A fantastic field of eleven runners line up to take part in the first of Derby Day’s four Group One races on the card. Most here with legitimate claims and that’s reflected in the early markets with five of the field under the $10.00 quote with the Patinack Farm representative Nechita ($3.60) shading Snitzerland ($3.80) for favourtism.
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Coolmore Stud Stakes Form Guide
1. SIZZLING – C Munce (5)
Smart QLD galloper who won each of his four starts during his Brisbane Winter Carnival campaign including the G1 TJ Smith (1600m) accounting for Kabayan. Returned to racing three weeks again in the Blue Sapphire and after negotiating the Caulfield turn, balanced up and finished in good style to finish fourth, beaten ½ a length. Flemington should suit, has drawn well and has to be included.
Odds: $4.50
2. HIDDEN WONDER – N Hall (8)
Came from Sydney to contest the G3 Telstra Stakes last week at Moonee Valley where he jumped straight to the front and proved to strong in recording a half length win over Haussmann. Takes on a different class here and will have had to improve to starve off a few smart ones here.
Odds: $41.00
3. FIRE THUNDERBOLT – C Williams (1)
An Adelaide galloper who recorded two wins from his first two starts, including the Listed Street Stakes here at Flemington in March, before being spelled. He returned from a good break with an outstanding effort in the Blue Sapphire where he raced three wide on pace, wobbled around the corner, but was only a head off Snitzerland on the line. Would have had to improved from that run, has won up the straight and has a leading jockey aboard.
Odds: $9.00
4. SHELFORD – J McDonald (7)
Ran third to Pierro in the G2 Todman Stakes as a 2yo and returned to racing a fortnight back in the Listed Brian Crowley at Randwick. Sent out a 7/2 favourite in that race but was not match for winner Better Than Ready and second placed Jolie Bay over the concluding stages. Will be better for that run under his belt but is coming up some smart and fit ones here.
Odds: $41.00
5. LANKAN RUPEE – C Newitt (4)
Smart colt by Redoute’s Choice who won his first two starts before a close-up third in the Blue Sapphire Stakes (beaten a neck) behind Snitzerland and Fire Thunderbolt. First look at the Flemington straight but from his gate, can picture him getting a good trail and finishing well. One to include among the top chances.
Odds: $12.00
6. SHAMEXPRESS – D Oliver (11)
Won on debut back in January here at Flemington and whilst he hasn’t been able to add to that record in five subsequent starts, he has finished third in the G3 McNeil Stakes (behind Lady of Harrods and Kabayan) and at his most recent start, fifth (beaten 1.7) behind Epaulette in the Guineas Prelude. Freshened up for this and should be finishing well but might find a few too slick.
Odds: $41.00
7. STARS IN THE SKY – L Nolen (10)
Choisir gelding who won over the flying 955m at Moonee Valley two starts back and followed that up at his latest start with a fifth (beaten 1.9) behind Hidden Wonder last week. Off the back of his last two starts, it’s difficult to see him figuring in the finish of a race of this quality.
Odds: $151.00
8. KNIGHT EXEMPLAR – N Rawiller (6)
Exceed and Excel colt from the John O’Shea yard who, whilst he is yet to register a win from his four starts, hasn’t yet missed a place either, including a nose second at his most recent start in the G2 Roman Consul Stakes behind Jolie Bay. Has his fair share of ability but think there’s easier races on offer for him at this stage of his career and has drifted in early markets from $9 – $13.
Odds: $13.00
9. SNITZERLAND – C Brown (9)
She’s unbeaten in her four starts this preparation and toughed it out well last start in the Blue Sapphire against the boys to record a nose victory over Fire Thunderbolt and Lankan Rupee. She’s two from two this track/trip winning the G3 Breeders Stakes as a 2yo and more recently, the G2 Danehill Stakes two starts back. She’ll be in the mix again but will have to fight, as she did last start, as she’ll be kept honest in front.
Odds: $3.80
10. JOLIE BAY – M Rodd (2)
Improving filly from the Hawkes Racing team who won the G2 Roman Consul two starts back before being claimed in the Listed Brian Crowley in course record time by Better Than Ready at her most recent start. Has sat just of the speed at each of those starts and should appreciate the solid tempo in this race. At an early quote of $9.00, she’s one for the multiples.
Odds: $9.00
11. NECHITA – C Reith (3)
Fastnet Rock filly who won her first two starts in emphatic style including the G3 Silver Shadow Stakes in August. That effort saw her installed as 6/4 favourite for the running of the G1 Golden Rose but after settling close to a hot speed, was found wanting late in a race dominated by swoopers and finished sixth (beaten 3.4). Hasn’t raced since but that hasn’t stopped punters supporting her and she has firmed from $4.00 into her current quote of $3.60.
Odds: $3.60
SUMMARY
Snitzerland, Lankan Rupee and Hidden Wonder should all ensure a genuine tempo here. Snitzerland proved last start she’s in a little bulldog and would love to see her take a sit here and from her gate, she’ll get the opportunity to do so. Like the chances of Fire Thunderbolt here after his good performance first up at Caulfield. He’ll be better for that run and was very impressive when he won up the straight back in March. He’ll enjoy the solid tempo with the only concern the inside draw however, at $9.00 (in from $11.00) happy to take the chances that Williams can negotiate a smooth passage. Sizzling is another who comes out of the same race as Fire Thunderbolt and will not have to have taken much improvement from that run to figure in the finish. Nechita has been well supported early, has a tonne of natural ability but I’d like to see her up the straight before taking the price on offer.
