The following is a collection of previews and betting tips for the 2015 VRC Derby Day at Flemington this Saturday, the 31st of October. The four Group 1’s are the Coolmore Stud Stakes (Race 4), Mackinnon Stakes (Race 6), Victoria Derby (Race 7) and Myer Classic (Race 8).
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Race 4 – Coolmore Stud Stakes – 1200m
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The Betfair Insider (view full article)
Exosphere – Won 5 from 7 career starts and looks unstoppable between 1200-1400m. Comes to Flemington for the first time which will suit him down to the ground. Won the G2 Roman Consul last start with consummate ease clocking a huge final splits off a moderate tempo, his last 600 33.28 400 22.16 200 11.44. Hard to see him starting bigger than $1.33 with ‘whale’ punters playing.
Super One – Ex Singaporean colt who won his first 4 starts with authority including a G2 and G3 over 1200m. Drifted heavily first up and needed the run when beaten 0.8 lengths to General Jackson. I’m treating that run as a barrier trial and his trackwork has been very sharp since his 1st up run. Place chance.
Keen Array – Has come back a very smart horse this time in winning 4 from 5 starts this preparation. Toughed it out well last start in the Listed Blue Sapphire 1200m at Caulfield running his final 400 in 22.24 200 11.20 to hold off Mogador. Place chance.
Counterattack – Won 2 of 3 starts this time. His last start win in the Brian Crowley terrific quick overall time with fast closing sectionals home his last 600 33.72 400 22.48 200 11.76. Waller has a strong record in the race and has jumped out nicely since his last win. Profiles strongly but runs into Exosphere again.
Sebring Sun – Underrated Colt. Gets back in his races and has electric turn of foot. His 3rd in the G1 Golden Rose huge clocking the fastest last 400 in 22.32 200 11.52. Surprised he wasn’t aimed at the Caulfield Guineas on the back of that run being a Sebring colt. He will be very strong late of a freshen up. Flemington a plus.
Mogador – Started $1.50 favourite on Debut against Exosphere. Has been a slow maturing horse but his two starts this preparation have eye catching. Last start 2nd in the Blue Sapphire sat off the speed and was beaten under half a length with a final 600 in 33.92 400 22.08 200 11.08. Place Chance.
Betting Activity:
BACK – WIN – Exosphere – Confident big punters will be all over him. $1.50 early with a SP of $1.33.
BACK – PLACE – Sebring Sun – have marked him clear 2nd favourite. Keen to back anything $3+.
Thomas Hackett from Ladbrokes (view full article)
Exosphere has been the star three-year-old sprinter during the 2015 Spring Racing Carnival and he is a dominant favourite in Coolmore Stud Stakes betting market. He returned to racing with an outstanding effort in the Run To The Rose and he has gone to another level in the Golden Rose Stakes and the Roman Consul Stakes. If he handles the Flemington straight and performs at his best then they won’t beat him. Keen Array, Japonisme and Counterattack all have plenty of talent and have been good this preparation, but they would all need to find several lengths of improvement to beat the dominant favourite. The x-factor in the Coolmore Stud Stakes is Singapore galloper Super One. Super One started his racing career with four wins from as many starts in Singapore, but he was beaten by General Jackson at Cranbourne in his Australian racing debut. He would need to improve on that effort sharply to be in the finish of the Coolmore Stud Stakes.
Adam Campton from Unibet (view full article)
The Coolmore Stud Stakes for the 3-year-olds is the first group 1 of the day and it’s an absolute cracker. Exosphere is my top pick for the race but he is a very short-priced favourite. I believe this big black colt is the best 3-year-old in the land and that is the reason why I can’t tip against him. His three wins this prep have been spectacular and I can’t wait to see this bloke blow this field away on Saturday. I think this horse could be as good as his dad, Lonhro, when he matures and puts it all together. Counterattack had the blinkers applied to him last start and they worked wonders. He is a talented horse that has a very explosive turn of foot so he should be running a very competitive race but I can’t see him beating the favourite. Hellbent is a lightly raced colt that was sent out a very short-priced favourite in Sydney last start but finished third after having not much luck throughout the run. He should get a great run just behind the speed and he will be running on very strong late. Mogador and Keen Array have both been very good this prep but I believe these two horses will be better next time in.
My tips: 1 (Exosphere), 11 (Hellbent), 6 (Counterattack) & 10 (Mogador)
Mick Dittman from Sportsbet
My concern with Exosphere is the barrier. He’s drawn close to the rails for his first go at Flemington and there’s a real risk he could get caught up in traffic.
If those outside him cross and Exosphere has to go back and gets clamped up he could be there until Sunday.
Yes he’s an outstanding animal, the best horse in the race and I have him on top, but the old adage of “odds-on look on” definitely applies.
Ready For Victory is a horse who will be suited. He’s a winner down the straight, races on the bunny, has D Oliver aboard and is a definite threat to Exosphere.
I expect a lot of improvement from the Singapore trained horse, Super One. He only went average at Cranbourne, but I watched him trial down the Flemington straight and he went very well. Rarely do horses trial like he did and not perform well.
Picks:
Exosphere 1, Ready For Victory 2, Super One 3.
Race 6 – Mackinnon Stakes – 2000m
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The Betfair Insider (view full article)
Fawkner – SCR – will run in Zipping Classic next week.
Happy Trails – Holding his form well beaten by Criterion only in the Caulfield Stakes by 0.5 lengths. Last start in the Cox Plate given no hope after going back of a wide gate then forced to fan 9-10 deep around the turn where few runners made ground all day. He’s won twice here at 2000m and after drawing barrier 6 he’ll get a soft run in transit. He profiles like the winner. I’ve marked him $7 favourite.
Pornichet – Another runner profiling well for the race. I’ve been heavily against him all preparation but loved his effort in the Cox Plate when ridden cold. At his first ever start in Australia on derby day last year he ran a slashing 4th beaten 1.15 lengths to Hucklebuck in a G2 over 1400m. Flemington suits and maps well from barrier 4. I’ve marked him $9 and expect him to box seat.
Gailo Chop – Happy to forgive his Cox Plate performance when 8th beaten 12.55 lengths, he clearly wanted to settle closer and over raced in stages. Expecting Flemington to suit and he excels on a wet track winning his cox plate lead up G3 in France race by 4 lengths on a heavy track after some impressive performances in much tougher grade. With 1-8mm forecast it’s unlikely to get to the heavy range but any cut out will enhance his chances. $21 looks over the odds if wet.
Magic Hurricane – Keeps on raising the bar. Nosed out by Preferment under WFA conditions in the G2 Hill Stakes over 2000m two starts ago. Then won metropolitan by 2 lengths with 55.5kg with Beaten up and Havana Cooler in the minor placings. Not convinced he has the acceleration to beat the G1 horses here dropping back in trip. He’s 7th up here, trialling back in early may then was 1st up in a BM94 in the first week of June. The profile is against him heavily and at $5.50 in early markets he looks a great Lay.
Magic Artist – G1 placed in Rome 3 starts ago at 2000m. Since then travelled to USA to contest G1 Manhattan Stakes 2012m at Belmont beaten 3.5 lengths with 52.5kg. He positioned midfield 3wide with cover, off the bit 500m from home but toughed it out to the line. Last start in the Bayerisches G1 2000m in Munich was 3w to the first bend but found cover shortly after. Carrying 60kg he failed to quicken in the home straight when required but ground away to the line beaten close to 3 lengths. He’s drawn to get a soft run from barrier 2 but from what I’ve seen I couldn’t back him at the current market price of $15. He’s now 1st up for Andreas Wohler, it’s possible he’s improved whilst in his care.
Stratum Star – G1 winner 3rd up in the Sir Rupert Clarke over 1400m. Since then 3rd in the G1 Toorak Handicap and most recently a convincing winner of the G3 David Jones Cup 2000m. Ran 23.02 between the 600m and 200m mark in that event after running 11 lengths above the benchmark to the 600m mark. Despite a wide gate is a knockout but will drift in early markets from $7.50.
Rising Romance – Blinkers on for the first time may sharper her up and she needs too. Dropping back from the Caulfield cup where seemed to get every favour but race flat. Starting to think she’s now a 1600m horse who likes to be kept on the fresh side. If she was ‘in season’ as reported for her Caulfield Cup failure, maybe she’s ready for the breeding barn. Wouldn’t shock but expecting her to drift from $21.
Betting Activity:
BACK – WIN – Happy Trails – I’ve marked him $7 favourite. A small overlay with $10 on The Exchange.
LAY – E/W – Magic Hurricane – He looks at least half his correct price. Lay E/W up to $10.
LAY – PLACE – Flamingo Star – Loved his Toorak run, but keen to lay him up to $5 place this grade.
Thomas Hackett from Ladbrokes (view full article)
This is a very intriguing edition of the Mackinnon Stakes. The Cox Plate has proven the strongest form reference in recent years and Fawkner, Happy Trails, Pornichet, and Gailo Chop are all set to back-up this weekend. The Godolphin duo of Magic Hurricane and Contributer are tough to assess as they have both headed to the Mackinnon Stakes as an afterthought. Stratum Star has been one of star performers of the 2015 Spring Racing Carnival to date and he showed that he was capable of winning over 2000 meters when he took out the David Jones Cup. Flamingo Star brings a different form line into the race, but the Waller camp is flying and he is very bullish about his chances. There is no knock on the likes of Magic Artist, Rising Romance and Set Square and you can make a case for just about every horse in the race.
Adam Campton from Unibet (view full article)
The Mackinnon Stakes is run over a mile and a quarter at weight-for-age level and this race always attracts some very smart horses. Betting suggests that it is a very open race this year and I believe any horse could win this. My top pick for the race is, Flamingo Star. Ever since he came to Australia the stable has had a big rap on him but he is still yet to win a race down under. His latest runs suggest that he is crying out for 2000m and finally on Saturday we should see his best over this distance. He is a classy horse that has drawn well and he should get a perfect ride from the gun hoop, Hugh Bowman. Magic Hurricane (pictured above) and Stratum Star are at the top of betting. Both horses have been very good this prep, but if I had to pick one it would be the Godolphin-trained gelding. Magic Hurricane blew away his rivals in the Metropolitan last start but his run previous to that he was just beaten by Preferment over 2000m and that form is very good for a race like this. Both Happy Trails and Set Square will be better suited back to Flemington and I think they are two great each way chances. Index Linked is the roughest horse in the race but he can run a very cheeky race at massive odds. He got home good last start in the Cranbourne Cup and I expect him to be running on well again this Saturday.
My tips: 12 (Flamingo Star), 9 (Magic Hurricane), 15 (Set Square), 2 (Happy Trails)
Mick Dittman from Sportsbet
The Mackinnon Stakes is a lottery.
A lot of these old horses have been going average or getting no luck.
Several will appreciate returning to Flemington. One of them that will be right at home is Happy Trails, who could jump out of the ground in this.
Rising Romance, Gailo Chop and Magic Hurricane are all in the mix, but luck will play a big part.
Picks:
Happy Trails 1, Gailo Chop 2, Rising Romance/Magic Hurricane 3.
Race 7 – AAMI Victoria Derby – 2500m
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The Rating Bureau (view full article)
This year’s race comes down to 3 main chances for me:
Tarzino
His run last week in the Vase was enormous. He was a long way back in the field on a track that was significantly biased towards the fence and then faced a big increase in race speed from the 800m, which meant he had to work hard to make up any ground in the race. He did that around the outside of the field which was a disadvantage on the day and managed to run on for 3rd with clearly the best rating last 800m of any runner on the day.
His overall rating from that run was 95, but there’s no doubt that the merit of the performance suggests he is clearly better than that. Up to 2500m at Flemington looks to present an ideal scenario for him to reach a big new career peak here, but just how high is very much speculative.
That obvious potential to improve and rate higher clearly suggests he is the top chance in this race, but the current market price is very much rock bottom odds. Value depends on the market underestimating something in the winning prospects of a horse or grossly over estimating the chances of other key runners in the market. That doesn’t appear to be evident here, so it’s hard to assess the current quote as anything but slightly under the odds. I don’t want to lose on the race if Tarzino wins, but the edge simply isn’t there in the current price to want to play him as a key result.
Kia Ora Koutou
Comes over from Western Australia with an appealing profile of ratings quality and scope to improve to a new peak in this race. He’s unbeaten in 4 career runs so far and ran to a 97.2 rating last start when beating the older horses over 2200m at Ascot.
A 1.3L win may not read that impressively, but the minimum weight in that race meant that he carried +4.5kg over WFA, effectively giving the runner up 6.5kg in weight. He came from the rear of a small field in a slow run race and did it easily, without really being asked for an all out effort.
The nature of his win and the shape of the race speed / his individual sectionals is comparable to Fiveandahalfstar who produced a similar lead up run in a BM72 race at Rosehill before exploding to a new peak to win the 2012 VRC Derby. That’s not to suggest Kia Ora Koutou is going to be as good as Fiveandahalfstar was, but the reality is he doesn’t need to be anywhere near that level to win the Derby this year. He just needs to maintain his rating to be very competitive in this race and if he advances at all then he’ll be very hard to beat.
As a big raw type suited over ground, I think the prospect of at least genuine pace in this race gives him the right scenario to run to a new career peak. At the current market price that profile contains great betting appeal.
Lizard Island
He’s an outstanding value runner in this race. His 1.8L 2nd to Press Statement in the Caulfield Guineas returned a 98.5 rating that is good enough to fight out the finish of this race. Then last start in the 2000m Caulfield Classic he had to do a stack of work early and his effort to finish 2nd, beaten only 1 length had plenty of merit. When the other horses were relaxing and settling into their rhythm in that race, Lizard Island was still working around the outside of the field to find a position. Even after doing that work and travelling on a strong speed all the way, he still gave a little kick in the straight and then fought on to hold off all but the winner Sacred Eye, finishing 2nd by 1 length. While the 95.2 rating from that run is just under the required standard here, there’s no doubt that without the effect of that early work, he would have rated higher, again right at the level needed to win this race. That run over 2000m is also more than acceptable indicator to me that he can handle the step to 2500m.
Another big key here is that from barrier 3 he looks to jump out and naturally hold a position just off the leading group without doing any work at all. That’s a massive difference to the level of work he had to do early in the Caulfield Classic.
A 2nd placing in the Caulfield Guineas, followed by a 2nd placing in the Caulfield Classic with hidden merit, both at a level good enough to win this race presents a very appealing profile, especially when combined with the prospect of getting a very easy run just off the lead. He may not have the same scope for improvement as some of the others in the race, but he’s already at a performance level that can win this race and the current market price is outstanding value.
Betting
I want to bet around my two big value runners in this race and save on Tarzino.
For every $100 you want to invest on the race, stake in the following ratio:
Lizard Island – WIN $26
Kia Ora Koutou – WIN $36
Tarzino – WIN $38
If Lizard Island or Kia Ora Koutou wins then there will be a good profit, while if Tarzino wins, your total investment on the race will be returned, give or take a few dollars.
The Betfair Insider (view full article)
Lizard Island – Hit the line strongly to be beaten only 1.75 lengths 2nd to Press Statement in the G1 Caulfield Guineas 1600m. His last start as impressive in the G3 Caulfield Classic 2000m. He was forced to work early, going forward off a wide draw. He was the first to challenge the leader and stuck on to be beaten by a length to the promising filly Sacred Eye. He’s drawn barrier 3 and will box seat. $12-14 in early markets won’t last.
Kia Ora Koutou – Undefeated Perth gelding that has overcome interference in his races to win. That’s generally a characteristic of a pretty smart horse. He can sprint off a slow tempo recording strong closing sectionals in every start to date. His last win in a BM72 over 2200m against older horses holds in good stead for this, home his last 400 23.68 200 11.92. There doesn’t look to be any stars amongst these 3yo’s on what we’ve seen to date his form is big chance to as good if not better. I’ve conservatively marked him a $6 chance with the only query 4 weeks between runs, despite a good trial since his last start.
Tarzino – Has been building towards this nicely and with a more positive ride he wins the Vase. The race time overall was slow but his closing splits indicate he’s right on target for this home his last 400 23.81 200 12.08. Thankfully Mick Price has indicated the horse will go forward. Has drawn barrier 10 which gives him options and I can’t see him being trapped 3 wide. His breeding suggests he’ll relish 2500m and I have no issue with him on the back up. $2.50-2.70 early looks well under the odds. I expect him to reach $4, then shorten. Hard to beat.
Get The Picture – Gets a mile out of his ground in races and keeps grinding away indicating that the rise to 2500m will suit. Last start 4th in the G3 Caulfield Classic was Ok given he didn’t appear to handle the turn at all, running the fastest last 200m split in 11.75. He’ll be best suited to Flemington but without tempo on will need to get rolling earlier in the race. Has Oliver from barrier 5 and rates a $13 chance.
Etymology – Looks a genuine stayer in the making and has had excuses at his last two starts. Most recently beaten 1.2 lengths to Sacred Eye in the G3 Caulfield Classic. He was held up between the 300m to 200m mark entitled to finish much closer. Love that he’s drawn off the fence and expecting James McDonald to find the back of Tarzino to make his move. Can’t wait to see him at Flemington over the extended trip, everything points to 2500m+.
Betting Activity:
BACK – WIN – Kia Ora Koutou – Small overlay and is the new form. $8 a fair price.
BACK- WIN – Etymology – I’ve marked him $9 making the $17-21 in early markets good odds.
LAY – WIN – Tarzino – $2.5-2.70 is poison odds. Chase him out to $3.50-4.00 with confidence.
Thomas Hackett from Ladbrokes (view full article)
Tarzino has always looked like the perfect Victoria Derby horse and he is set to start the race as a dominant favourite. The Tavistock colt was far from disgraced when he finished seventh behind Press Statement in the Caulfield Guineas and he produced the perfect Victoria Derby trial when he hit the line strongly to finish third in the Moonee Valley Vase last weekend. The main danger to Tarzino could be Western Australian galloper Kia Ora Koutou, who has recorded four wins from four starts since making his racing debut. It is very tough to stack that form up against the rest of the Victoria Derby field, but he looks like a genuine stayer that will have no problems running out a strong 2500 metres. Lizard Island has done nothing wrong this preparation and if he runs out the trip he will be right in the finish while the likes of Man Of Choice, Extra Choice, Get The Picture and Colonel Custer could all run big races without surprising.
Adam Campton from Unibet (view full article)
The Victoria Derby is the feature of the day for the 3-year-olds over 2500m and short-priced favourite for the race is the Mick Price-trained Colt, Tarzino. This bloke has only had the five starts in his career and each of those runs has given every indication that he will appreciate the 2500m. Last start he produced a very nice Derby trial when he hit the line very hard to finish third in the Moonee Valley Vase last weekend but I’m going to tip against him this weekend because he is way too short in the market. My tip for the race is the John O’Shea-trained horse, Shards. I really liked his last start effort and Bowman should really suit this horse, so I expect this bloke to give his backers a great sight. He will push forward from the barrier and if the heavens open up on Saturday, then you should see this bloke firm in the market.
Kia Ora Koutou is unbeaten in four starts but the Perth form is awfully hard to line-up against these. He does look like a genuine stayer in the making so he should run a brave race on Saturday. Lizard Island has been really good this prep and he should get a lovely run from barrier 3, so he could be a great each way chance in this. I would have been pretty keen on Pay Up Bro’s chances in this but he has drawn a horrible barrier and I don’t think he will get any luck in this race. If Avdulla can slot in one off the fence than this horse will run a very big race. Watch for him late. Among the others, Extra Choice, Get The Picture and Palace Tycoon are three very nice horses that have been racing well and should appreciate the rise in distance.
My tips: 2 (Shards), 3 (Kia Ora Koutou), 7 (Tarzino), 11 (Palace Tycoon)
Mick Dittman from Sportsbet
Tarzino is entitled to be favourite. His runs have been good and he’s screaming out for more ground, but he’s a backmarker and from barrier 10, I’m concerned he will get too far out of his ground.
Take into account that none of these horses have been beyond 2200 m and here they have to run 2500 m. With a query on many of them staying the trip, no riders will want to go quick, so the speed can tend to be quite slow in the early and middle stages.
If he gets the race run to suit I think Tarzino can win. However, if it is slowly run and Tarzino ends up back in the bleachers, he’s going to find it very difficult to run them down.
I actually like Lizard Island, he’ll stay all day. He’s had a couple of tough runs, is very fit and should get the gun run and he lets down pretty quickly. Extra Choice also has a great chance at a top three finish.
Picks:
Lizard Island 1, Tarzino 2, Extra Choice 3.
R8 Myer Classic – 1600m
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The Betfair Insider (view full article)
Royal Descent – Has been in impeccable form all preparation despite a last start failure in the Caulfield Cup when posted wide early from barrier 22. She was beaten 29.6 lengths in the Cup and if you removed that blemish she’d rate close to a $3 favourite for this. Her work at Flemington on Tuesday looked sharp over 1000m, home her last 400 in 23.09. With blinkers on for the first time she’ll get every chance from barrier 5 mapping best.
Solicit – Huge performance 1st up almost winning the G2 Tristarc against the profile which suggested 2nd up horses were best suited. She worked across from barrier 11 and gave a big kick off the turn running her final 400 in 23.06 200 11.88. Her final 200 was 7th fastest and looking at her replay she was a touch fresh and looked to blow out her last 50m. She profiles well coming through that race and her 2nd up record is strong. Despite not winning beyond 1400m she’s been competitive up to 2000m. Beaten 1.6 lengths in this race last year she’s a mile over the odds at $26.
May’s Dream – Not won since SA oaks in April 2014. Has been close all 3 starts this preparation, maps and profiles well for this. No concern with 4 weeks between runs as she runs her best races on the fresher side. Her recent sectionals indicate to me she’s most effective between 1200-1400m. Looks likely to drift in early markets.
Abidewithme – G2 winner in NZ over 2000m and flying this preparation. Didn’t have the clearest passage last start in the G1 Toorak 1600m when she had more to give, Still home her last 400 23.64 200 11.92. Flemington a plus as is any rain, If they go too hard in front she a big chance. I’ve marked her $9 making her a slight overlay. Small concern buried on the fence so late in the day.
Azkadellia – On the back up from a fast finishing 2nd in the G3 Tesio Stakes, a similar route to 2013 runner up of the Myer in Catkins. One of few horses to make up ground against a significant bias on the day recoding the fastest last 600m of the day. Did SP $3.80 in last year’s G3 Carbine Club stakes this day last year. Maps well, any rain a plus and more speed on the better. Will shorten from $8.50 in early markets.
Slightly Sweet – Is in the profile sweet spot for the race coming here 4th up with a strong run in the G2 Tristarc 1400m off a 21 day break. She was held up but hit the line strongly home her last 400 22.64 200 11.48. She’s only won at G3 to date but will handle the rise to 1600m without issue. She needs everything to go right to win but she’s a knockout.
Stay With Me – Winner of the 1000 Guineas last start when given a peach ride from Dwayne Dunn. She ran the fastest last 800 and 400 splits of the race. Runner up Jameka has since won the Dilmah Vase at Moonee Valley against the boys, although the Vase was run to suit her. No 3yo filly has won the Myer Classic but with 49kg under WFA conditions she’ll have supporters. Barrier 15 makes the task difficult and I’m happy to be against her at $4-4.20.
BACK – E/W – Solicit – Keen to play at $26 win and $7.50 the place
BACK – WIN – Azkadellia – Confident she’s best of the closers and will take anything >$6.50.
LAY – E/W – Stay With Me – Rock bottom at $4.-4.40. Would confidently lay her up to $7.
Thomas Hackett from Ladbrokes (view full article)
The Myer Classic is always a great betting race and the 2015 edition is no exception. Stay With Me stamped herself as arguably the best filly in the country with her impressive victory in the Thousand Guineas and she gets in very well at the weights with just 49 kilograms on her back. However, the wide draw will not help her and history is against her. There is no question that Royal Descent is the class mare in the Myer Classic field, but it would take a monumental training performance to have her ready for this race after she finished at the tail of the field after a hellish run in the Caulfield Cup. If any trainer can do it, it would be Chris Waller. Politeness has been in outstanding form this preparation, but there is a big question mark over how she will handle the step-up to 1600 metres after two starts over 1200 metres. The value in early Myer Classic betting markets might be Abidewithme, who performed well against the boys in both the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes and the Toorak Handicap.
Adam Campton from Unibet (view full article)
The Myer Classic is for the fillies and mares at weight-for-age and betting suggests that it is a very open race. Solicit and Miss Rose De Lago will push forward and ensure that there is good speed so I expect that my top pick in the race Slightly Sweet should get every chance to get home over the top of this field. She was ridden horribly last start but still managed to run on into 4th, but on Saturday Berry will try and get her to the outside so she can wind up and finish off strongly. Last prep she raced against the best and wasn’t disgraced but I think she is a more mature horse this time in and she can win this if she puts her best foot forward. I believe she is massive overs in this race. Stay With Me is the only 3-year-old in the race and she comes into this after a very impressive Guineas win. She has no weight on her back and she does have a very explosive turn of foot, so if Sam Clipperton can get her into a nice spot from the wide barrier then she will be very hard to beat. Azkadellia, Atlantis Dream and La Passe are all loaded with ability and all three of them have drawn great for this race, so I expect them to be right in the finish. If I had to pick one of those three on top, it would be Azkadellia, because I think she is a very good horse. Royal Descent is unders in this race and I don’t think she can beat these. She looks a lay to me.
My tips: 13 (Slightly Sweet), 14 (Azkadellia), 15 (Stay With Me), 8 (Atlantis Dream).
Mick Dittman from Sportsbet
There is no doubt Royal Descent is the best mare in the Myer Classic, but with the featherweight on her back I like Stay With Me.
It is a big class rise for Stay With Me, but she is up to it and the 49 kgs gives her a big advantage. Peter Moody’s mare Abidewithme looks a live chance in another tough race.
Picks:
Stay With Me 1, Royal Descent 2, Abidewithme 3.