An Open Class race under set weight conditions sees a very competitive field come together of thirteen runners with several runners, backing up from impressive first up performances.
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1. TORIO’S QUEST – J Bowman (12)
Trialled impressively leading into his first up run in the G3 Bill Ritchie at the end of last month but was unable to reproduce his trial form and finished seventh (beaten 5.4) behind Steps In Time. Specked in better last start in the Tavern Stakes and didn’t have a great deal of room when finishing, beaten 4.2 lengths. Has his share of ability but also a big weight and wide draw to overcome here.
Odds: $15.00
2. TAGUS – M Zahra (10)
Surprise winner of the G3 Tramway Handicap three starts back and has been solid in the G3 Cameron Hanicap and G1 Epsom Handicap since. He’s another who hasn’t fared well in the barrier draw and any cut out of the track would be to his benefit.
Odds: $19.00
3. STRIKE THE STARS – V Duric (2)
Showed plenty of promise as a three year old winning the G3 Gloaming Stakes. Whilst he hasn’t registered a further victory in eight subsequent starts, seven of those have been in G1 races so he’ll appreciate the drop in grade today. First up, he got back in the Rupert Clarke (1400m) and finished eighth. Will have benefited from that run but would’ve preferred him over a little more ground now.
Odds: $19.00
4. GALAH – K McEvoy (9)
Four year old from Darley who was very good first up in the Gilgai where he hit the line in very good style, finishing fourth behind Hallowell Belle. This trip second up looks ideal and will be expecting him to be finishing hard here again. Chances improve with a softer track.
Odds: $8.50
5. KING’S ROSE – L Nolen (8)
She also resumed in the Gilgai and was also impressive in running second (beaten ¾ ). She has a very good second up record of two wins from four starts and second up last prep ran third, beaten less than half a length in the G1 Coolmore Stakes behind Ofcourseican. Think she’ll be very hard to beat here.
Odds: $2.80
6. AMAH ROCK – G Boss (1)
He was very unlucky two starts back here at Caulfield behind the in-form Miss Marx and tried hard again last start when third to another in-form runner in Fawkner. No doubting he’ll put his best foot forward and will get every chance from barrier one however, under the conditions of this race, does go up 2.5kgs which may tell this class.
Odds: $12.00
7. HAPPY ZERO – D Dunn (6)
Former Hong Kong galloper who, in nine Australian starts, is yet to register a victory but that’s not to say he hasn’t performed well in some good races. He ran third in this year’s G1 Stradbroke Handicap behind Mid Summer Music and can produce a big finish if the race plays out to his liking. One to watch for late.
Odds: $9.00
8. McCLINTOCK – L Wray (3)
Returned to his former trainer Mark de Montfort after an unsuccessful stint in Singapore with a fantastic effort in the Listed Testa Rossa (1400m) where he led bar the last few metres, being claimed by Miss Marx on the line. Can only imagine he’s better for that run and from gate three will lead the way again and did win the G3 Betfair Stakes this course and distance doing exactly that in 2009.
Odds: $15.00
9. SHADOWFAX – M Rodd (11)
He has had two runs back from a seven month spell, firstly in the Listed McLeod Stakes (seventh, beaten 2.7) and at his most recent start in the Tavern Stakes (eleventh, beaten 6). Generally races up on the pace and will have his work cut out for him if he’s to follow that pattern from his wide gate.
Odds: $21.00
10. MISTER MILTON – S King (7)
Only won one of his eighteen starts but connections haven’t given him much of an opportunity to register the second win by entering him in some slick races such as last start in the G1 Rupert Clarke (1400m). He finished second last there and hard to see him figuring in the finish here.
Odds: $51.00
11. RENEWED VITALITY – C Reith (4)
Returned to racing after a ten month break with a solid performance behind Pampelonne in the G2 The Shorts and backed that up with a better effort last start in the G2 Premiere Stakes (fourth, beaten 2 lengths) behind the smart Red Tracer. Has a good draw here and should tail McClintock throughout and being third up, might be worth some serious consideration.
Odds: $15.00
12. FULL OF SPIRIT – C Brown (13)
Smart New Zealand mare who the G3 Group Adrian Knox Stakes in April this year before running fourth in the AJC Oaks behind Streama. Returned to racing with a win in New Zealand over the 1400m and then came to Australia for her last start and really caught the eye finishing well from last for a fourth behind Mosheen (beaten 2.1). Will be getting back from her wide gate again but will be doing her best work late.
Odds: $7.00
13. WHATEVERWHEREVER – (5)
Queensland visitor who had little luck from his inside gate last week in the BMW Handicap behind Instinction. Might’ve figured among the placings had he had a bit of luck but his is another step up again.
Odds: $13.00
OVERVIEW
A very good race with several legitimate chances. I’ll be sticking with the Gilgai Stakes form and King’s Rose and Galah here. Both were excellent first up, will be better suited over today’s journey and should enjoy the anticipated solid tempo of the race. Include McClintock (excellent first up) and Renewed Vitality (should get lovely run) for the placings.
