The best tips for winning edge on field

THE form out of the Makybe Diva Stakes and Run To The Rose at the weekend looks outstanding as the spring carnival draws closer.

With the opening round of SuperCoach Racing just over a week away, Chris Vernuccio pinpoints the runners to put in your black book.

MAKYBE DIVA STAKES

Many will be mystified why WA galloper Gatting ($400,000) is priced so high after his shock win at $101 on Saturday.

Aside from his last-start failure in Perth, the six-year-old had strong form behind him over the past 12 months, including a second behind Galaxy Star in the Group 1 Railway Stakes last November and a win over the mare in a Group 3 race three months ago.

His next run will be in the Group 1 Underwood Stakes (SuperCoach Round 1).

Tasmanian mare Mystic Journey ($500,000) is still on track for the Cox Plate despite her defeat as a short-priced favourite.

She loomed to win but the month between runs had an effect in the last 200m.

She can make amends in the Group 1 Turnbull Stakes (Round 2).

Queensland derby winner Mr Quickie ($300,000) was the eye-catcher with his fast-closing third. The four-yearold can give the Caulfield Cup a shake.

LET’S ELOPE STAKES

Spanish Whisper ($275,000) has beaten Fidelia ($200,000) in both runs this campaign but the latter likely has more upside and a more appealing SuperCoach price tag. Fidelia will relish 1600m. My Pendant ($175,000) wasn’t suited by the tempo but there’s another win in her.

DANEHILL STAKES

Dalasan ($175,000) is a SuperCoach lock for Round 1 in the Guineas Prelude.

He would have won by a greater margin if he wasn’t so wayward down the straight.

The effort of thirdplacegetter Express Pass ($125,000) to step up from a maiden to a Group 2 was immense. He may not be up to Group 1 standard just yet but he could be a great cheap option in the right race.

RUN TO THE ROSE

Bivouac ($300,000) beat an exciting group of three-year-old colts – Yes Yes Yes ($250,000), Exceedance ($225,000) and Kubrick ($150,000).

All four ran breathtakingly fast closing sectionals and you won’t go wrong selecting either – or most – for the Golden Rose (Round 1), depending on your salary cap.

Keen for Kubrik to contest the Caulfield Guineas.