The market suggests there is a clear difference between Noisy Ocean and Red Royal in Saturday’s rich Geon Group Plate at Eagle Farm but trainer Bryan Guy believes both have genuine claims.
Noisy Ocean is the $3.80 favourite with TAB Sportsbet for the $250,000 event while stablemate Red Royal is at $26.
Guy believes both are nice horses and wouldn’t be surprised to see either figuring in the finish of the 1400m contest which is restricted to QTIS 600-registered two-year-olds.
Noisy Ocean has beaten Red Royal home both times they have met, including in the Listed Centenary Classic Stakes (1400m) last start when Noisy Ocean flashed home for second to Mahisara and Red Royal was eighth.
“I have never worked them together but both run similar time on the track,” Guy said.
“The other day Red Royal had an outside alley and Chris (Munce) had to use him up early. He was still there well into the straight but then just knocked up the last bit.
“From a better barrier, ridden off the pace a bit, I think he’s a better chaser.”
Red Royal will come in to barrier five should the emergencies be scratched while Noisy Ocean would also move in slightly after drawing poorly in barrier 18.
“The wide barrier is a bit disappointing with Noisy Ocean but what can you do,” Guy said.
“In his last start in the Listed race he was three deep and last during the run and I think in one more stride he probably wins the race. I’ll just leave it up to Larry (Cassidy).
“I think if the horse has a bit of luck and gets cover he can be in the finish.”
Noisy Ocean has won more than $200,000 in prizemoney in his eight starts and Guy believes the best is yet to come.
The trainer is looking to give the gelding a good break after his current campaign and then set him for the $1 million Magic Millions Guineas (1400m) at the Gold Coast early next year.
Red Royal, meanwhile, has won one of his seven starts with four placings.
“The only time so far that he’s drawn a good barrier he won easily at the Gold Coast (two starts back),” Guy said.
The Geon Group Plate is the highest prizemoney race on the Eagle Farm program which includes the $150,000 Listed Queensland Cup (3200m), $80,000 Listed Ascot Handicap (1200m) and a $100,000 maiden, the Brisbane Town Plate (1400m).
AAP TURF
