The headline event on the Warwick Farm programme this Saturday March 5 is the $350,000 Group 1 Chipping Norton Stakes (1600m) and the Races.com.au team have the exclusive 2011 Chipping Norton Stakes Race & Betting Tips below.

This year’s Chipping Norton Stakes field features 13 gallopers set to face off in Warwick Farm Race 6 at 4:26pm (AEDST) on Saturday.

Firm favourite at the top of the 2011 Chipping Norton Stakes odds at Luxbet is #11 Melito, the dual Group 1 winner at a current quote of $3.20.

A well-bred four-year-old mare by Redoute’s Choice, the Gerald Ryan-trained Melito boosted her career earnings to over $1.7 million last start when she impressively beat home a crack field by nearly two lengths first-up in the Group 2 Apollo Stakes (1400m) at Rosehill on February 19.

There is no denying Melito has genuine claims for a third Group 1 win here considering her impressive second-up record of only one defeat from four attempts when Black Caviar got the better of her.

However, Melito’s ability over the mile is questionable and the fact she has drawn the far outside barrier in a field featuring eight other Group 1 winners has us tipping an upset with #3 Danleigh rated special to win the Chipping Norton Stakes 2011.

Warwick Farm Race 6 Tips – 2011 Chipping Norton Stakes Betting

• Races.com.au Favourite: #3 Danleigh – Rated Special to Win – Bet now at Luxbet
• Best Place / Exotic Bets: #11 Melito, #9 Luen Yat Forever and #13 Once Were Wild

Leading online bookmaker Luxbet have the Chris Waller-trained Danleigh as a $7.50 chance in their Chipping Norton Stakes odds and we think they represent excellent value for an upset.

Drawn in barrier eight and due to be ridden by Hugh Bowman, seven-year-old Danleigh is out to break a nine-start drought not having won since taking out the Group 1 George Ryder Stakes (1500m) at Rosehill last April.

Continuing to run consistently, this season Danleigh has had two starts finishing fourth beaten two lengths first-up in the Group 2 Expressway Stakes (1200m) before their sixth place behind Melito in the Apollo.

He is tipped to improve on Saturday, however, and can be forgiven for his last start getting caught at the back of the field.

Danleigh has a nice third-up record, running fourth to Shocking at this track and distance in the Group 2 Makybe Diva Stakes third-up in September last prep.

It will be a close finish Danleigh just nudging out Melito, the favourite to win if this was 1400m.

Running third in the Chipping Norton Stakes Trifecta we fancy $14 chance at Luxbet Luen Yat Forever.

Peter Moody’s Honours List gelding is second-up after running eighth to Typhoon Tracy in the CF Orr, the former Macau galloper sure to improve here with a nice barrier five draw.

Once Were Wild also has claims having shown her potential last prep running third to Maluckyday in the Group 3 The Lexus Stakes and most recently finishing fourth in the Apollo where tempo didn’t suit – add her in any Box Trifecta or First Four wagers you place at Luxbet to really clean up this Chipping Norton Stakes Day.

Want the best Chipping Norton Stakes odds? Head to Luxbet now and take advantage of our insider Warwick Farm tips or lock in your own selections at generous prices today!

Photo courtesy (c) Taron Clarke Photography