The spring is starting to heat up, with the running of Saturday’s New Zealand Bloodstock Memsie Stakes the kick start for many horses embarking on their spring campaigns.
Although many race-goers are worried that the void left by injured superstars Atlantic Jewel and Black Caviar may be too big and that this year’s Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival could be somewhat a let down.
So now the countdown begins to finding racing’s new champ for this year’s Spring Carnival. In recent years we’ve seen the emergence of stars such as Makybe Diva in 2005, Weekend Hussler in 2007, So You Think in 2010 and last year Black Caviar.
The question now is where the next ‘Spring Star’ comes from. I’ve come up with a list of the top six horses to watch as they breakout through the Spring Carnival to become horse racing’s next ‘Spring Star’.
Today we reveal two horses to watch.
Pierro
The star studded two year old colt from last season took out the Triple Crown and claimed the prestigious Golden Slipper. Pierro is referred to as ‘the Bulldog’, he just never gives up. His main aim is the $3 million dollar W.S Cox Plate, where globetrotting jockey Craig Williams is booked to take the ride.
Where Pierro starts: Run To The Rose Sep 1, 1200m Rosehill. Bill Stutt Stakes Sep 28, 1600m Moonee Valley. Caulfield Guineas Oct 13, 1600m Caulfield. W.S Cox Plate Oct 27, 2040m.
The races he has to win: In fairness, for Pierro to be the ‘Spring Star’ he has to win every race but the Cox Plate, but definitely would need to be competitive in that race.
Can he do it: On what I’ve seen yes, Pierro is undefeated in six starts and is the most promising horse to come out of Australia in a long time.
Southern Speed
South Australian mare who has done it all, winning the BMW Caulfield Cup last spring and taking out the Australian Cup in the Autumn. Has already started her preparation well by winning last week’s Penny Edition Stakes, stamping that she is ready to add to her already impressive resume. Many judges, however, wonder if she has the class to become a ‘Spring Star’.
Where Southern Speed Goes from Now: Makybe Diva Stakes Sept 8, 1600m Flemington. Underwood Stakes Sept 22, 1800m – that run will decide whether she goes to the Cox Plate or the Caulfield Cup.
The races she has to win: Southern Speed needs to win a strong lead up race Underwood Stakes or Makybe Diva and has to win either the Cox Plate or back to back Caulfield Cups to become the next ‘Spring Star’.
Can she do it: Yes, she is proven at weight for age and is already a Caulfield Cup winner but the only question is, does she have the class to beat More Joyous or Pierro? Time will tell.
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