The Blamey Stakes see the return to racing of the extremely exciting Puissance De Lune who, as soon as markets where opened, firmed from $6 to $5 and is on the third line of betting behind Wall Street ($4.00) and Callanish ($4.60).
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1. PUISSANCE DE LUNE – G Boss (1)
Created a lot of interest in the Spring off the back of his effortless wins in the Listed Bendigo Cup and G3 Queen Elizabeth on the final day of the Carnival last year. Has produced good runs fresh over this distance previously, albeit in much weaker grade but, does have an abundance of ability and wouldn’t risk not including him.
Odds: $4.80
2. BUDRIGUEZ – C Williams (3)
He won the G3 Carlyon Cup at Caulfield before leading the field and dictating the pace of the race to suit himself in the G2 Peter Young Stakes. He wasn’t able to hold off Foreteller and Mr Moet (both entered in the Australia Cup) and finished third, beaten ½ length. Will go forward again and will be kept honest this time and find one or two, too good for him over the final stages.
Odds: $8.50
3. MUTUAL TRUST – N Callow (8)
Sam Pritchard-Gordon produces this 5yo by Cacique for his first Australian start. Comes to Australia from France via the USA and his last start was back in May of last year at Woodbine where he finished well down the track in a G2 race over 1400m. $26.00 in early markets and not having seen him; can’t include him here.
Odds: $26.00
4. VATUVEI – L Nolen (6)
Claimed the G2 Moonee Valley Gold Cup (2500m) during the Spring and returned from a fourteen week spell with a seventh of nine behind Dany The Fox at Flemington. Finished hard to run third behind Lord of Brazil when second up last prep and whilst expecting him to be producing his best work late, will also be expecting him to need further than a mile.
Odds: $51.00
5. DANY THE FOX – C Newitt (9)
Got the job done at Flemington two starts back, defeating Cosmic Causeway by a head over 1400m before finishing too well for that horse again and Wall Street, to claim the Kilmore Cup. Promising type that does meet Wall Street worse at the weights today, has an awkward draw to contend with but, still think he might be on the improve and worth a close look at given his early quote.
Odds: $9.00
6. CALLANISH – D Smith (5)
Tasted defeat for the first time when resuming in the G1 C F Orr Stakes two starts back where he finished second to last (beaten 3 lengths) before trying to lead all the way only to be claimed late by Launay in the Tab Stakes last week. Will no doubt go forward again but so will Budriguez and Wall Street and it’ll be interesting to see which of them wants the lead the most.
Odds: $4.80
7. WALL STREET – S Arnold (7)
He ran third in this race last year behind Green Moon when second up from a spell. He is third up this time in and judging by his two recent efforts, a big show to improve on last year’s result. Finished only 1.2 lengths from All Too Hard in the C F Orr Stakes before leading under 60kgs, only to be run down late in the Kilmore Cup by Dany The Fox (54.kgs) whom he meets much better at the weights today. Might need a touch of luck early to find a spot from his gate but we’ll trust Arnold to do that.
Odds: $4.00
8. MALUCKYDAY – D Dunn (2)
A 6yo who ran second in the 2010 Melbourne Cup behind Amercain after winning the G3 Lexus Stakes but in ten runs since his Cup effort, hasn’t been able to crack it for a win. He returned to racing with a very pleasing effort in the Futurity, finishing well late to run fifth (beaten 5.2 lengths) behind All Too Hard. Good effort first up suggests he has come back in good order, but still happy to wait for him to get to the 2000m and beyond.
Odds: $6.50
9. WILY JIMMY – N Hall (4)
He stuck on well last start in the heavy conditions of the Apollo Stakes to finish fourth, beaten 2 lengths, behind Alma’s Fury and Tougher Than Ever. Only start at Flemington was way back in 2010 where he finished second to Launay, when ridden by Hall like he will be today. Hasn’t bee too far away in some good races and he’ll appreciate the anticipated strong tempo here and might be a rough place chance.
Odds: $15.00
OVERVIEW
How good is Puissance De Lune? Over the staying trips last Spring he was exceptional and there’s been money for him early but if he is going to vulnerable, it just might be first up with 59kgs and an inside draw.I like Wall Street here ($4.00) and think Arnold should be able to position him just off a genuine tempo that will be set by Callanish and Budriguez.Sticking with the Kilmore Cup form and despite the significant weight turnaround, think Dany The Fox will also appreciate the temp and be finishing better than most. He’s over the odds at $9.00 and $2.70.
