Saturday Features and Market Movers

Melbourne Cup Week draws to a spectacular close at Flemington with three Group 1 races and some of Australia's biggest names taking centre stage. Autumn Glow puts her unbeaten record at 1600m on the line in the Champions Mile, Everest heroine Tempted tackles the Flemington straight, and Cox Plate winner Cosmic Crusader returns for another heavyweight showdown in the Champions Stakes.

At Rosehill, the $2 million Five Diamonds headlines a strong Sydney program, alongside the Hot Danish Stakes and the $1 million Golden Gift.

Flemington

Track: Good at the time of checking

R5 – 3:10pm · TAB One Pool Matriarch Stakes · 2000m · Group 2 · Mares

Too Darn Discreet gets a significant weight swing on Soverato after their recent clash in the Tesio Stakes and can improve sharply with Mark Zahra aboard. Soverato was impressive winning that race and looks well placed again, while Vivy Air brings solid Sydney form and should appreciate the rise to 2000m. Panova drops in grade with James McDonald returning, and Jenni's Meadow continues to race consistently without winning.

Market mover: #8 Vivy Air has firmed from $4.50 into $3.70, while #14 Pillow Fight has firmed from $21.00 into $18.00.

R6 – 3:50pm · VRC Champions Sprint · 1200m · Group 1 · Weight-for-Age

Tempted arrives as the country's dominant sprinter after her extraordinary Everest victory over Ka Ying Rising. She tackles the Flemington straight for the first time, where Joliestar has already proven herself at Group 1 level. Headwall was excellent finishing fourth in The Everest before another strong performance behind Pericles, while Caballus brings outstanding straight-track credentials and has been racing consistently at the highest level.

Market mover: #4 Caballus has firmed from $19.00 into $16.00, while #8 Charm Stone has firmed from $27.00 into $23.00.

R7 – 4:30pm · VRC Champions Mile · 1600m · Group 1 · Weight-for-Age

Superstar Autumn Glow makes her Flemington debut chasing another Group 1 victory and looks exceptionally difficult to beat. Tom Kitten returns to the track where he won the All-Star Mile, while Lindermann arrives following his dominant Craven Plate victory. Buckaroo was outstanding closing from an impossible position last start, and Sepals has the talent to rebound from two disappointing Sydney performances. All eyes will be on Autumn Glow.

Market: no significant moves since opening.

R8 – 5:10pm · TAB Champions Stakes · 2000m · Group 1 · Weight-for-Age

The Cox Plate form goes on trial again as Cosmic Crusader looks to confirm his superiority over Birdman and Aeliana. Birdman was desperately unlucky not to win the Cox Plate after being held up at a crucial stage, while Aeliana should enjoy a more favourable run from a better barrier. Sir Delius has been below his best this preparation but remains a genuine Group 1 performer, and Irish visitor Omni Man adds international interest.

Market mover: #9 Omni Man has firmed from $18.00 into $14.00, while #10 Aeliana has firmed from $3.40 into $2.80.

Rosehill

Track: Soft 7 at the time of checking

R6 – Golden Gift · 1100m · Listed · 2YO · $1 Million

An intriguing contest featuring several promising juveniles and well-credentialled debutants. Exo Velocity was impressive winning the Kirkham Stakes on debut and should appreciate the extra 100m. Silent Intent caught the eye finishing third on a Heavy 10 at Flemington, while Sharjawiyah has impressed in two trials and looks ready to make an immediate impact. Proverb can improve sharply after struggling in heavy conditions on debut, and Torshavn has trialled well ahead of his first appearance.

Market mover: #4 Hot Sox has firmed from $91.00 into $61.00, #8 Torshavn has firmed from $13.00 into $12.00, #11 Originate has firmed from $51.00 into $34.00, and #12 Sharjawiyah has firmed from $8.50 into $6.50.

R7 – 4:10pm · Toyota Forklifts Hot Danish Stakes · 1400m · Group 2 · Fillies & Mares

Lazzura is chasing a hat-trick after impressive victories in the Golden Pendant and The Invitation, with her outstanding record at Rosehill making her the clear benchmark. Gerringong was excellent winning first-up before finishing fourth behind Lazzura, while Tuileries has drawn favourably after encountering wide barriers in both runs this preparation. Arabian Rose can improve after striking trouble last start, and Kosciuszko winner Chains Of Love adds further depth.

Market: no significant moves since opening.

R8 – 4:50pm · Five Diamonds · 1800m · Group 3 · 5YO · $2 Million

Declichy Boulevard was outstanding winning the Five Diamonds Prelude after previously striking trouble in the Epsom Handicap. She rises in weight but looks well suited stepping to 1800m. Linebacker meets her 2.5kg better after finishing second in the Prelude, while Plymouth caught the eye in the Craven Plate and looks ready to peak. Verona Rose has been racing consistently, and Welcometotheshow deserves consideration after finding trouble at a crucial stage last start.

Market mover: #7 Verona Rose has firmed from $8.00 into $7.00, #12 Brindavan has firmed from $15.00 into $13.00, and #14 Mr Chaplin has firmed from $51.00 into $31.00.