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Cup week concludes this Saturday with another outstanding program scheduled, with the main race on the card being the $1 Million Group l Emirates Stakes (1600m).
The ‘Lion Of Longford’, The Cleaner, is coming back to the mile after running a brave ninth in the Cox Plate. He is the interesting runner, and he will have some fierce opposition, including Hooked and the impressive Contributor.
In saying that, I think the price for Leebaz in the feature race looks tremendous. Trialled well, both in public and in jump outs, then resumed in the Moonga Stakes (1400m) on Caulfield Cup Day and had no luck at all when appearing to travel sweetly in the run.
He is unbeaten second up, near unbeaten at the mile, draws beautifully, in well at the weights, stable is in form, as is the rider – gee he ticks plenty of boxes.
Hucklebuck is an exciting horse from Adelaide who did the job well last Saturday in the final lead up to this race, sitting just off the speed before finding the lead and lifting late to win when challenged. I don’t think he will have an issue running 1600m, but I would like to see him ridden with cover and have something to chase, like we saw first up when he was outstanding.
Smokin’ Joey ran an absolute beauty in this race last year behind Boban and appears to be on track to produce another solid run after his effort behind Hucklebuck on Saturday.
He did a power of work out wide yet still found the line. Up the mile suits, as does the draw because he’ll get cover and be out of trouble, plus he gets some weight relief. A price of $26 is something I could entertain.
Selections
Leebaz (10) on top, to beat Hucklebuck (7), Smokin’ Joey (4) and Contributor (6).
But the highlight race on the day, and perhaps the entire Spring carnival, is the $1 Million Group Darley Classic (1200m).
Chautauqua, Lankan Rupee, Buffering, Terravista and Famous Seamus. Add international star Slade Power and you have one mouth-watering race.
Many on here know that I believe that Chautauqua could well be at the moment the best sprinter in Australia, and he gets a great chance to prove it here on a track where he seems near unbeatable.
He was due to run in the Manikato Stakes, but team Hawkes decided that there was no need to break something that didn’t need fixing, so they have saved him for this. Sparkled in a recent jumpout at Flemington and I think the $3.50 that was on offer a few weeks ago was a gift.
He is a special here.
Lankan Rupee may have been helped by a lethal on pace bias in the Manikato, but he was there to be beaten after running a blistering opening half, yet kicked very hard when asked by Froggy Newitt.
He is suspended and Chad Schofield jumps in the saddle, and he won on the horse in the Newmarket Handicap here in March when showing an amazing turn of foot.
He is not at the level he was in the Autumn, but appears to be going well enough to run fill the quinella spot. I just don’t think he can match it with the top tip.
There were many hard luck runs in the Manikato, but the stiffest of the lot was Famous Seamus.
He was set to be in a midfield spot, then got a nasty check and a few strides later he was a clear last. Tim Clark then rode for luck and just got none of it until it was all over. He has sizzled in jumpouts at Flemington, so I don’t think the track will be an excuse, and his racing pattern will suit here.
Selections
Can’t see Chautauqua (10) losing, ahead of Lankan Rupee (2), Famous Seamus (8) and Slade Power (5).
The mares will do battle in the Group ll Momentum Energy Stakes (2000m). I’m really keen on Scratchy Bottom, and luckily got $12.
The form guide for this Spring, on face value, won’t read well for her, but she has been outstanding at each outing.
First up she got badly held up in the Blazer Stakes (1400m) at this track but was very good through the line, then went to the Eliza Park (1600m) on Cox Plate Day and again got held up but surged through the line when clear.
Flemington 2000m looks absolutely perfect, gun draw, and last time she ran at 2000m, she was beaten a neck at Group 1 level by May’s Dream and Star Fashion, and meets the latter horse 2.5kg better off at the weights. I am really surprised double figures was on offer for her.
Suavito was due for some good luck to go her way after several luckless runs, and she duly saluted as a heavily backed favourite in the Eliza Park, thanks to an Ollie gem.
He got moving on her earlier than normal and she really appreciated that, running through the line powerfully as if 2000m will be ideal. Worked home behind Lucia Valentina in the Vinery Stud in the Autumn; that was her last 2000m run, so I think she will handle it.
A mare who is unknown at 2000m is Myamira, but gee she was very good late for a $151 chance last week in the Myer Classic (1600m). She really warmed up late and savaged the line under hands and heels.
On that, 2000m will be of no issue, and she is drawn the right part of the track, so I could definitely back her each way, and throw her in exotics.
Selections
Clearly Scratchy Bottom (9) on top, to beat Suavito (2), Myamira (5) and Keep De Rose (8).
One step towards making the 2015 Melbourne Cup field will be done by whoever wins the Group lll Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2600m).
It looks a really lovely race for Noble Protector. There isn’t much of her size wise, but what she lacks in size, she makes up for in quality, as we saw in the David Jones Cup (2000m) when a game second to Contributor, who is a leading contender in two races time. Up to 2600m looks perfect, bigger track, trained here also, plus she is fitter and is on the minimum. I doubt the $3.40 will last long.
A cold ride and some good fortune got Prince Of Penzance home in the Moonee Valley Cup (2500m).
They could have thrown the dice and had a crack at the Cup by winning the Lexus last week, but they have instead run here and taken the identical path to Precedence last year. He won both races, and we saw how well he went in the Cup on Tuesday. Big threat here.
Bring Something might not have beaten much at his past two, but he has won, and won with real steel, grit and determination. He last ran in the Bendigo Cup (2400m), and for a few strides, he looked as if he wasn’t going to find the line, but he lifted late and surged to win. I still think he is a big baby, and will be better in six months, but he is in form and will run the distance out with no dramas.
Selections
Noble Protector (8) on top, to beat home Prince Of Penzance (1), Bring Something (5) and Big Memory (2).
In other races on the card:
. Iceflow looks good odds at $6.50 in the opener
. Rawnaq can continue his return to form
. Black Jet looks the best each way bet of the day
. Lord Aspen is a potential star and should just about win
. Written Intent in the last at massive odds could surprise
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