Payney’s Punt | Flemington tips and Australia Guineas preview

Whether it be listening to an owner’s tip — for all you novices out there, never back an owner’s tip — or watching who the old boys at the local tip on the green machine or even trying to paint a horse like Fine Cotton — we’ve almost certainly tried every trick in the book.

Here at Payney’s Punt HQ we thought we would change it up this week.

Our loyal readers may notice a bit of a change to how this week’s column is presented.

In search of joining in on the plunges with the big fish we’ve opted for presenting four tips for each race and preview the main Group One headline act at Flemington.

This Saturday the Australian Guineas (1600m) takes centre stage on a nine-race card at headquarters.

The weather looks perfect for punters and the track should be a good 4 for the ponies.

The rail is out 2m for the entire track.

Australian Guineas (1600m)

Expect there to be minimal early speed as Maximillius (12) looks to roll forward.

Holymanz (13) should settle somewhere on the speed or try to take up the front running with Elliptical (2) to get a nice sit from barrier two.

We fancy that a lot of punters will be going one-out this leg in their quaddie.

Jacquinot (1) is by far the best runner in the race.

Has drawn a tricky barrier with 11, but should find some clear space down the straight which is all he needs.

The lightly-raced colt won last start following a protest, but if there was another 100m or so would have won anyway.

It’s that late finish that has us piling on with our hard-earned.

Elliptical won last start when resuming in what was a trying effort.

Ran three-wide and almost got beaten by Holymanz.

The gelding’s only run at the mile was in the Sandown Guineas and finished seventh.

Legarto (15) looks a nice play at odds, so does Maximillius.

The former has flown over from New Zealand and is returning from a let-up.

Last start ran fourth over the mile after five wins to start her career.

Mickey Dee is on board and he is flying at the moment.

Virtuous Circle (5) will have plenty of backers in the Goulburn Valley.

The Liam Howley-trained runner has been targeted at this race and has placed at the mile before.

Forgive first-up run, has won and placed second-up before.