Racing Tips & Best Bets – Saturday, January 17, 2025

This preview has expired.

See all our latest betting tips or suggested betting sites

Wednesday 1
Thursday 2
Friday 3
Saturday 4
Sunday 5
Monday 6
Tuesday 7
Wednesday 8
Thursday 9
Friday 10
Saturday 11

Flemington Betting Tips for January 17, 2026 - Can Buccleuch Strike Fresh?

Alex Marsh

Editor

Last updated: Thu 15 Jan 2026 15:59

Alex Marsh 15 Jan 2026

Share this article

Flemington meeting features races on January 17 with strong contenders
Top picks include Somewhere, Buccleuch, Dark Simba, and Red Galaxy
Key form references make for strategic betting opportunities

Expired

Will Somewhere go back-to-back? (Getty)

Flemington hosts the Melbourne meeting on Saturday, January 17, with a strong card featuring depth across multiple grades and several races shaping as key form references.

Flemington Tips January 17
Black Caviar Lightning Race Day Tips (Race 4)
VOBIS Gold Reef Tips (Race 6)
Thank You Emergency Services Tips (Race 7)
TAB Australian Cup Race Day Tips (Race 8)
Thank You Firefighters Plate Tips (Race 10)

The program brings together proven performers and emerging types, while punters can also explore all Saturday Previews for full coverage across the major meetings as the day takes shape.

Flemington Tips January 17

Black Caviar Lightning Race Day Tips (Race 4)

Flemington Value Bet - Race 4 No. 6 Dark Simba

Dark Simba produced a strong return at Caulfield when charging home from the rear with the race-fastest last 200m in a 1400m BM84.

That run saw the gelding start favourite in a Rosehill BM72 second-up, where he was a touch flatter but not disgraced.

He was also unsuited in that run when settling off midfield in an on-speed dominated race, with those ahead receiving plenty of weight.

Staying at 1500m third-up may have worked against him, although he was strong late when finishing third at Cranbourne.

With a solid fitness platform now in place, getting to 1800m on the bigger Flemington circuit looks ideal.

VOBIS Gold Reef Tips (Race 6)

Flemington Best Bet - Race 6 No. 5 Somewhere

Somewhere looked a potential star early, debuting with a stylish win before an unlucky third in the Group 2 Sandown Guineas.

After not progressing through three subsequent runs as a late three-year-old, the jury was out on the gelding.

The Puissance De Lune progeny are often slow maturing and after two solid runs to open this campaign, he progressed third-up.

That December 31 mile victory was brave, as Somewhere was left in front a long way out as the pick of the on-speed brigade.

He now has confidence, carries 4kg less from that win, and looks well placed to go on with it.

Thank You Emergency Services Tips (Race 7)

Flemington Value Bet - Race 7 No. 4 Red Galaxy

The 1100m proved a touch too sharp first-up at Cranbourne, but Red Galaxy still backed up good trial work with an eye-catching third.

The big son of Stratum Star is better set up by the 1200m of the Flemington straight for this second-up assignment.

He remains lightly raced and has always come to hand early in his work.

That is reflected in his record, with two wins and two placings from four fresh runs, plus a win and a runner-up from two second-up attempts.

While he has been tried over a mile later in preparations, the 1200m–1400m range looks his right zone and drawing to find the middle-outside lanes is a tick.

TAB Australian Cup Race Day Tips (Race 8)

Flemington Roughie - Race 8 No. 6 Shaiyhar

Shaiyhar can be hit-or-miss, but he is an effective Flemington horse with all three of his Australian wins coming at this track.

His most recent victory came in this race 12 months ago.

He has ground to make up on Saint George from Cranbourne, but he was held up in that run and also pulled up lame.

It is also worth noting he was on the second line of betting for that December 27 event.

Now $23+ despite finding a better set-up, Shaiyhar is hard to trust but appeals at the price.

Thank You Firefighters Plate Tips (Race 10)

Flemington Next Best Bet - Race 10 No. 1 Buccleuch

Buccleuch is an interesting runner on resumption after impressing as a late two-year-old last winter.

He recorded a winning hat-trick, with the final two legs coming at Flemington, the latest a comfortable Listed success.

Connections bypassed the spring, but the Payne stable has had him in work for some time.

The gelding has trialled five times since November and his last two jump-outs suggest he can run a big race fresh.

There are other targets in mind later in the campaign, but he has the best exposed form in the field and gains relief via Holly Durnan’s 3kg claim.

Verdict

Flemington- January 17

Our Flemington tips for Saturday, January 17 are:

Somewhere

To Win

$3.70 - 4 Units

Same Race Multi & Instant Deposit

Referral Code: BETS

For South Australian residents, Bet Right's gambling operations are governed by the South Australian Gambling. 18+ Think! About your choices. Don't let the game play you. Stay in control. Gamble responsibly and remember never allow minors to gamble. Call Gambling Help on 1800 858 858.

Bet at Bet Right

Buccleuch

To Win

$5.00 - 2 Units

Daily Racing Rewards

18+ only. T&Cs apply. What are you really gambling with? Call Gambling Help on 1800 858 858 or visit www.gamblinghelponline.org.au.

Bet at Unibet Australia

Dark Simba

Each Way

$9.00 - 2 Units

Download the dabble app

with referral code BETSAU

Download the dabble app, enter referral code BETSAU to enjoy Dabble, the betting app with a difference! Bet as normal with & also be part of Australia's betting community where you can follow punters and sports stars, copy their bets, have banter with your mates & watch Sky Racing channels. 18+. T&Cs apply. What are you prepared to lose today? Set a deposit limit.

Bet at dabble

Red Galaxy

Each Way

$8.00 - 2 Units

Australia's #1 bookmaker

Use the code "BLACKBOOK"

The Ladbrokes.com.au code is BLACKBOOK. 18+ only. T&Cs apply. WHAT'S GAMBLING REALLY COSTING YOU? Set a deposit limit.

Bet at Ladbrokes Australia