Peak spring has arrived. The Everest, Caulfield Cup and King Charles III Stakes headline one of the biggest racing Saturdays of the year.
With Fizzer missing in action, Junior joins King for a massive edition of The Saturday Set.
The Everest — Ka Ying Rising declared
King has made his position crystal clear: Ka Ying Rising wins The Everest.
Despite concerns about a rain-affected Randwick track, King believes the Hong Kong superstar is a better horse than when he dominated this race last year. He expects Zac Purton to settle on or near the speed and rates the $1.50 as excellent value.
Junior agrees Ka Ying Rising is the horse to beat, although he is more cautious if the track deteriorates beyond a Soft 7.
Tempted is the main danger, while both boys give Ninja a strong place chance.
Silver Eagle — King keen on Beiwacht
King is prepared to forgive Beiwacht's disappointing Manikato Stakes performance.
He believes 1300m is far more suitable, with Nash Rawiller expected to dictate from the front in a race lacking genuine speed.
Skyhook is the obvious danger following his impressive Shannon Stakes victory, but King believes Beiwacht has the class advantage.
Junior is less convinced by the favourite pair and sees some value in Night Agent and Plaintiff.
King Charles III Stakes — Autumn Glow vulnerable?
King and Junior are both prepared to take on Autumn Glow at $1.45.
King believes a wet track and the relentless pressure of Pride Of Jenni could create the perfect conditions for an upset.
He is particularly keen on Ceolwulf, who has won the past two editions of this race and arrives fitter following an excellent second in the Epsom Handicap.
Junior also likes Ceolwulf, believing he can get the final crack at Autumn Glow.
King's preferred play is to lay Autumn Glow rather than back a single challenger.
Caulfield Cup — Wine Dark Sea the value
King is against favourite Cosmic Crusader at $4.80, citing barrier 17, the untested 2400m and a likely firm Caulfield surface.
His leading selection is Wine Dark Sea at $9. King loves the lightly raced import's acceleration, proven stamina and 54.5kg handicap, with Damian Lane another major positive.
Zahrann is his second selection, with She's A Hustler a possible saving bet.
Junior is particularly interested in Enfjaar, whose versatility and favourable draw appeal, while also giving She's A Hustler and Starford chances.
King's Saturday Set
BetBunkerA brilliant second to My Gladiola in the Moir Stakes. King believes she has a clear speed advantage over this field at 1000m.
BetBunkerSame track, distance and class as last start. King expects Angela Jones to take control from the front.
BetBunkerOutstanding last-start sectionals suggest the step from 1400m to 1600m will suit perfectly.
Junior's Saturday Set
BetBunkerComes through a strong form race and has trialled between runs. Junior expects a favourable position just behind the speed.
BetBunkerJunior believes his latest Melbourne run can be forgiven and rates him closer to a $5 chance than the $10 available.
BetBunkerA promising debutant expected to race on the speed and give punters an early opportunity to get involved.
Spring All-Stars — Little Birdie takes the reins
The final qualifying round of Spring All-Stars arrives on Everest and Caulfield Cup Day, with Little Birdie looking to chase down the leading teams.
MacBet opened with 28.03% profit on turnover, while Racing.com and King Zone produced remarkably close results of 11.01% and 11.02% respectively.
With every team profitable so far, Little Birdie knows exactly what it needs to beat heading into the final qualifying round.
The stage is set for an enormous Saturday.
Editorial at The Daily Punt, covering Australian racing and sport with an eye for where the value sits.
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