Australian racing picks for Royal Randwick and Flemington

Two of Australia’s premier Thoroughbred tracks are available for BetAmerica horseplayers to enjoy this evening.

Flemington, the home of Australia’s biggest race, the Melbourne Cup, will start its nine-race card at 9:55 p.m. ET.

Just 15 minutes before that, Sydney’s most high-profile track, Royal Randwick, will kick off its nine-race card.

Here are a couple picks to hopefully get the night started on a positive note!

Randwick, Race 1: #6 Giovanna Run

This Chris Waller-trained filly was beaten as a well-supported favorite on the inner track at Randwick last start. While the punters wouldn’t have been happy that day, to be fair, there was plenty to like about her run. When she finally got racing room down the stretch, she knuckled down and hit the line strongly for a solid second.

That latest effort was over the same distance and heavy track conditions that she will face tonight. It was also her first run back from a break, so she’ll be fitter, too. Tommy Berry has picked up the ride from James McDonald, which won’t do Giovanna Run’s chances any harm.

Flemington, Race 1: #1 Ashlor

From the Daniel McCarthy barn, this rising 7-year-old is back quickly, having raced just last weekend.

That most recent run was at Caulfield, in a Group 3 race, where he stuck on well for fourth.

Tonight, Ashlor will drop back a half-furlong, to a distance he has won at three times and hit the board five times from 10 attempts. He always races best with the cut out of the ground, and the soft conditions tonight are perfect. The weight relief, courtesy of apprentice jockey Melissa Julius, will also help!

Good luck!