Just one more – Stakes Day Preview

Greetings All,

 

Almost at the end of a massive week and whilst plenty of terrific racing, the tragic death of two of the competitors from the Melbourne Cup can’t be ignored. Both freakish incidents but the powers that be need to ensure the possibility of such events are minimised in the future.  Purely reviewing the cup result, it once again proved the value of Precedence.  Not only for running sixth but staying true to form for the race.  Protectionist had the Australian run as required by all international winners since Vintage Crop and despite the brave effort of Red Cadeaux, nine year olds are still to salute.

Cricket made a brief foray into the schedule, but really what is the point of 20/20 matches (or any for that matter) where selections are constrained by availability due to another tour.  I know the Indian appetite for cricket on TV is almost insatiable, but the more meaningless games that are played the more open the game is to undue interference.

But now onto the final day!

 

Race 1 – Maribyrnong Plate (G3, 1000m, 2yo SW)

Another raffle for a group race and again will be looking to the top stables to produce a suitably precocious type to come up trumps.  An added challenge is the lack of trial form for many of these.  Mick Price has engaged D Oliver for the debut of Sailing By (13) and I suspect she will be primed, as will the two Godolphin debutantes Bantam (4) and Belhamage(10) of the raced couple Iceflow (2) closed nicely at his one race start.  But really follow the money or sit back and watch.

Selections – 13-4-10-2

 

Race 5 – Queen Elizabeth Stakes (G3, 2600m, HCP)

Incredible that this race has the same stature of the 2yo scamper at the start of the day.  As per usual the field is made of those who were just short of Melbourne Cup quality, although the owners of Big Memory (2) and Let’s Make Adeal (7) might argue as they may have got a run with emergencies.  They both have great appeal in this race, but top pick is Noble Protector(8) who was fantastic in the Coongy finishing ahead of Signoff who ran a game 4^th in the cup.  Going with Epingle (4) to close out the holes, but there are many more chances in a very intriguing race.

Selections – 8-7-2-4

 

Race 6 – Darley Classic (G1, 1200m, WFA)

What a highlight this race is!  It brings international star in Slade Power(5) to meet the local sprinting champ Lankan Rupee(2) who both have to contend with the new star on the horizon in Chautauqua(10).  Slade Power(5) has won the race coveted by our stars in the UK, but with the hot conditions and drying track expected I am happy to take the risk against him.  The rest of the field is strong, but if Lankan Rupee(2) or Chautauqua(10) run at their best then I suspect it will be too good for the competition.  The Hawkes runner has been outstanding up the straight, but in reality no more outstanding than what we saw from Mick Price’s charge in the Autumn.  Lankan Rupee(2) does not appear to have reached the same heights this campaign, but this will be his first run at Flemington this spring.  I suspect his best will be too good, but it will have to be his best because Chauatauqua(10) has looked awesome.  There are no slouches among the remainder, but plonking for Sidestep(6) to be primed for a first up crack.

Selections – 2-10-5-6

 

Race 7 – Emirates Stakes (G1, 1600m, Qty HCP)

Another fantastic race to close out the Group Ones for the carnival, I suspect the Hawkes team have held back Leebaz(10) for this and extend his impeccable 2^nd up record – putting him on top in a very tough race.  Plenty of other challengers, but none more so than Contributer(6) who won well at Caulfield.  Hucklebuck(7) oozes with class and is up to this as is Bull Point(11) for CJW who was terrific in the mile race at the Valley.  The chances don’t end there in a terrific race.

Selections – 10-6-7-11

 

Race 8 – Momentum Energy Stakes (G2, 2000m, Mares SWP)

The Broodmare making Matriarch Stakes is great race with an honour list littered with some of the finest mares we have seen.  This field has both quality and quantity and as such tough to predict.  Amanpour(13) ran a terrific race on Tuesday and should be ready for this and is not encumbered with too much weight.  Star Fashion(3) and Solicit(1) are class acts contested the Myer Classic and were not too far away, Suavito(2) is in top form but is weight so and Spinderbella (11) is in good form.

Selections – 13-1-2-3

 

Quaddie Time

Can we strike one?  Let’s hope so but a typically tough affair!  Will be skinnying up on the big sprint banking on Chautauqua or Lankan Rupee will solute.

Leg 1 – 2,10

Leg 2 – 5,6,7,9,10,11

Leg 3 – 1,2,3,11,13

Leg 4 – 7,9,13

180 Combinations, a $30 investment would return 16.66% of the dividend.

 

Almost at the end,

 

Hope you have a great weekend,

Cheers, Sal