Free Horse Racing Tips & Best Bets for Flemington 24/10/26

Michael Manley has identified two strong winning chances at Flemington on Derby Day, with Ice Lady and Flying For Fun both looking well placed to deliver on one of the biggest meetings of the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival.

Ice Lady heads into the Group 2 Wakeful Stakes in outstanding form and looks ready to step up to 2000m ahead of Thursday's VRC Oaks. Meanwhile, Flying For Fun has been producing powerful finishing efforts and should appreciate a genuinely run race in the final event.

With Mark Zahra and James McDonald booked for his two selections, Manley is confident both runners can make their presence felt.

His full package is live now for punters to snap up.

 

 

Michael Manley’s Derby Day Best Bets 31/10/26

Best Bet – Flemington Race 3 #1 Ice Lady

Ice Lady has been racing in excellent form this preparation and looks ideally placed to take another step forward in the Group 2 Wakeful Stakes over 2000m.

The Ciaron Maher-trained filly has continued to improve throughout the spring, and this assignment looks the perfect opportunity to demonstrate her staying potential ahead of Thursday's VRC Oaks.

Her latest performance at Caulfield was particularly encouraging.

Although she couldn't run down her in-form stablemate Saintly Dancer, Ice Lady made up significant ground over the concluding stages to finish strongly.

That effort carried additional merit given the prevailing track pattern, with runners racing on the speed enjoying a clear advantage throughout the meeting.

Despite those circumstances, Ice Lady continued to close the margin on the winner, suggesting the rise to 2000m should suit her perfectly.

Another major positive is the booking of Mark Zahra, who takes the ride for the first time.

Manley expects Zahra to position Ice Lady prominently from the outset, allowing her to settle close to the speed rather than relying on a sustained run from the rear.

That tactical advantage could prove decisive.

With her excellent recent form, favourable race setup and the additional distance expected to suit, Ice Lady looks extremely difficult to beat.

Manley's Verdict: Ice Lady is ready to excel over 2000m and looks the standout winning chance in the Wakeful Stakes. Expect Mark Zahra to have her positioned prominently before taking control of the race.

 

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Next Best – Flemington Race 9 #4 Flying For Fun

Flying For Fun is a talented mare with an enormous finishing burst, and Michael Manley believes the final race at Flemington could provide the ideal opportunity for her to return to winning form.

Her biggest challenge throughout her career has often been finding clear running at the right time.

She typically settles towards the rear of the field and can encounter traffic when attempting to build momentum, but there's no questioning her ability to finish strongly when given the opportunity.

Saturday's race looks particularly suitable.

There's expected to be genuine speed up front, which should allow Flying For Fun to settle comfortably before unleashing her powerful late sprint.

Her wide barrier is another positive.

Rather than being forced to navigate through traffic closer to the inside, she should have the opportunity to build momentum into clear running down Flemington's long home straight.

The booking of champion jockey James McDonald only strengthens her claims.

Flying For Fun finished second in this race previously, but Manley believes she's returning in even better form this year.

Her latest performance in the Schillaci Stakes over 1100m at Caulfield was outstanding.

She produced a powerful finishing effort to claim second behind Jigsaw, suggesting she's racing at the top of her game despite not winning.

That performance provides an excellent form reference heading into Saturday's assignment.

With a strong tempo expected, a favourable wide draw and McDonald aboard, Flying For Fun should have every opportunity to produce her trademark finishing burst.

Manley's Verdict: Flying For Fun is racing better than ever and looks ideally suited by the expected speed and wide barrier. With James McDonald aboard, she can give punters a winning finish to Derby Day.

 

Michael Manley’s Derby Day Best Bets

Selection	Race	Runner
Best Bet	Flemington R3	#1 Ice Lady
Next Best	Flemington R9	#4 Flying For Fun

Ice Lady looks ready to take the next step towards the VRC Oaks with a strong performance in the Wakeful Stakes, while Flying For Fun should appreciate the opportunity to unleash her powerful finishing sprint in the final race.

For more expert Derby Day selections and racing analysis, follow Michael Manley's tips at The Great Tip Off.

 

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