Analysis - 2015 Festival Stakes

Racenet's Speedmaps spokesman Greg Polson said the race should be a truly run affair as there is speed drawn right across the track.

"This will be a genuinely run affair,” Polson said.

"Almost half of the field have an on-pace preference and they are drawn inside to out so I'm confident this will be a strong gallop.

"I'm expecting Nevagotavote and Peace Force to go forward early and they are likely to lead the pack with Ninth Legion landing on the leaders back.

"Heart Testa slots in behind the speed ahead of It's Somewhat and Mighty Lucky.

"The horses that are going to need luck from the draw are Pheidon and Tinto.

"Don't be frightened to like a backmarker here if the track is playing fairly.”

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE RACENET SPEEDMAP OF THE RACE. Click here to get Racenet's FREE speedmaps for Saturday's meeting.

Corporate bookie Ladbrokes are offering $4.60 for the favourite Frespanol, $5 It's Somewhat, $7.50 Ninth Legion, $9 Tinto, $11 Peace Force, $12 Red Excitement and Centre Pivot with the other runners at $15 or better.

"Pretty confident the winner will come from our top three rated horses here,” Racenet Ratings spokesman Cameron Happ said.

"It's Somewhat has lost his way a bit since winning the Liverpool City Cup at his first Australian start but this is the easiest race he's contested in Australia and comes here with a gun draw and two very strong trials.

"Ninth Legion is never far away in this grade and he's the horse that gets the best run in the race. A proven weight carrier and he's the best value of our top rated horses. The $7 is value.

"Frespanol is hard fit and racing well. Might get a bit further back here but that doesn't look a problem and he'll relish the weight relief and a firmer track.

"Bet around the three in exotics.”

The Racenet Ratings expects the field to finish in this order. Click here to get the Racenet Ratings for Saturday's big metropolitan meetings across Australia.