Payney’s Punt | Stakes Day tips and preview

But when you get knocked off the horse the only thing left to do is hop back on.

The weather will be turning it on and expect them to be racing on a Good 4 track with an upgrade likely.

If you are opting to follow along for the final day of the carnival, please remember to gamble responsibly.

Race 1. 12.40pm - BM90 (1600m)

Could be a tough start for punters in the first. Typhoon Harmony (8) will lead and could be a challenge to reel in. Drops 6kg from last run and has six placings at this trip. Excelleration (4) has a terrific first-up record and looked good in a recent jumpout. Won at this track/distance in a BM84 the last time when resuming and has a 4:2-1-0 record when fresh. Goes on top.

Top tip: Excelleration

Race 2. 1.15pm - Handicap (1200m)

Down the straight in the second and a straight course favourite goes on top. It’sourtime (2) loves racing here. Has three wins and five placings down the straight and a strong record over 1200m. Was good in a bunched field last weekend and finished fourth. Should be fighting it out. We like the look of General Beau (4). Had been racing well in the winter and returned last start to finish fourth when fresh.

Top tip: It’sourtime

Race 3. 1.50pm - Springtime Stakes (1400m)

A lot of value here if you can land it. The fav Schwarz (6) looks promising and has to be respected but has drawn poorly. Snapback (1) drops back in class and should find this easier than previous runs. Is fourth-up, won when fresh and placed last start, so is seeing it well. Maps to lead or sit on the pace. Only knock is the top-weight.

Top tip: Snapback (best value)

Race 4. 2.30pm - Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2600m)

A tricky race to gauge. Muramasa (9) deserves the favourite tag with an unbeaten start to this prep. Has displayed great turn of foot in both wins ― most recently coming in the G3 Coongy Cup. The rise in trip should suit. Can handle dry ground. Luncies (4) comes out of the Bendigo Cup where he ran fourth behind Interpretation who has since ran well in the Melbourne Cup. Has placed each of the three attempts at this trip. Has got a gun jockey on board. Taramansour (13) beat Luncies home last start with a third and looks a good value play. Duke De Sessa (2) drops out of a Caulfield Cup ninth-place finish. Expect improvement. Muramasa on top, but wouldn’t shock if something at value gets up.

Top tip: Muramasa

Race 5. 3.10pm - Matriach Stakes (2000m)

Much like Muramasa in the previous race, opting for Steinem (4) who ran fourth in the Coongy Cup last start. That race was in quick time and Steinem comes here fourth-up and should be fit and raring to go. Pearl Of Alsace (8) comes here from across the ditch and is an exciting prospect. Placed last start at G1 level over this trip. Big watch on Thalassophile (5). Has form at this track and over this trip and placed last start when flashing home over the mile. Ready to peak fourth-up now.

Top tip: Steinem

Race 6. 3.50pm - Champions Sprint (1200m)

The first of three G1 races. Should be a ripping contest with one of the best sprinters going around in the short favourite. Imperatriz (8) won the G1 Manikato and Moir Stakes in recent runs and has won four-straight on the bounce. Yet to win over the distance. First time coming down the straight and the jockey is yet to notch a win down the straight. We’re happy to take the favourite on. Star Patrol (4) is one of our much-loved runners here at Payney’s Punt HQ. Rises in class, but is unbeaten from two runs ― at G2 level ― this prep and is flying. Record at this track/trip is brilliant. Sometimes you just have to stick fat.

Top tip: Star Patrol (EW)

Race 7. 4.30pm - Champions Mile (1600m)

Our best of the day fronts up here. Mr Brightside (1) ran the best second you will see and just missed a famous Cox Plate. The Lindsay Park team must be rapt with how their star gelding has bounced back. Has drawn barrier two and maps to get another soft run in transit. Alligator Blood (2) has to be respected. Was huge in the Cox Plate and maps to get a good run on the speed. Is yet to miss the placings at this track from five attempts.

Top tip: Mr Brightside (Best bet)

Race 8. 5.10pm - Champions Stakes (2000m)

Should be a ripping contest in the Champions Stakes. West Wind Blows (4) takes on the fav tag and that is due to the run last start in the Caulfield Cup where he ran second to subsequent Melbourne Cup winner. Previous run finished second in the Turnbull Stakes behind Gold Trip and ahead of Melbourne Cup runner-up Soulcombe. Comes into this with the right form. Yet to miss the placings over this journey from seven cracks. Will be hard to beat. Zaaki (1) triumphed in this last year and has to be respected. Loves racing here at HQ and has a 4:3-1-0 record. Is unbeaten over this trip/distance and is ready to fire now fourth-up. Duais (9) has big claims following a fourth-place finish in the Cox Plate. Has been consistent and is super fit.

Top tip: West Wind Blows

Race 9. 5.50pm - Grand Handicap (1100m)

Hoping for a knockout blow in the last with lightly raced sprinter Give Giggles (14). This is much harder, but looks progressive and one to stick with. Has won two on the trot and drops 4kg for this run. Ran good time two runs back over this trip and will give itself every chance with a leading run up on the speed. Happy to go each-way and is our best roughie. Bews (7) got back to winning form last start. Placed fourth two back at this track and Annila (2) comes out of that race. Annila has since won and has been running in good form. Is yet to miss the placings this prep and some of those runs have been with 60kg. Will be fighting it out for the placings.

Top tip: Give Giggles (best roughie) or Anilla (EW)