After the 2yo’s and the Silver Shadow Stakes, it’s only natural that the 3yo’s get their moment in the sun and it’s a great collection of twelve colts and geldings here, eight of which have won Group races previously. It also marks the return to racing of Golden Slipper winner Pierro who hasn’t raced since finishing third behind Ocean Park and All Too Hard in the Cox Plate.
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1. PIERRO – N Rawiller (9)
Champion juvenile who won his first eight starts including the 2yo Triple Crown in the Autumn of last year. Effortlessly won the G3 Run To The Roses and G2 Bill Ritchie when returning as a 3yo before brave efforts when 2nd in the Caulfield Guineas and 3rd in the Cox Plate. Unbeaten in four starts at the track and the one they have to beat.
Odds: $1.85
2. IT’S A DUNDEEL – J McDonald (3)
Winner of the G1 Spring Champion in the Spring before rounding out that campaign with a second to Super Cool in the G2 The Vase at Moonee Valley and seventh in the VRC Derby as 7/4 favourite. Might have gone to the well one to many times last time in and well be better for the break but expect that he’ll need this run and further.
Odds: $26.00
3. TATRA – (10)
He finished his Spring Campaign with a tough front running second to Lunar Rise in the G3 Carbine Club at Moonee Valley before being ridden a treat by McEvoy and claiming the G2 Sandown Guineas. Ran a close third first up last prep in the G3 Up and Coming Stakes but an awkward draw here may make life tough.
Odds: $34.00
4. PROISIR – J Bowman (11)
Couldn’t have expected more from the son of Choisir in his first campaign which consisted of three wins from five starts including the G3 Spring Stakes and a close second to It’s A Dundeel in the G1 Spring Champion. He’s had two barrier trials for his return with the most recent a solid two length win at Randwick under Hugh Bowman who rides him here.
Odds: $6.50
5. SACRED FALLS – J Cassidy (8)
Former NZ’er who was undefeated in six starts back home and amongst his wins were the G1 NZ 2000 Guineas. Was transferred to Chris Waller’s yard when relocated to Australia and was in need of the run first up when fifth (beaten 3 ¼ lengths) as 7/4 favourite behind Rebel Dane in the G2 Royal Sovereign Stakes. Better for that run but still preferring others.
Odds: $19.00
6. ASHOKAN – P Robl (1)
Sat on the speed when first up in the Royal Sovereign Stakes but was no match for eventual winner Rebel Dane over the final stages and finished fourth, beaten near on three lengths. From the inside gate, he’ll go forward again but from nine starts has only won one and place chance best again.
Odds: $41.00
7. REBEL DANE – J Collett (2)
Won his first three starts all in good style before a spell and being thrown in the deep end by Trainer Gary Portelli first up in the G2 Royal Sovereign Stakes. The son of Californian Dane passed with flying colours, finishing hard of a slow speed to record an impressive head win over Urquidez. No reason on that effort, he can’t go on with it here.
Odds: $4.20
8. HONORIUS – G Schofield (4)
Was never far away from the winner in the big 3yo staying races over the Spring but found it hard to break through for that elusive win. Retuned to race in the Royal Sovereign but as expected, was run off his feet over the 1200m and finished second to last. He’ll need further than this as well before we see the best of him.
Odds: $101.00
9. MULAAZEM – J Parr (5)
Trainer Peter Moody brings this son of Dubai Destination to Sydney after having led all the way to claim the G2 Autumn Stakes at his most recent start. Trainer and Jockey have combined with success in Sydney and expect him to roll forward.
Odds: $12.00
10. PROVERB – (7)
Winner of the Listed Dulcify Stakes (1900m) last year before third placings in both the G3 Carbine Club and G2 Sandown Guineas. Has only missed a place twice in nine starts and closed in strong fashion first up last campaign to narrowly miss claiming the Listed Ming Dynasty (1300m). The 1400m first up suits, was strong in a recent trial and look for him to be closing strongly late. Thought he was a better chance than his current quote of $51.00.
Odds: $67.00
11. SOLEMN – (6)
Staying type by Bernardini who, at his most recent start, claimed the Listed Geelong Classic (2200m) back in October last year. Improved significantly with each run last prep but will find this way short of his best.
Odds: $101.00
12. VADASHAN – SCRATCHED.
OVERVIEW
Expect Ashokan from an inside draw and Proisir, drawn out wide, to lead the field as they settle down with Mulaazem handy. Interesting to see where Pierro gets to in the run from nine but he’s the one they have to beat. Record is faultless and no reason why he can’t win this first up. Rebel Dane’s last start win was that of a very good horse. Off a slow tempo he flew late and although the bar gets risen for him again here today, he’s continues to meet the challenges. Would be surprised if the winner came from outside these two but with a number of class runner’s resuming from a spell, there’ll be plenty of Blackbookers to take note of here.