2014 Coolmore Classic: Live updates, preview, top tips and results

Like most feature handicaps, the Coolmore Classic, a Group 1 handicap for mares, is historically a very competitive race. Join us for a live blog of all the action as we build up to the 4pm AEDT start time.

The competitiveness of the Coolmore is evidenced by the fact only four of the past 13 favourites have won.

Currently Catkins holds favouritism and is at juicy odds, this is due to drawing the wide barrier of 14 and carrying the top weight of 58 kilograms. Even with these factors up against her, the odds still looks very inviting as her form reads the best of any of the runners in this race.

She has won her last two starts impressively and looks set to claim her first Group 1 victory.

Aside from the favourite this is a great betting race with every other runner in the field at double figures.

The early scratching of the very promising mare, White Sage has brought in the value of a couple of runners but a good price can still be found on any of the 16 runners that you might be keen on.

On the second line of betting is Steps In Time who ran a good race when first up, being narrowly beaten by Catkins over 1200m. She meets Catkins 2.5kgs better off today, and has drawn a much better barrier in 7.

Steps In Time is likely to take up the lead and set a good tempo and will be difficult to run down.

The next two that bookies are showing a bit of caution for both come out of Newcastle-based trainer Kris Lees’ stable.

They are Sharnee Rose and young Kiwi filly Lacia Valentina. They both have solid form and a bold showing is expected of both of them.

Lacia Valentina got some attention when she flew home on the rail last start to grab third behind Thump and Real Surreal in the Group 2 Surround Stakes, a race for three-year-old fillies. She should be better for the run, has drawn a good barrier and only has to carry 53.5 kilograms.

Outside of the main chances, there are plenty of runners that warrant respect.

That includes Dear Demi who is a Group 1 winner and looked in good touch when finishing off well for third behind Catkins last start in a tempo that suited the front runners.

She will be better for the run and should appreciate a faster tempo which is expected to be set by Steps In Time. If she can navigate her way through the field with no problems then she could be a factor.

One that does look well over the odds is A Time For Julia.

Her form is excellent coming into this, winning two of her three starts this prep and running second to Red Tracer. Untried at Group 1 level, this is easily her biggest test but she gets in light at 54 kilograms and should place up on the speed and give herself every chance.

This should be a cracker. Will it be Catkins claiming her first Group 1 victory or will the trend continue with favourites falling?

Roar racing writers’ autumn tipping competition (five points if winning horse is tipped for first; three points if tipped for second; two for third and one for fourth):

Richard Hosnell – Today’s live blogger
1st: Catkins
2nd: Dear Demi
3rd: Steps In Time
4th: Lacia Valentina

Justin Cinque – Roar Racing Editor
1. Catkins
2. A Time For Julia
3. Dear Demi
4. Lucia Valentina

Cameron Rose – Roar Expert
1. Catkins
2. A Time For Julia
3. Sharnee Rose
4. Bonaria

Alfred Chan – Roar Guru
1. Dear Demi
2. Catkins
3. Real Surreal
4. Sharnee Rose

Brad Durrant – Roar Guru
1. Dear Demi
2. Catkins
3. Sharnee Rose
4. Fire Up Fifi

Brent Ford – Roar Guru
1. Catkins
2. Lucia Valentina
3. Steps In Time
4. Bonaria

Points tally after last night’s William Reid Stakes:
Brent Ford – 16
Alfred Chan – 12
Cameron Rose – 9
Brad Durrant – 9
Justin Cinque – 8