The 2014 All Aged Stakes (1400m Group 1, fixed weight) will be the final Group 1 race of a bumper Sydney autumn racing carnival. Join The Roar for live coverage of the feature, with race time at 3:25pm AEST.
Recent history has shown that this race has been kind to the favourites, with seven of the past ten winning this race. Previous winners includes All Too Hard (2013), Atlantic Jewel (2012), Haylist (2011), Sunline (2000 and 2002) and great New Zealand horse Rough Habit (1992 and 1993).
The sprinters will be out for the last Group 1 race of the autumn, with seven runners from this quality field in serious contention.
Rebel Dane is the one to beat in this race. He had a massive first-up start in the TJ Smith running second behind Lankan Rupee, finishing strongly that day just two lengths behind the fastest sprinter in the country.
He has already won twice over the 1400-metre journey and the 59 kilograms won’t be a problem, however barrier 10 could be of concern. Glen Boss will take the ride aboard the horse to beat.
Steps in Time will be the front runner in this race following the scratching of Snitzerland. She has the good barrier draw out of 6 and the 57 kilograms will help her cause.
Having won four times over the distance, I can see her peaking third up from a spell. She had a less than perfect run in the TJ Smith, but I believe that was more to do with the conditions than her ability. She should bounce back in a big way this week.
Woodbine will back up last Saturday’s second to Beauty’s Beast in the Listed South Pacific Stakes over 1400 metres. Barrier 4 is a nice draw and he will be fitter for last week’s run, so I expect him to feature somewhere in the finish.
Weary is the other danger. The talented French import is part of a Chris Waller stable that has been on fire all autumn. The 1400 metres suits, but he is weighted poorly against his opposition and barrier 11 was the worst possible result.
Tiger Tees has been another that has run well on the wet tracks this autumn, but I feel that the track needs to be wet for the Tiger to have an impact.
Japanese import Hana’s Goal made good ground late in the Doncaster to run sixth, but I don’t think it’s in the same company as the opposition today.
Of the rest I’m willing to take on Shamexpress, Bennetta and Atlante, who I don’t think will feature in the finish today.
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):
Brent Ford – Roar Guru and today’s live blogger
1. Steps in Time
2. Rebel Dane
3. Weary
4. Woodbine
Justin Cinque – Roar Racing Editor
1. Rebel Dane
2. Weary
3. Hana’s Goal
4. Steps In Time
Cameron Rose – Roar Expert
1.Rebel Dane
2.Tiger Tees
3.Steps in Time
4.Weary
Alfred Chan – Roar Guru
1. Hana’s Goal
2. Rebel Dane
3. Atlante
4. Shamexpres
Brad Durrant – Roar Guru
1. Weary
2. Rebel Dane
3. Hana’s Goal
4. Shamexpress
Points tally after Day 2 of The Championships
Brent Ford – 47
Justin Cinque – 37
Cameron Rose – 37
Alfred Chan – 33
Brad Durrant – 32
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
Well that's all from me, I hope you got a winner. I know Scuba did :)
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
So the final result was Hana's Goal Weary Tiger Tees Shamexpress
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
Nash said it was a good win which it was, it's a hard race and he said the form in the Doncaster held true.
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
Well the Doncaster form outshined the TJ Smith form. Interesting that Rebel Dane couldn't get up today, I think he struggled with the track.
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
The Japanese owners of Hana's Goal were loving it, difficult interview following the race but they were loving it!
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
I'm not done but don't forget to check out the Oaks blog from Adelaide. http://www.theroar.com.au/2014/04/26/2014-australasian-oaks-preview-live-blog-tips-results/
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
Nash salutes! What a win.
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
600 out and Atlante leads from Tiger Tees and Woodbine, they are bunched well coming into the home straight. Shamexpress is sneaking up on the inside but it's Hana's Goal!!!! Gets up on the outside and swallows them up, she beats Weary and Tiger Tees.
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
Hana's Goal missed the start Tiger Tees started the best of the lot. Rebel Dane settles just off the speed. Atlante takes up the speed on the back straight from Tiger Tees.
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
Runners in and we're off!
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
Atlante, Rebel Dane and Hana's Goal to be loaded and we should be away.
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
Not far from a start here, just loading the runners now and we will be underway for the last group 1 this autumn in Sydney.
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
Rebel Dane is the heavy favourite at $2.15, Weary $6.50 and Tiger Tees $7. The rest all double figures.
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
I'm a massive fan of Weary today, Hana's Goal would be a big blow out chance, but I wouldn't be surprised. We'll find out soon enough.
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
Trainer of Rebel Dane believes he "can't get the horse any better than he is today."
Scuba
Guest
Weary and Hana's Goal. Reckon the Doncaster form will outshine the TJ
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
For sentimental reasons I would really love Weary to get up today, would top off a good autumn carnival for Tommy Berry who has had a rough few weeks. Plenty of chances in this one, Atlante looks good in the mounting yard. Sorry for sounding like a broken record, but these horses look the goods today.
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
Shamexpress also looks the goods, Weary is a beautiful grey.
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
Runners in the mounting yard now, absolutely love the look of Rebel Dane. A magnificent coat and he looks unreal.
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
If you missed the last race Go Indy Go took out the Champagne Stakes from Zululand, Kumaon and Scratch Me Lucky.