A pair of blackbookers from Melbourne Cup Day.

Statuario

Flemington – Tuesday - Race 2

Danny Matthews

This gelding seems to have found a consistent level in its past three outings notching ratings of 97, 97 and now 98 with a second placing at listed level. It was an improved run this time after failing to finish off to the line over 1600-metres at Caufield. Was ridden further back which could be the key and a win might not be far away over further than this 1800-metre trip for three-year-olds through the next few weeks.

Supercilious

Flemington - Tuesday - Race 8

Brad Bishop

The 3YO daughter of Written Tycoon is surely due a change of luck after another run that was better than it appeared on paper on Melbourne Cup Day.

The Leon and Troy Corstens and Will Larkin-trained filly finished third in the 1400m Listed event won by Catoggio when she went back after drawing wide and was beaten just over 1-1/2 lengths after working home down the outside – a formula that was not a winning one on Cup Day.

Tuesday's effort followed a good third over 1200m at The Valley on Cox Plate Day, when she was seven weeks between runs off a setback, having resumed with a luckless second over 1200m at The Valley on September 7.

The extended Spring Carnival means there are still good options around for Supercilious with Group races over 1200, 1400m and 1600m at her disposal next Saturday with the $500,000 Blue Sapphire Stakes (1400m) the one I'd be keenest to back her in.