader

This gelding from the Hawkes’ stable could be anything, and didn’t lose any fans despite being beaten as a heavily supported favorite first off a layoff. He was spotting the leaders too much ground heading into the stretch, and on a heavy track, just couldn’t overhaul a fitter horse

It will be a different story tonight on a soft track, which he will appreciate. He’ll be fitter for his first-up run and despite a tricky draw, should prove too classy.

Doomben, Race 1: No. 2 Aheadofhistime

From the barn of leading Queensland trainer Kelly Schweida, this 4-year-old gelding’s two runs back this campaign have both been excellent.

He was impressive when winning first off a layoff over the same track and distance he contests tonight, and was then unlucky last start when held up until the final quarter furlong.

Aheadofhistime is drawn well, and his jockey, James Orman, has had success on him before. He should also be rock hard fit.  

That’s it for Friday night, but if you’re playing ahead, I like a first time starter in Race 1 at Dubbo on Saturday night. The Bjorn Baker-trained Powerwolf should be able to get the job done.