Cracking edition of this Group 2 race but with ten of the twelve runners, returning from a spell, it creates a very competitive market. One of those returning is super sprinter Hay List. We haven’t seen him since 2nd in the G1 William Reid Stakes at Moonee Valley in March of last year.
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1. HAY LIST – G Schofield (2)
The son of Statue of Liberty returns after eleven months off the reason scene due to injury but looked wound up in a recent exhibition track gallop at Warwick Farm. That followed a barrier trial win at Randwick on the 18th Feb. Overall record is outstanding and if he returns anywhere near his best, he’ll be competitive here although he has drifted in early betting $2.40 out to $2.70.
2. TEMPLE OF BOOM – B Prebble (8)
His last win was the G1 The Galaxy back in April of last year, six starts ago. Only had three runs in what was a brief Spring Campaign where, from three starts he failed to worry the winners in the G2 Schallaci, G1 Manikato and G1 Patinack Farm. Has won four of eight first up but his last three fresh runs, have seen him finish outside the placings.
3. ATOMIC FORCE – T Berry (11)
7yo who resumes since finishing within two lengths of Buffering in the AJ Moir Stakes back in September last year. He ran fourth (beaten .6 lengths) first up last prep under 60kgs and has had two barrier trials in preparation for his return but think he’ll find it hard from his wide gate.
4. DECISION TIME – J McDonald (3)
A smart galloper who returns here from a sixteen month spell. Trainer Clarry Connors has ensured he’s wound up for this first up tilt with three barrier trials since early February, winning two of them including the latest by three lengths on the 26th Feb. Drawn well and will go forward.
5. TIGER TEES – C Reith (1)
Tough sprinter who won the G3 Concorde Stakes her at Warwick Farm first up last prep, defeating Mrs. Onasis (Oakleigh Plate winner) by three lengths. Will no doubt be ridden out to lead from barrier one and is capable of sticking on, especially if there is some cut in the track.
6. GOLDEN ARCHER – L Nolen (12)
He chased home stable-mates Black Caviar and Moment of Change when first up in the G1 Lightning Stakes a month ago. Peter Moody has chosen to travel to Sydney for only the second time and whilst his record is rock solid, he might have to produce a career best to win from the widest gate.
7. SECOND EFFORT – J Cassidy (5)
Another Victorian trainer, Clint McDonald has ventured north with his 6yo son of Commands. He was in career best form last time in and enjoyed the wet track conditions when winning the G2 P B Lawrence (1400m). First up record reads one from five and think he’ll find several too nippy over the 1000m here.
8. HOWMUCHDOYOULOVEME – B Avdulla (10)
Attracted plenty of attention in Melbourne when installed a 2/1 favourite in the G2 Yelloglen Stakes but failed to live up to that price and finished eighth of twelve, beaten 4 ¼ lengths. Has ability on his day and better than that effort but, under these weight conditions and from barrier ten, will be best rated a place chance only.
9. MRS. ONASIS – K McEvoy (4)
Super effort to win the G1 Oakleigh Plate (1100m) first up three weeks ago and the well bred daughter of General Nediym, has built an impressive record of eight wins from eighteen starts. Draw to get a similar run from a good gate but not as well off at the weights.
10. FIRE THUNDERBOLT – B Shinn (7)
Lightly raced 3yo by California Dane (same sire as Rebel Dane) who was fair at his fourth career start behind Nechita, Jolie Bay and Shamexpress (Lightning Stakes winner) last Spring. Has had a Warwick Farm barrier trail recently where he finished second. Will take a big effort to win this first up.
11. SNITZERLAND – C Brown (9)
Smart filly who has won six of her eleven starts and who tackles this first up since running fourth in the G1 Patinack Farm (1200m) in the Spring behind Mental and Sea Siren. Will go forward and has the ability but from gate nine, there’s plenty of good speed drawn inside here and she’ll be posted wide.
12. SINGLE STYLE – (6)
She won two of his first three starts including the Listed Keith Mackay defeating Driefontein in the process but in a two start Spring campaign, finished well done the track in the G3 Silver Shadow and G2 Furious Stakes. Needs to improve a lot on her most recent efforts – too much to be winning here.
OVERVIEW.
Obviously they’ll go quick here, find the leader and you may very well find the winner but at the weights, I think Hay List may not have to be 100% to win this. Think Schofield will hold his position and look to get some room for the big galloper as they approach the turn and let him unwind. Despite starting from the ‘visitor’s gate’ think Golden Archer is worth inclusion at big odds $17.00 and should be finishing hard.
