2011 Carlyon Cup preview & selections

Adam Page gives us his horse by horse preview for today’s Carlyon Cup at Caulfield racecourse on Orr Stakes day.
1. Scenic Shot

Top class horse who is slowly getting back to his best. Ran a nice race behind Danzylum last start and
although 1600m is way too short for him, I think he is a place chance heading towards the Australian Cup.

2. Larry’s Never Late – Scratched

Has a lethal first up record winning four of his five fresh runs. Had the lone run last prep culminating in a
Group three win on Sandown Classic day. No reason why he can’t win here.

3. Hanks

Has been very disappointing this campaign and I can’t have him.

4. Mourayan

Showed glimpses of his European form when last in work. Wait for him at 2400m+. Not here.

5. Wind Shear

If the rain stays away, he is the top pick. Absolutely flying at present with a win at Flemington three starts
back before bumping into Aloha and Danzylum at his next two. Watch for him to be storming home at really
good odds.

6. Apprehend

On his best form, he’d give this a real crack, but he hasn’t been at his best for a while now and I’m happy to
leave him.

7. Ajhar

Didn’t fire a shot last campaign which is a concern, but he has won three of his nine first up races and this
isn’t overly strong. A sneaky place hope.

8. My Bentley – Scratched

Caught the eye with a fast finishing fourth behind Spinney last start. Drops back 400m here? If the pace is
on, he’ll be finishing the race off better than any other.

9. Laristan

Was well tried at his Aussie debut on Emirates Stakes day last year but got too far back in a slowly run race
to finish fourth behind Playwright. Needs a longer journey but obviously he has ability. Watch him closely.

10. Its Prince

He has improved with each run this time in. Was third up when battling away to finish third behind Danzylum
last start. Fourth up, not much speed here, D Dunn, good barrier…he ticks plenty of boxes.

11. Cornish – Scratched

12. Voile Rouge

Was a tough winner last start at Flemington over 1400m. Rises to 1600m here which is a slight worry but
he has a good barrier and Stevie Arnold can put him to sleep and cuddle him up until the straight. Definite
hope.

13. Lord Pyrus

Has the habit of not winning. Two starts this time in for two narrow seconds. Does he know how to win?
Beaten a half neck by Voile Rouge last start. 1600m suits, each-way hope.

14. Miss Darcey

Was ok first up behind Simply Put but she wants it further and the give in the ground is a negative.

15. Vivid Vixen

Came of age last campaign with several stylish wins. First up over 1600m will be an ask but she looked
good in a recent barrier trial behind Kutchinsky and from barrier four Bossy can give her the gun run.

Selections (Not in order): 5 Wind Shear, 8 My Bentley, 9 Laristan, 10 Its Prince

Written by Adam Page