OVERPASS- 2/2 here this distance and this is his time of year. His Spring record actually reads 0/10. This is also his best distance. Good fresh horse with 6 of his 7 wins in first three runs of his preparations. His anti Clockwise record is 3/5 which probably suggests he prefers that direction. Won this race last year from barrier 8. Looks the one to beat this year also.
KING OF SPARTA- Class sprinter who goes well fresh and all his career wins are with more than two weeks between runs. Form looks a bit suspect out of his last start win but his second in the Bobbie Lewis during the Spring giving 6kg to Benedetta suggests he is good enough to win this. Benedetta received 6kg from Imperatriz in the Newmarket and was only half a length behind her. Drawn well and should get a pace to suit. Good value.
MALKOVICH- Meets KOS 1.5kg worse off for being beaten by that horse two starts ago. Not really a 1200m horse (now wins) but did run beyond expectations at that distance last start. This is a harder race and he won’t get his own way in front which was probably his best hope.
TRIPLE MISSILE- Enigma of enigmas this horse. I’ve given up with him after he missed the start again last time. Not proven at WFA and needs to do everything right to feature. Interestingly he has drawn barrier 1 at his last three starts so he might be better off drawn away from the rail. Is barrier 7 wide enough?
WAITAK- NZer who has untold ability on his day. Just not quite sure what the key is to him, but a fast pace is definitely a bonus to his chances. Apparently settled in quite well and he looks to be a better fresh horse. Winning stats suggest he also prefers it wet. Having said that his run as a two year old in the Champagne Stakes on a good track was incredible. Appear to be way over the odds on his best form.
SAlLOON BAR- Consistent and fit horse but he is an 83 rater carrying the same weight as horses 115 down to 100 so this looks a tall order. Not sure the inside barrier does him any favours (1/8) either.
BELLA NIPOTINA- Perhaps I’m being harsh assessing her as a bit of a non winner. She can go around without me after having every possible thing in her favour last start even though it’s one of her best career efforts on paper. She is 3-1/4 in the Winter months so perhaps that’s where she can be seen to advantage? Never won a race this far into a preparation but she is getting older I guess. Barrier would seem to make it harder for her. More a place prospect for mine.
AMELIA’S JEWEL- Class mare and how good does that win over Pride Of Jenni last Spring look now? Just missed in this race last year when drawn slightly wider. Didn’t win first up but that was a perfect run for this assignment. There was a massive gap to third in that race which suggests that she and the winner will play a big part in this race. Hard to fault and she just needs luck in running to go close. Damien Lane replaces Pat Carberry which must have been a tough decision to make. PC is 7-3/10 on her.
RIPCORD- First of the three year olds and he has a lot of ground to make up on his counterpart from last start. He has drawn better though and Blinkers go on for the first time. Does have a win over Oscar’s Fortune and he was a good third in the Winterbottom to Overpass. Kept improving into his last preparation. Definite place hope at the very least.
OSCAR’S FORTUNE- Yet to win at this distance but his two tries have resulted in two seconds. One of those was a second to Overpass in the Winterbottom last Summer when he drew wide and had to go back in the race. He did get a nice run with cover admittedly but barrier 3 allows him to take full advantage of his on pace credentials. Has won third up and he will get his chance to run out a strong 1200m. If Pike could sit him 4th or 5th behind a frantic speed he could be the one to run down (if they can even get past Overpass).
WILD BELLE- Interesting mare who has returned from an only fair interstate prep in good form. Had a half length to spare versue Acromantula last start and that mare has failed since behind Oscar’s Fortune. Whether she has the class to win this is the question especially from an awkward draw.
ALMIGHTY CLASS- Very consistent in his five career start with the only failure on Heavy going. Has a win over Ripcord in receipt of 3kg and he doesn’t have that weight advantage here.
SUPER SMINK- Three year old filly with a good record who shouldn’t be underestimated here. 3/3 at this trip is key because I feel she failed to run out a mile last preparation although she gave it her best. Never missed a place in her career and she probably has at least as good a chance as her fellow three year olds in this. Blinkers going on first time. A wide barrier is her biggest concern here.
PETULA- Another three year old with decent credentials although she would have to produce a career best to beat even her own age in this. Barrier 9 maybe not to her advantage. To be honest I have never seen her race so maybe I’m not the best to comment on her chances. Appears to be a decent pick up for Pat Carberry after losing the ride on AJ.
No More Horsing around 