Hussler still top pick

Apache Cat's tough win in Saturday's Group One Australia Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley has not been enough to earn him favouritism for the $1 million Newmarket Handicap (1200m) at Flemington on March 8.

While Apache Cat has claimed two Group One victories from as many starts this campaign, the baldy-faced warrior is still rated below boom three-year-old Weekend Hussler, who is a $4.60.

Apache Cat is $5.50 second favourite but is likely to be lumped with 58.5kg, a weight which hasn't been carried to victory in Victoria's richest sprint since Black Onyx in 1970.

While he is undoubtedly Australia's favourite horse at the moment, the weight of public support hasn't converted to betting money so far, with most awaiting Weekend Hussler's appearance in Saturday's Oakleigh Plate at Caulfield.

Swick, who ran a close second to Apache Cat in the Lightning Stakes (1000m) is third favourite at $7, while Bon Hoffa is next best at $9, just ahead of Stanzout (11.00), who was second to Apache Cat at Moonee Valley on Saturday.

Miss Finland remains a $21 chance despite her poor run in the Australia Stakes, while Zipping, who has not run since winning the Sandown Classic, is being kept very safe at $17 despite having never won over 1200m.