Group l racing returns to Randwick this Saturday for the George Main Stakes (1600m). The track will have give in it, but at the time of writing (Thursday morning), the track is a Soft 7. It will likely be around the Soft 5/6 range, certainly no better, especially with how poorly Randwick handles rain, as we have seen throughout the year.
Down below is a speed map, runner preview and $100 betting strategy for the 2021 George Main Stakes.
2021 George Main Stakes Speed Map
The WaterBott pair of Riodini and Shout The Bar look to have control to themselves. Verry Elleegant has drawn gate two so I can see her landing box seat behind Riodini with Kolding landing 1/1. It’s a tricky map for Think It Over. Do they look to get three back on the outside, or roll the dice, go forward, land outside the speed and be within range of race favourite Verry Elleegant.
2021 George Main Stakes Runner Preview
1. Kolding: To be entirely honest, I’m really surprised he is short as he is. I think he’s been really disappointing this time in. First up did zilch in the Missile Stakes, and yes, was held up for a few strides in the Winx Stakes, but entitled to finish off better I thought. Tick over trial was just fair and while the map looks kind to him, I just can’t get him at $8/thereabouts, especially if this track has genuine give in it. Happy to take him on.
Odds: $9.50
2. Think It Over: He is one of two genuine winning chances IMO. I think with a senior rider, he wins the Winx Stakes first up. Senior jockey was put on in the Chelmsford via Nash Rawiller and he really lifted the gelding late to nab Riodini. If you like him, you want him to be alongside or near Verry Elleegant 400m out. If he’s behind her, I highly doubt he can run her down.
Odds: $4.60
3. Cascadian: Likely to be dragged back to last and that seals his fate I feel. Unlucky in the Winx Stakes before going to the Chelmsford where he was very hard in the market but it was the old Cascadian of a tease run, a run that says ‘back me next start’. I can’t see him sitting last and beating this lot. Look for him to get back and hit the line for a good Epsom trial.
Odds: $11.00
4. Star Of The Seas: Veteran for Chris Waller that deserves a Group l win. Doubt it comes here though. Plain return in the Winx Stakes. Then went to the Tramway and ran a much improved race, albeit clearly no match for Zaaki. The likelihood of give in the track is a big tick for him and I could certainly entertain him as a first four threat.
Odds: $26.00
5. Riodini: I thought he was ridden a treat by Rachel King out in front in the Chelmsford and it took every ounce of Nash Rawiller aboard Think It Over to overhaul him. He likely leads up again and will give a sight. But I doubt he can hold them out as well as he did last time.
Odds: $13.00
6. Lion’s Roar: This will be a good guide as to what path they take with this horse. Do they think he’s a Caulfield Cup horse? Or keep him in Sydney and head towards the Golden Eagle? Resumed in the Tramway and was pretty ordinary behind Zaaki, even allowing for how dominant that horse was. I can’t see him troubling this lot.
Odds: $35.00
7. Verry Elleegant: Enormous return in the Winx Stakes. Wide no cover, she gave the eventual winner Mo’Unga the perfect drag up and in the end, that was the difference between winning and losing. The inside gate could be tricky given she might get boxed in and get keen in the run. But, if she relaxes, gets clear air…I think she’s the good thing of the Spring and anything in black figures I’d happily take. I’d happily take as low as $1.70. She has far too much on these.
Odds: $1.90
8. Shout The Bar: Multiple Group l winning mare that was just fair in the Tramway behind Zaaki. Had a suck run behind the speed and was there to threaten, but just no match for the star late. Lands on speed, is fitter and is a second up winner. But I just can’t see her threatening.
Odds: $61.00
9: Hungry Heart: If this track was bone dry, I could easily be tempted to have something on her at double figures. Her run in the Winx was very good after getting badly checked in the straight. Picked up and was strong through the line. Similar to Cascadian, this will be a good launching pad into the Epsom and is a must for exotics.
Odds: $15.00
2021 George Main Stakes $100 Betting Strategy:
$2.20 is available in several places for Verry Elleegant at the time of writing and really, barring bad luck, I can’t see anything beating her, so happy to lock in $2.20 and have $100 on her. Keeping it nice and simple.
Group l Strategy Outlay: $300
Group l Strategy Return: $90
