The final Group 1 of the day is raced over the mile for fillies and mares. Join us from 3:15pm for a live blog of the 2013 Myer Classic.
The Myer was only upgraded to Group 1 status back in 2004 and a number of champion females of the turf have won the race including Typhoon Tracy (2009), Golden Slipper winner Forensics (2008) and one of my favourites Divine Madonna (2007).
The past three Myer Classics have been won by mares paying double figure odds of 40/1 (Appearance, 2012), 15/1 (Hurtle Myrtle, 2011) and 20/1 (Sacred Choice, 2010).
Four year olds have the best record and there are five in this years edition, including Catkins, Ava’s Delight, You’re So Good, Molto Bene and Cameo.
The two major lead up races for the Myer are the Rose of Kingston Stakes (1400m, Group 2) and the Tristarc Stakes (1400m, Group 2) won by Fire Up Fifi and Red Tracer respectively.
Appearance (2012 winner) ran 7th in the Tristarc and Typhoon Tracy (2009) won the Tristarc before winning the Myer Classic.
Red Tracer is the superstar mare of the race and deserves to be favourite after her dominant win in the Tristarc Stakes.
$2.20 is a little bit short for her since she has only run the one place from four starts over the mile and has never won at Flemington. But she is now back to set-weights conditions and meeting all of her recent rivals better off.
A mare that will relish the mile is the Robert Heathcote trained Fire Up Fifi. I wrote an article back in the winter stating Heathcote should find a nice Group race in the Spring for this mare, and here she is in the Group 1 Myer Classic.
She was excellent in winning the Rose of Kingston before a slashing 5th behind Red Tracer last start. She will be right in the mix and will be the main danger to the favourite.
I’m not sure if the Myer is the main goal for You’re So Good, but she improved greatly last start with some nice closing sectionals. Her opening price of $51 is way over the odds and looks great each way value.
She could well find herself in the top 3 here but the Matriarch (Group 2, 2000m) next week could be her main target.
Floria finished 2nd and 3rd to Red Tracer back in the Queensland winter and looks like she could come close again. Her first up run was impressive behind British General, closing well late after a leader dominated race.
She has been very consistent since transferring to the Peter Moody yard as she is yet to finish outside the top 4. She is a winning hope.
Brad Durrant’s tips
1. Fire Up Fifi
2. Red Tracer
3. Floria
4. You’re So Good
Justin Cinque’s tips
1. Red Tracer
2. Fire Up Fifi
3. Ava’s Delight
4. Sharnee Rose
Andrew Hawkins’ tips
1. Zonza
2. Red Tracer
3. Fire Up Fifi
4. Zurella
Cameron Rose’s tip
1. Catkins
2. Red Tracer
3. Fire Up Fifi
4. Molto Bene
Alfred Chan’s tips
1. Sharnee Rose
2. Red Tracer
3. Catkins
4. Bonaria
Roar writers 2013 Spring Carnival tipping tally (five points if winning horse is tipped for first; three points if tipped for second; two for third and one for fourth):
After the Cox Plate
Cameron Rose: 55
Justin Cinque: 55
Alfred Chan: 50
Andrew Hawkins: 42
Brad Durrant
Roar Guru
I'm sure everything will unfold in the next few hours. Enjoy!
Brad Durrant
Roar Guru
Interesting point is that if Ruscello's connections (winner of today's Lexus) decides not to take his position in the field on Tuesday, then the Bart Cummings trained Precedence will gain a start.
Brad Durrant
Roar Guru
The countdown now begins until the race that stops the nation. The 2013 Melbourne Cup. The barrier draw will take place at 6:30pm tonight with the race taking its usual place at 3pm on Tuesday. Looks to be superb edition once again
Brad Durrant
Roar Guru
This completes our coverage of the four Group 1's on Derby Day for 2013. The winners are as follows: Zoustar - Coolmore Stud Stakes Side Glance - Mackinnon Stakes Polanski - Victoria Derby Red Tracer - Myer Classic
Brad Durrant
Roar Guru
Notable mentions go to Thy & Zurella. They both look like they will be ready to win in their next start. Possibly the Matriarch over 2000m next Saurday
Brad Durrant
Roar Guru
Results in the Myer Classic 1st - Red Tracer ($2.90) 2nd - Catkins ($2.60) 3rd - Fire Up Fifi ($2.20)
Brad Durrant
Roar Guru
Chris Waller stated "Catkins will be the next Red Tracer, her time will come". Was gallant today and has a big future.
Brad Durrant
Roar Guru
It was great to see on TV. Can imagine what it would of been like.
Brad Durrant
Roar Guru
She didn't win easy but Red Tracer is a super mare. Especially after the leaders bias, it took quite a lot to get over the top of her stable mate. Great Win.
Justin Cinque
Expert
Red Tracer has returned in great order this campaign. She started first-up at 1400 and I think those extra miles in the legs than usual (with this race as the aim) was the difference.
Justin Cinque
Expert
Well Red Tracer had to call on everything she had to win that race. Catkins, also not completely comfortable at the trip, was the horse she had to run down. From my vantage point, Red Tracer wasn't going to get there. But her strapper, who I'm sure will be beamed across Australia, was cheering her on loudly (a lot louder than me!). "Go Tracy! C'mon Tracy!" She was screaming. And then when she got there, well she was jumping up and down. Just a shame she had no-one else to cheer with. The owners and trainer Chris Waller must have been in the stands. That put a smile on my face! It's great to see the strappers enjoy themselves. They are with the horses the most and have the strongest bond with them.
Brad Durrant
Roar Guru
Great run from Thy. Was almost last on the turn and was strong down the outside. May look to go on to the Matriarch next week
Brad Durrant
Roar Guru
Catkins fought hard and it took a classy mare to beat her. Fire Up Fifi was boxed in coming round the turn and only got clear half way down the straight. Still strong for 3rd
Brad Durrant
Roar Guru
Red Tracer has now won 11 Black Type races
Brad Durrant
Roar Guru
Red Tracer 1st Catkins gallant in 2nd Fire Up Fifi 3rd
Brad Durrant
Roar Guru
Catkins still leading into the straight Here comes Red Tracer Catkins holding Red Tracer lunges RED TRACER WINS
Brad Durrant
Roar Guru
Red Tracer begins quickly and takes rail 2nd Catkins takes the lead Fire Up Fifi midfield on the fence
Brad Durrant
Roar Guru
They are off
Brad Durrant
Roar Guru
Money coming for Catkins. Into $7
Brad Durrant
Roar Guru
The females are behind the barriers and Red Tracer has held firm at $3