Field of ten runners entered that sees last start G1 Orr Stakes winner All Too looking to make it six wins form seven starts in Victoria and a host of smart horses resuming including Melbourne Cup winner, Green Moon and last year’s Futurity Stakes winner, King Mufhasa.
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1. GREEN MOON – B Prebble (1)
Melbourne Cup winner of last year returns to racing and has drawn the inside gate. He was produced first up this time last year to win the G2 Blamey Stakes (1600m) and at his most recent run fresh, finished a very unlucky fifth in the G2 Memsie Stakes (1400m). No trials but a class animal who can win this first up.
Odds: $8.50
2. KING MUFHASA – M Rodd (7)
The champion New Zealander galloper recorded his twentieth career win two starts back when taking out the G3 Challenge Stakes in his home country before venturing across the Tasman seven weeks later and running fifth (beaten 1 ¼ lengths) in the G1 C F Orr Stakes. He’ll cross to lead again and no doubt, give a good account of himself.
Odds: $4.20
3. MOURAYAN – K McEvoy (6)
He faces the starter for the first time since finishing a disappointing fourth (beaten 5.4 lengths) in the G2 Zipping Classic behind stable-mate Tanby back in November. His first up record of eight starts for one third, coupled with the fact that his two Australian wins have been at 2000m and 2500m, indicate he’ll struggle here.
Odds: $61.00
4. GLASS HARMONIUM – S Arnold (9)
A 7yo who ran fourth first up last campaign in the G1 Rupert Clarke Stakes, this track and distance, behind Moment of Change. Generally likes to race handy and may have his work cut out early from his wide gate should he go forward and his last four wins have been at 2000m. He’s likely to need this outing.
Odds: $15.00
5. MALUCKYDAY – (5)
He hasn’t races since finishing nineteenth in last year’s Melbourne Cup. He’s last two first up runs have seen him well accounted for and he’ll this run and possibly a few more, before we see the best of him and consider him a legitimate chance.
Odds: $101.00
6. NIWOT – (2)
He won the Sydney Cup last year but failed to impress at any of his five starts in a Spring Campaign which culminated in a fifteenth in the Melbourne Cup. He ran fifth (beaten 5.1 lengths) in this race last year behind King Mufhasa and would expect a similar performance at best here.
Odds: $101.00
7. SHANGHAI WARRIOR – G Boss (10)
4yo by Elvstroem, trained by Pat Hyland who was building an impressive record before failing in the G3 Bobbie Lewis and then finishing last in the G1 Rupert Clarke Stakes before being spelled. Returned to racing in the G3 Rubiton Stakes (1100m) and appeared to have his chance behind Adebisi, finishing fourth (beaten 2.4 lengths). Will take some benefit from that outing but won’t find this easy.
Odds: $31.00
8. LIGHTS OF HEAVEN – L Nolen (8)
Smart mare from the Moody Stable who ran third in last year’s Caulfield Cup behind Dunaden and Alcopop before finishing well down the track in the Melbourne Cup. Resumes here and will get back from her gate. She’s more than likely to be better for this run and will be doing her best work over the concluding stages.
Odds: $17.00
9. KOONOOMOO – S Baster (3)
5yo mare who ran fifth (beaten 2 ¾ length) in the G2 Australian Stakes and third (beaten a head) in the G3 Bellamaine Stakes at her two runs back from a spell. She’s drawn to take a forward position but under the WFA conditions, will find a few too good for her here.
Odds: $21.00
10. ALL TOO HARD – D Dunn (4)
The Caulfield Guineas winner from last year, returned to racing in the G1 Orr Stakes a fortnight ago and was ridden a treat by Dwayne Dunn to score a half length win over Mawingo. Drawn four here and with King Mufhasa, Koonoomoo and Glass Harmonium going forward, he should be positioned to advantage as they turn and find it hard to come up with a legitimate reason, why he can’t make it three from three at Caulfield.
Odds: $1.70
OVERVIEW
King Mufhasa and Koonoomoo lead them out with Glass Harmonium coming across from his wider draw and set a genuine tempo. All Too Hard should be positioned in behind them and be in the right spot turning. As mentioned above, it is hard to find a reason not to tip him on top, especially with Green Moon who has drawn the fence, possibly requiring a bit of luck around the turn.
