Victory here in the Magic Night Stakes is the last chance for the fillies to force their way into this year’s Golden Slipper field. Assail is the early favourite despite a poor showing when resuming in the G3 Sweet Embrace Stakes first up as odds on favourite.
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1. ASSAIL – C Williams (6)
Won on debut and then an impressive victory in the Wyong Magic Millions saw her installed a dominate favourite for the 2yo Magic Millions Classic in January.Unfortunately for all concerned, she was scratched the morning of the race and didn’t return until the G3 Sweet Embrace Stakes where she was slowly away and never really in the hunt, despite commencing the race as 9/10 on favourite. Robl off, Williams goes on.
Odds: $4.40
2. BULBULA – G Boss (4)
Won the Merson Cooper on debut back in November last year and returned with an honest fifth behind Miracle of Life in the BD Preview and then led in the G3 Thoroughbred Breeders (1200m) and was only caught by Montsegur. Drawn to get a lovely run from gate four, has top jock aboard and comes into calculations.
Odds: $10.00
3. BRILLIANT BISC – L Nolen (9)
Led on debut and, at 40/1, was too speedy for her opponents and claimed the Gimcrack Stakes from Guelph. She retuned in the Widden Stakes and could only chase home current Golden Slipper favourite Overreach, finishing third (beaten 8 lengths) before failing on the heavy track in the Silver Shadow. Forgive last start and will go forward from nine but questions over her ability to hold on.
Odds: $15.00
4. GREYTFILLY – T Berry (13)
Her first run since finishing well from the tail of the field in the Magic Millions on the Gold Coast, was a very pleasing effort in the Sweet Embrace Stakes, where she was third behind Romantic Moon. That was her first run in two months and it told late, better for it and will be closing well from the tail of the field again.
Odds: $7.00
5. THUMP – C Reith (2)
Thought his run in the G2 Silver Slipper on a heavy track was better than it read on paper and she confirmed that by finishing second to Romantic Moon last start in the Sweet Embrace. From two, expect she’ll go forward again and must be rated a chance on her last effort.
Odds: $13.00
6. MADAME FLY – (8)
Won a Warwick Farm maiden back in December and followed that up a fortnight later with a fourth behind Dothraki at Canterbury. Hasn’t been seen since but has been kept up to the mark with two barrier trials. Drawn awkwardly and at this stage, would prefer in something easier.
Odds: $67.00
7. VOCALISE – C Brown (12)
She dad every chance in the run when winning at 9/1 on debut at Canterbury before closing fairly from near last for a fourth in the Sweet Embrace Stakes (1200m). Hard to knock her two performances thus far but will find it hard here from a wide gate.
Odds: $21.00
8. SCANDIVA – P Robl (10)
Appreciated the drop from Open to Maiden company to score at Warwick Farm’s mid-week meeting last week. The start prior, she settled on pace and chased home the well performed Whittington and Va Penssiero. Might’ve entertained her a little more had she drawn better.
Odds: $8.00
9. SENSE OF HITE – J Mott (7)
Russell Cameron brings this daughter of Street Sense across from Adelaide after having run second in the Listed Sportingbet Stakes behind Bring A Ring, beaten 2 ½ lenghts. On that effort I wouldn’t be able to see her winning here but do have to respect an astute trainer such as Cameron, making the effort.
Odds: $6.50
10. ITAMERI – K McEvoy (1)
Ran fourth to Villa Verde in a Listed race on debut last year and was the beaten a lip by Calcutta at Moonee Valley before being spelled. The Darley representative came out and was impressive in winning a barrier trial by six lengths earlier this month. Drawn lovely and will take some beating.
Odds: $4.40
11. SHAHAD – J McDonald (11)
Good on debut behind Brillian Bisc in the Listed Gimcrack Stakes, finishing 3rd (beaten 3.1 lengths) and was immediately tipped out by her trainer Gai Waterhouse. The daughter of Fastnet Rock then returned in the Silver Shadow but like many, didn’t enjoy the heavy conditions and finished nearer to last. Forget that run, her trial form prior was solid. She’s well bred and is capable of an improved effort.
Odds: $26.00
12. MAJOR CONQUEST – J Cassidy (5)
She’ll find this much harder than her debut run where, after setting on the pace, she finished third (beaten 0.6 lengths) behind Diamond Oasis in a Gosford Maiden over 1000m.
Odds: $34.00
13. TWEET – G Schofield (3)
A filly by Magic Albert from the Graham Begg yard, she also contested the Gosford Maiden race mentioned above and finished alongside Major Conquest in fourth spot. As will Major Conquest, she’ll take benefit from that run but doubt it enough to see her winning here.
Odds: $67.00
OVERVIEW
Expect Itameri to use the inside gate with Assail prominent today. On her best form, you would think Assail would be too good but there didn’t appear to be any genuine excuses last start and that’s of concern. I think Thump gets a nice run behind them and beat all bar the Romantic Moon home in the Sweet Embrace and at $11.00 represents genuine each-way value.
