Softiel Girl’ Day Out Preview & Best Bets – 14/09/2024

in Flemington 13 Sep 2024

Spring Racing returns to Flemington on Saturday with the Sofitel Girls’ Day Out. The feature race is the Crown Makybe Diva Stakes, a Group One contest over 1600m.

The 10-race card from the Victoria-based course also includes the Furphy Let’s Elope Stakes and Lexus Archer Stakes. Here are the best bets for the meeting.

BEST BET: VIA SISTINA

Race 8

Via Sistina switched to Australia back in March and she has made an impressive start to her career in the country. The former British-trained mare has won two of her three races, including last time out in Group One Winx Stakes at Randwick over 1400m.

Chris Waller’s runner came home powerfully at Randwick in that victory at the highest level and this step up to 1600m will suit her. She has been handed a great draw in barrier one. It will allow her the shortest route around the course. Expect to see her doing her best work inside the final 400m.

The experienced six-year-old mare is a former winner of the Group One Pretty Polly Stakes in Ireland. She was also second in the Champions Stakes at Ascot. She can add to her excellent CV in the feature race at the Sofitel Girls’ Day Out meeting.

SECOND BEST BET: BERKSHIRE BREEZE

Race 5

Berkshire Breeze has been in excellent form at this course over the last three months. He recorded back-to-back victories at this venue across June and July, while last time out, he was second in a stakes contest.

The grey gelding has been handed a wide draw in barrier 10, but over this distance, it should not be a problem. This horse can be ridden many ways, so jockey Michael Dee has several options from the barriers.

Point King must be respected based on his wide-margin success at Moonee Valley last month. However, this is a tougher contest, and he will need to take another big step forward to finish ahead of Berkshire Breeze.

Best Value: Alspehina

Race 7

Alspehina finished second of six runners on her latest outing in August in what was an eye-catching run. The six-year-old made up a lot of late ground in the closing stages of that race. Had it been over an extra 200-400m, the result would most likely have been even better for her connections.

This race is a lower level than Alsephina faced on her most recent outing. With nine wins from 15 career starts, she has an excellent record. She looks good value here to add to her account in the Furphy Let’s Elope Stakes.