Fog shrouded Flemington early but it did not prevent some lesser lights from standing out on a morning where Group I winners trialled.
Group I-winners Hartnell, Redkirk Warrior, Vega Magic and Sheidel all performed well in early heats while there were several lightly-raced three-year-olds that performed with promise later on.
Friday's heats were on the inside grass from the 1400m and on the rail.
Racenet has selected three it may pay punters to follow in coming weeks.
Click here to see the 14 heats.
DOMINATION
Three-year-old colt by All Too Hard and trained by Tony McEvoy. Showed good ability in his jumpouts last preparation before finishing fifth behind Ducimus over 1100m at Ballarat on debut. Finished second in heat nine, won by the Mathew Ellerton and Simon Zahra-trained Tina Turban in 49.02 seconds. Travelled strongly all the way under Luke Currie, still well on the bridle late as Tina Turban was given some slaps to go clear and score. Looks to have furnished and strengthened and is an imposing individual who can only be better this time around.
Career (1-0:0:0)
PLATINUM
Three-year-old gelding by Animal Kingdom, trained by James Cummings. Broke from the inside barrier in heat seven, gradually moving through to share the lead with the Lindsay Park Racing-trained Ploverset by halfway. Always on the bridle and keen to go faster, edging the Flemington winner Ploverset by a neck in 49.76 seconds with the first two pulling six lengths clear of the Hawkes Racing-trained Thunderzone. Showed ability in his first preparation and has made good physical improvement. He can be placed to advantage in the early part of the spring before things get serious.
Career (5-1:1:0)
MURAAQEB
Three-year-old colt by Snitzel trained by Lindsay Park Racing. Given a soft introduction in heat 12, won in good style by stablemate Plutocracy in 49.54 seconds. Jumped from wide out and allowed to find his feet early before gradually building under his own steam, not hard pressed by Mark Zahra and through the line in second, beaten two lengths. Showed good ability in his first preparation, placing in the Group III Black Opal Stakes and Listed St Albans Stakes. Hasn't got any taller but has strengthened and looks open to further improvement.
Career (3-1:0:2)
