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.
CaptainSensible
Guest
You may want to check the honour roll of the Cox Plate again mate. What about these 'hits'.....Sunline twice, Northerly twice, Kingston Town 3 times, Rubiton, Bonecrusher, Better Loosen Up, Super Impose, Our Poetic Prince, Might and Power, Saintly, Makybe Diva, Red Anchor, Strawberry Road, So You Think twice. The Cox Plate throws up the best winner more often than any race. El Segundo was a triple Grp1 winner prior to winning the Cox Plate (started 6/1). Maldivian was a short priced fav in the Caul Cup the year before he won the Cox Plate.
nan
Guest
ta i forgot that- williams lucky
Balanced
Guest
Nash can't ride pierro in a WFA race because he would only carry 49.5 kgs (?). The ride has been offered to Craig Williams, one of the few top jockeys that can get near that weight.
nan
Guest
Surely he is the next star- Remember he doesnt just beat them he smashes em and Nash ensures he runs time i think he will be on him in the Cox plate and that says heaps. For mine hes the next undefeated australasian Champ
Balanced
Guest
I thought Manigher won the Australian cup? Pierro is exceptional, but has to get around Caulfield and even more so Moonee Valley. The cox plate is won by the horse that can handle the artificial surface and has luck in running, not necessarily the best horse. Maldivian, pinker pinker, fields of omagh, savabeel, el segundo - not exactly a case of "the hits keep on coming". I've already backed Rekindled Interest at $17. Unlucky 3rd last year, and what he and other horses do on the other (grass) tracks is almost irrelevant.
BBP
Guest
PIERRO I was a doubter, but no more. He's a star. He was far too good for 'em. Easily the best 3yo in the country. They should give him the Caulfield Guineas now. Can he beat the older horses in the Plate ? Sincero was huge today ...