Darwin races preview & top betting tips | Saturday, November 18
| What | Darwin Races |
| Where | Fannie Bay Racecourse – Dick Ward Dr, Fannie Bay NT 0820 |
| When | Saturday, November 18, 2023 |
| First Race | 2:37pm ACST |
There are only five races at Darwin on Saturday, but there are 43 acceptors in what shapes as yet another competitive meeting where it will be no easy task picking winners. The feature race is a 1100m sprint at 0-76 level, and good luck separating Mr Cashman, Star Magnum, Mighty Murt, Great Diviner, Prince Of Mercia and outsider Vunivalu, who runs well first-up after a spell.
Heats of the Darwin Turf Club’s Lightning Wet Season Series kick off this weekend — and speaking of rain, upwards of 12mm has fallen in the Top End since the Melbourne Cup Day meeting, with more tipped for Friday and Saturday. Sunny conditions, north to north-westerly winds and a top temperature of 34C is the Saturday forecast, with showers and a thunderstorm likely in the afternoon. The rail will be in the true position and Fannie Bay will be a good dirt surface, as usual.
BEST BET: HENESTROSA
In a very open race, this five-year-old gelding was an early $3.50 equal favourite and is capable of producing the goods this weekend despite not having won a race since March. In the past 12 months, Henestrosa has proven a lot more consistent despite the lack of success. Two fourths over 1100m in May and over 1000m in September came before a last-start third over 1100m on October 28 when he set the early pace. He’s not facing the strongest line-up and two interstate arrivals are making their debuts, so it could be Henestrosa’s day.
Best Bet
Race 5 – 
#2 Henestrosa (7)
5yo Gelding | T: Gary Clarke | J: Jarrod Todd (59kg)
NEXT BEST: NO RAIN NO FLOWERS
Arriving from the stable of former champion Darwin trainer Stephen Brown, now based in Seymour, this daughter of Shalaa made a delightful first-up impression when third in a 1300m maiden after jumping from gate eight and clearly benefitted from that run when finishing a narrow third in a 1200m maiden on Melbourne Cup Day after starting from barrier 11. She has a favourable draw this weekend, and Barty Aya — fourth behind No Rain No Flowers on November 7 — is the only threat. A narrow second in a 1170m Wangaratta maiden and a narrow third in a 1200m Echuca maiden were the mare’s best results during her Victorian stint.
Next Best
Race 4 – 
#7 No Rain No Flowers (2)
5yo Mare | T: Chris Pollard | J: Casey Hunter (57kg)
NEXT BEST AGAIN: PRINCE RUBAN
This six-year-old gelding lumped 61kg to finish third behind in-form pair Son Of Bielski and The Albion over 1300m on October 7 before backing up a fortnight later with 60kg on his back to finish a length behind The Albion in second place over 1600m. A drop in weight and a decent gate will enhance the hopes of Prince Ruban immeasurably, and with a record of six wins, a second, five thirds and four fourths from 21 Fannie Bay starts, he must be considered. The former Victorian galloper was an early $7 quote in what shapes as a terrific race and his record over 1300m sits at two wins, a second and three thirds.
Next Best Again
Race 1 – #7 Prince Ruban (4)
6yo Gelding | T: Gary Clarke | J: Jarrod Todd (57.5kg)
Darwin Saturday quaddie tips – 18/11/2023
Darwin quadrella selections
Saturday, November 18, 2023
- 2-3-4-6-10
- 1-2-3
- 3-7
- 2-5