A fine selection of 3yo fillies assemble for the running of the G2 Surround Stakes. Corumbene Stud’s Bennetta is the early and dominate favourite at $2.40 after an impressive performance when winning the G2 Light Fingers Stakes last start.
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1. DRIEFONTEIN – N Rawiller (2)
Consistent Fastnet Rock filly who won her first four career starts and in seven subsequent starts, has placed on four occasions including a second to Snitzerland in the San Domenico Stakes. Had her chance in the Light Fingers behind Bennetta and again on a heavy track last start, where she finished fourth behind Red Tracer in the Millie Fox Stakes. Drawn to be prominent again but don’t know if she’ll be able to turn the tables on the favourite.
Odds: $6.00
2. DEAR DEMI – J Cassidy (6)
Winner of the VRC Oaks last Spring who returned to racing in good style to finish third (beaten 2 ¼ lengths) behind Bennetta in the Light Fingers Stakes. She won nicely over 1400m when second up in last time, claiming the Furious Stakes over Meidung. See her has the obvious threat to the favourite.
Odds: $6.50
3. BENNETTA – J McDonald (12)
She is going from strength to strength this daughter of General Nediym who is looking to make it four wins on the trot. Super on the Gold Coast on Magic Millions day and then impressive in winning the G2 Light Fingers by 1 ¾ last start. Has the ability to overcome the wide draw and can’t see any reason why she wouldn’t produce another winning effort.
Odds: $2.40
4. LONGPORT – C Reith (9)
Won the G2 Tea Rose on protest before running second to Norzita in the G1 Flight Stakes back in the Spring. Resumed in the Light Fingers and settled on the speed but weakened noticeably late and finished eighth of ten (beaten 7.6 lengths). Hard to have here on that run.
Odds: $19.00
5. MEIDUNG – (11)
She was rewarded for her consistent Spring Campaign with victory in the Listed Twilight Glow (1400m) at Sandown in November. We haven’t seen her since then and she wasn’t asked to do much in a Randwick trial on the 25th Feb, but that was also the case before she commenced last preparation where she closed well late to finish second to Nechita in the Silver Shadow. Capable and look for her late.
Odds: $9.00
6. JADE MARAUDER – G Schofield (1)
Ran third in both the G2 Furious Stakes and G2 Tea Rose Stakes during her Spring campaign. Resumed in the Light Fingers a fortnight back and was doing her best work late before finishing sixth (beaten 3.7 lengths). Step up to 1400m suits and she went close second up last prep behind Dear Demi in the Furious Stakes. Last win was on a Slow track.
Odds: $19.00
7. CAMPANIA – K O’Hara (3)
She won her last two starts including a last-to-first effort in a BM 74 at Rosehill mid January, defeating Imperil. Big step up in class and from a good draw, expect she’ll be in a more prominent position that last start.
Odds: $81.00
8. BRAVE SOUL – J Collett (10)
Rounded out her Spring campaign with a second to Shamal Wind and Isabella Snowflake (good winner at Flemington last week) in the Listed Gucci Icons. She resumed with a seventh of ten in the Light Fingers after settling at the tail of the field. Like many here, she enjoys time to settle in her runs but can produce a big finish.
Odds: $10.00
9. ROYAL DESCENT – C Brown (4)
Well bred filly (Redoute’s Choice x Mulan Princess) from Chris Waller’s yard is faces the starter for the fourth time. Sat on the speed to comfortably win a BM 75 event at Rosehill by 2 ¾ before failing as 5/4 favourite on a Heavy track at, finishing third behind Diamond Drille. Forgive last start and from good gate, she’ll go forward and could produce a better effort on a drier track.
Odds: $15.00
10. CAMEO – (7)
Darley runner who went from a Newcastle Class 1 win last Spring to, at her next start, finish fourth behind Maybe Discreet and Members Joy in the G2 Edward Manifold Stakes before no luck in the Ethereal Stakes behind Alzora. Got a long way back first up at Canterbury and was doing her best work late to finish fifth (beaten 1 ¾) behind Segue. Will be finishing hard again and whilst the seven furlongs might be still a touch too short, pay close attention to her with a view to the future.
Odds: $51.00
11. IMPETUOUS – J Bowman (8)
Clarry Conners trains this daughter of Fastnet Rock and produced her to win a Wyong Class 1 in good style first up three weeks back over 1350m. Has been brought along slowly by Conners and displays her fair share of ability but think a race of this stature may be a bit too soon.
Odds: $15.00
12. SONG AND LAUGHTER – B Shinn (5)
Backed up a Wyong Maiden win on a Slow track in January with a tough win at Canterbury in a Restricted 0 Metro win race over Fine Bubbles. Big jump in class here and whilst breeding suggests the wetter the track the better her chances, still think she’ll be well accounted for here.
Odds: $126.00
OVERVIEW
The tempo should be set by Dreifontein, Longport and Royal Decent The one thing that Bennetta has displayed in each of her last three wins is a good turn of foot. McDonald, who has ridden her in each of those wins, will give her every opportunity and know utilise that asset. Dear Demi the obvious danger with Meidung, Brave Soul who, at $9.00 and $10.00 respectively, represent good value and Jade Marauder, who I think has been overlooked at $19.00, to round out the placings.
