Early Oil: Flemington best bets, preview for Saturday, December 17

News Corp form analyst Jett Hatton takes a look at the Flemington meeting on Saturday.

The Guava is the value bet for Saturday, December 17th.

The Guava won the first race at Pakenham. River Noire made an impressive debut. RIVER RIBBLE was good first-up in the same race as THE GUAVA.

The Guava (5 each way) is the best bet for Saturday, December 17.

RACE 2 takes place at Cranbourne. COTEL (7) is the favourite. FOR REAL LIFE (5) was unlucky not to win last start at Pakenham. ALL ABOUT EVE (4) will likely go back and rattle home late. STARLEA (11) has one win from 16 starts.

Early Oil offers its best bets for Saturday, December 17. For Real Life (5 each way) is the most popular bet.

Pounding (7) beat all but Detonator Jack last week. Another One (2) was huge in the Wodonga Cup last start. UNANIMOUS (3) drawn tricky but is flying this campaign. EXCELLERATION (5) is a staying type but generally can put in a good effort first-up.

John O’Shea's stable is flying and he normally doesn't miss when sending one south. AWESOME JOHN (14) was good behind smart galloper Kovalica two back and then handy winner at Hawkesbury last start. DESPERADO (9) won first-up in Australia and should improve getting out to 1800m. OUR LONE STAR (7) never got any luck out wide seven days ago and Damien Oliver replaces the apprentice.

Early Oil offers previews for Saturday, December 17th.

Gary Portelli has speedster SPACEBOY (4) back and firing. Munhamek (6) is yet to run a bad race in Australia. William Thomas (5) generally runs well without winning. Black Caviar’s daughter INVINCIBLE CAVIAR (12) was impressive last start.

Never Again (5) has turned around his form and is racing out in trip. PERSAN (1) is giving weight but obvious class runner having placed in a Caulfield Cup. NOBEL HEIGHTS (3) racing well without a win this campaign, good behind Kissinger at his last two. CORMORANT (4) from the Maddie Raymond yard goes in.

Early Oil offers its best bets for Saturday, December 17.

ROSE QUARTZ (6) is favourite in the 7th race at Flemington on Saturday, December 17. HALVOVERSEN (1) was second in a Group 1 Goodwood two years ago. PARSIFAL (3) may be short for the race after a trip to Dubai. YULONG COMMAND (4) needs to bounce back after his last run in Australia.

HELENE LEADINGSTAR is set to make her Australian debut at Flemington on Saturday, December 17th. She will be ridden by Damien Oliver. Corner Pocket finished third last time he raced at the venue.

Helene Leadingstar (10 each way) is the favorite for Saturday, December 17th.

He's XCEPTIONAL (2) won a race at Wodonga. Peter Moody brings VICTORY BAY (12) to town. COMMANDER HARRY (1) is a staying type from the Maher/Eustace yard.

He's Xceptional (2) to win on Saturday, December 17th.