David Gately Horse Racing Tips for Australian Guineas 28/2/26

The Group 1 Australian Guineas over 1600 metres brings together a compelling group of progressive three-year-olds, many of whom have already clashed in key lead-up races.

Flemington’s mile at set weights places the emphasis squarely on class, tactical positioning and sustained speed.

With several runners bringing strong Caulfield Guineas and fresh form references into this, the race profiles as a genuine test of which colt or gelding is ready to peak third-up at Group 1 level.

There is depth, but the form lines continue to revolve around a handful of runners who have already proven themselves at the top level.

 

 

David Gately – Group 1 Australian Guineas Preview 28/2/26

The Leading Chances

1 – OBSERVER

Observer sets the benchmark.

He rode a hot tempo first-up yet still cruised away with authority under a big weight, a performance that stamped him as a colt in serious order.

His second-up run last preparation reads even better in hindsight and with even luck, you can strongly argue he goes very close to winning the Group 1 Caulfield Guineas.

Back to set weights and up to the mile, he profiles as the horse to beat.

If he settles cleanly and controls his rhythm, he is going to take running down.

 

 

4 – SIXTIES

Sixties has returned in outstanding fashion.

First-up he defeated older horses, recording the fastest closing splits of the meeting (last 600m and 200m), a performance of genuine quality.

He then covered ground at his latest run and was again far too good, producing strong time and sectional figures.

His upward trajectory is obvious, and he shapes as the main danger if he reproduces those closing sectionals at 1600 metres.

 

 

2 – PLANET RED

Planet Red has a strong case to challenge the favourite.

Fresh, he was well back and forced wide before charging home to beat all bar Observer.

In the Caulfield Guineas, he ran past a luckless Observer in a performance that ties the form together nicely.

The weights are against him, but he has tactical versatility and can settle closer in running here.

If he does, he becomes a serious threat.

 

The Emerging Chances

8 – VICTORIOUS SPIRIT

Solid in his recent performances but no match for the quinella horses at their latest clash.

He meets the winner worse at the weights here, which makes the task tougher.

However, there is clear upside, and the rise to 1600 metres looks suitable.

If the race is run at a strong tempo and others feel the pinch late, he can improve into the placings.

 

6 – OFFICIATE

Similar profile to Victorious Spirit in that it is difficult to see the tables turning on exposed form.

That said, he is fitter, still has upside, and the mile provides some hope of improvement.

He may not have the brilliance of the top pair but is capable of sticking on strongly if positioned correctly.

 

David Gately’s Australian Guineas Rankings

1. Observer

2. Sixties

3. Planet Red

4. Victorious Spirit

5. Officiate

 

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