The stayer’s race of the day sees a number of Caulfield and Melbourne Cup hopefuls take part as they prepare for their campaigns down south.
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1. EFFICIENT
Resumed in the G2 Makybe Diva fishing tenth (beaten 6.4) behind Southern Speed and Manighar, four weeks back. Tackles this second up but did run a close second in the Sydney Cup at his only start at this circuit off a seven week break in the Autumn.
Odds: $26.00
2. MIDAS TOUCH
Unlike his stable-mate Efficient, Midas touch as had four starts this time in with the best of them being his most recent when seventh (beaten 3.2) behind Lamasery in the G3 Hill Stakes. Interestingly, tackles this trip for the first time despite having had ten starts in Australia and his best performances when racing overseas being at this distance range.
Odds: $34.00
3. LAMASERY
Won the G3 Hill Stakes third up last start at WFA, she drops 4.5kgs here to 54.5 and draws well in barrier one. Ran third in this race last year behind The Verminator but will not get as far back as she did on that occasion from her good draw. Going well and will be in the finish.
Odds: $4.20
4. PERMIT
Won the Listed Manion Cup (24000m) and G2 Chairman’s Hcp (2600m) in the Autumn which saw him installed 7/2 for this year’s Sydney Cup but unfortunately, was unable to finish. Has returned with three runs this prep, the latest in the G2 Hill Stakes (2000m) where he was doing his best work late. Three from four at this distance, drops down 5kgs on last start and looks a genuine hope here.
Odds: $9.00
5. THE VERMINATIOR
Won this race last year with 52kg but carries 53.5kgs this year and form doesn’t read as well. Had his chance to do a little better than what he has at his two most recent starts in the G3 Kingston Town and G2 Hill Stakes where he was beaten 6.9 and 6.4 lengths respectively.
Odds: $26.00
6. GLENCADAM GOLD
Unbeaten in three Australian starts for his trainer Gai Waterhouse. His latest victory was in the G3 Newcastle Cup where he dominated a field of little depth from the front, winning with something to spare. Will be bowling along in front again and may prove hard to run down.
Odds: $4.20
7. POLISH KNIGHT
He was the winner of the Rosehill Guineas as a 3yo before running a close second in the AJC Derby behind Ethiopia. Returned to racing in the G2 Warwick Stakes but has struggled to make an impact in three runs this time in – all at WFA. Better suited here under these weight conditions and can improve.
Odds: $17.00
8. CRAFTY IRNA
Ran tenth in this race last year after having, as he did at his most recent start, ran second in the G3 Kingston Town. Will get his chance from his good draw but has had three attempts at the Group 1 races over his career and his yet to place.
Odds: $17.00
9. STOUT HEARTED
Won the G3 Kingston Town two starts back courtesy of a beautifully rails run before closing well last start behind Lamasery to finish fourth, beaten 1.5. He was well supported on that occasion, backed in from 9/1 to 13/2 and meets Lamasery 2.5kgs better today, sure to be well supported again.
Odds: $7.00
10. REUBEN PERCIVAL
Returned to racing here at Randwick a fortnight ago in a Benchmark 85 over 1600m, under 64kgs! As expected, he didn’t figure in the finish but was holding his own on the line. Drops an unbelievable 12kgs today but faces a mammoth task of taking out a 2400m Group 1 race, second up.
Odds: $41.00
11. KELINNI
He has won three of his last four, with his most recent start resulting in a victory in the G3 Colin Stephenson last week after getting every chance in the run. Keeps taking up the step up this time in and well supported in early markets at $8.00.
Odds: $8.00
12. BUXTED
International runner who has had three starts in Australia for Victorian Trainer, Sam Pritchard-Gordon winning his most recent – the Listed JRA Stakes at Moonee Valley last Friday. Started his run mid-race on that occasion and turned it into a real staying test so the trip hold no fears for him here – the class may.
Odds: $26.00
13. FICTIONAL ACCOUNT
Another international runner now based in Victoria who chased Buxted home in the JRA Stakes at his second Australian start. Should be better for that but is double the early quote of Buxted.
Odds: $41.00
14. PEAL OF BELLS
Chased home Glencadam Gold last start in the Newcastle Cup, that followed a close up fifth (beaten a length) behind Julienas in the Wyong Gold Cup.
Good efforts but would still need to lift to be winning here.
Odds: $17.00
OVERVIEW
Lamasery and Glencadam Gold hold the early call at $4.20 and both should be well and truly in the mix come the final 100m. Glencadam Gold improves with every run he has in Australia and looked to be only warming up in the Newcastle Cup late suggesting this trip will be ideal. Lamasery will be hot on his tail and coming hard in the final stages. Think Permit will be ready to produce something now after his Hill Stakes run. Much better suited back to the Handicap conditions and has a great record at this trip. For a real bolter, Midas Touch. Can’t believe this is his first go at the 2400m trip in Australia and will be another better suited under these race conditions.
