AU - Flemington - Race 5

Thoroughbred

19 Runners

OPEN

Turf

GOOD 4

351.9K

VIEW

Verdict

Wide-open affair here - genuinely every horse could win without surprising. STEPARTY (11) looks the best suited, dropping 8lbs off a strong return in the Listed Weekend Hussler behind Persian Spirit. He goes well at this track and trip and with any luck from the gate will go close. HUGHES (10) ran on well first up when finishing behind the pair of PRIVATE EYE (2). Hughes meets him much better off here and should strip fitter. Private Eye will run another honest race. PERSIAN SPIRIT (12) won well enough last time and sets up well again. WARNIE (5) comes through the better formlines, fourth in the G1 Toorak Handicap last time but barrier one will take some navigating. KING ZEPHYR (18) sneaks a run after scratchings and comes right into it off an excellent return.

numberFire Picks

Horse Stats

#/Silk	Horse#/Horse	Power Rating	High Speed	Win %	Top 3%	Win Prob	Odds
1	Dual acceptor. Third-up today and placed third-up previously. First-up settled back and ran on when 7th of 13 in the G1 Manikato Stakes at Caulfield on September 27 over 6f, 3.5 len behind Jimmysstar with 129lbs at $31. Second-up 7th of 16 in the G2 Sydney Stakes at Randwick on October 17 over 6f, on a slow track, 2.25 len behind Grafterburners with 129lbs at $13. Can improve. Class horse who gets to a much better trip now. 1st Pick 1 Pericles Jockey: Non Runner Trainer: Bjorn Baker J: Non Runner T: Bjorn Baker	142	-	-	-	1%	Scratched
Analysis Dual acceptor. Third-up today and placed third-up previously. First-up settled back and ran on when 7th of 13 in the G1 Manikato Stakes at Caulfield on September 27 over 6f, 3.5 len behind Jimmysstar with 129lbs at $31. Second-up 7th of 16 in the G2 Sydney Stakes at Randwick on October 17 over 6f, on a slow track, 2.25 len behind Grafterburners with 129lbs at $13. Can improve. Class horse who gets to a much better trip now.
11	Second run back. First-up after seven months 2nd of 14 in the LR Weekend Hussler Stakes at Caulfield on October 10 over 7f, 0.8 len behind Persian Spirit carrying 128lbs at $6. Previously second-up 8th of 15 in the G2 Gilgai Stakes at this track on October 4 2025 over 6f, 5 len behind War Machine with 126lbs at $41. Excellent return and gets in very well at the weights. 2nd Pick 11 Steparty Jockey: John Allen Trainer: Paul Preusker J: John Allen T: Paul Preusker	134	-	-	-	15%
Analysis Second run back. First-up after seven months 2nd of 14 in the LR Weekend Hussler Stakes at Caulfield on October 10 over 7f, 0.8 len behind Persian Spirit carrying 128lbs at $6. Previously second-up 8th of 15 in the G2 Gilgai Stakes at this track on October 4 2025 over 6f, 5 len behind War Machine with 126lbs at $41. Excellent return and gets in very well at the weights.
10	Second run back. First-up after six months 3rd of 9 in the G3 Harry White (Moonga) Stakes at Caulfield on October 17 over 7f, 1.0 len behind War Machine carrying 129lbs at $12. Previously second-up 11th of 14 in a Supernova at Pakenham on December 13 over 7f, 4.5 len behind Warnie with 127lbs at $61. Nice run fresh and drops sharply in weight, big chance. 3rd Pick 10 Hughes Jockey: Jett Stanley Trainer: Gavin Bedggood J: Jett Stanley T: Gavin Bedggood	117	-	-	-	9%
Analysis Second run back. First-up after six months 3rd of 9 in the G3 Harry White (Moonga) Stakes at Caulfield on October 17 over 7f, 1.0 len behind War Machine carrying 129lbs at $12. Previously second-up 11th of 14 in a Supernova at Pakenham on December 13 over 7f, 4.5 len behind Warnie with 127lbs at $61. Nice run fresh and drops sharply in weight, big chance.

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Horse Racing Basic Terms

State-Bred

A horse bred in a particular state and thus eligible to race in restricted state-bred races. These can be anything from maiden races to stakes events.

Silks

The colorful jacket and cap worn by a jockey which features the design of the owner.

Maiden Race

A race exclusively for horses who have not previously won.