By Patrick Bartley
Humidor needs his best
If – and that's a fairly important "if" – high class galloper Humidor brings his A-grade game to Flemington for the Australian Cup on Saturday, he will no doubt be the bet of the day.
Humidor (left) is beaten in the Peter Young Stakes at Caulfield.Credit: Getty Images
The former Kiwi who's taken the eye in his last three runs since landing in Melbourne appears poised to open his Australian account.
However, there are a few kinks with Humidor who can get upset prior to a race and also race ungenerously at certain pointe.
Hopefully, with the jockey of the moment Damien Lane on board, we can see a tractable and focused four-year-old in Saturday's weight-for-age encounter.
Top sprint
This year's Newmarket Hcp has everything a major sprint race needs and that's depth and form lines from all ages.
A strong three-year-old contingent as well as the older sprinters make for a perplexing puzzle for those trying to narrow it down.
Spieth turned in a remarkable performance to be just touched off in the Lightning Stakes and he looks to have a great chance of winning his first Group One event.
With a stunning strike rate of five wins from 10 starts, Spieth will only have to overcome the sometimes awkward gate once up the straight six.
Fizzing away
High class mare Abbey Marie showed at Caulfield she was returning to her best.
The Schweppervescence Trophy looks an ideal race for last year's South Australian Group One Oaks winner.
The wide gate of 13 should be no problem as she'll be getting back in the field.
On the road
Smart local mare Silent Sedition makes her first interstate journey arriving in Sydney this week to tackle the Group One Coolmore Classic at Rosehill.
However, things didn't go strictly to plan with Silent Sedition drawing 18 for the $600,000 Classic.
Silent Sedition led throughout to win at Caulfield last start. However, she's a versatile racehorse who could be ridden back following the awkwardness of her draw.
Blooming tulip
Another interesting runner will be one-time Blue Diamond Stakes favourite, Tulip, when she starts in the $170,000 Magic Night Stakes at Rosehill.
Tulip, an impressive Moonee Valley winner at her first start was brave finishing off solidly to be fourth in the Blue Diamond Stakes.
Master class
And if all fails on Saturday, the classy Darren Weir-stayer Master Of Arts looks a strong bet in Monday's Adelaide Cup.
The stayer has had a perfectly timed lead up to the 3200m race and he certainly will be the one to beat in South Australia's most important staying event.
Master Of Arts will also have the added bonus of Damien Lane in the saddle in the Group Two event.
The best local appears to be the Clare Lindop-ridden Mail It In.