The Robert Sangster Stakes (1200m, Group 1, weight-for-age) is the premier sprint race for Australian fillies and mares. Join The Roar for our live coverage of the race, with the start time set for 4:15pm AEST.
Like the Australasian Oaks, this race has moved from March to a late April time slot to ensure the best mares from around Australia can compete.
Victorian trainers have dominated this race, winning every edition since it secured Group 1 status in 2005. The most memorable running was in 2012, when Black Caviar chalked up her 20th win on the road to Royal Ascot.
I’m not expecting a great deal of pace. Satin Shoes led last start at a good clip, but weakened. She is questionable at the trip, so they may decide to ride her quieter. Driefontein has drawn wide and may push forward, while Gregers sat on the speed last start and stuck on well.
Platelet is the defending champ and for the second consecutive year is coming off a second in the Irwin Stakes. With the scratching of Miracles of Life, she is the only Group 1 winner in the field and will be ready to peak today ridden a touch colder.
Driefontein won the Irwin off a six-week freshen, sprinting right past Platelet. Her dry track stats are excellent, she makes her own luck and Gai Waterhouse gallopers are starting to clean up the majors.
Just Discreet made ground into third and will appreciate the 1200m, while Molto Bene was forgivable although the bar plates going on are a major concern.
The fillies are headed by Villa Verde, who raced exceptionally well over the Sydney carnival in her first preparation with Anthony Cummings. After winning the Challenge Stakes, she was unlucky in The Galaxy and didn’t handle the bottomless track at Randwick against the real A-graders in the TJ Smith.
She will appreciate the drop in class, although she is still yet to salute the judge over 1200m in six attempts.
Gregers has appreciated sticking to the sprinting trips this time in and was extremely impressive at Flemington, defeating Anatina (a Group 1 place-getter since), Tango’s Daughter and Politeness (stakes winners since). She was brave in the William Reid against some handy older sprinters and has form behind Lanken Rupee.
Of the others, A Time For Julia drops to the 1200m after a five-week freshen. She raced consistently in Sydney, challenging Red Tracer on a wet track and finishing just behind the placegetters in the Coolmore Classic.
Shamal Wind has promised the world and has her chance to deliver today. She showcased her explosive finish at Flemington over 1000m last start and might be looking for the 1200m.
Halle Rocks was huge against the pattern at Caulfield when recording her first win over more than 1000m. Mick Price has a terrific record in this race and always places his horses well.
The rail staying in the true position should help the back markers, so even with a steady tempo it should be easy to make ground from the second half of the field.
Sam Kelly’s Tips
1. Gregers
2. Platelet
3. Villa Verde
4. Driefontein
Sam James
Roar Guru
That's all from us today at The Roar; thanks for your company. The South Australian Derby is the only Group 1 next week where horses from the Chairman's Stakes will be chasing Order of the Sun. Could it be another Group 1 for Gai Waterhouse? Stay tuned to The Roar for the wash-up from the Sydney Autumn Carnival and the build up to the SA Derby and the upcoming Brisbane carnival.
Sam James
Roar Guru
Driefontein may stay in Adelaide for the Group 1 Goodwood in a fortnight. I would expect Platelet and Gregers to join her, while Villa Verde might be looking for the paddock after a terrific first preparation for Anthony Cummings.
Sam James
Roar Guru
Shamal Wind made ground from the tail of the field, but she was no chance when the leader kicked.
Sam James
Roar Guru
Platelet ran well, but was too far back in a moderately run race. Gregers battled away and Villa Verde simply didn't run out the trip.
Sam James
Roar Guru
Great ride from Vlad Duric following his fall last week. He took the initiative early and found the best going in the straight to score a comfortable victory. Great placing from the Gai Waterhouse team to get a Group 1 with this mare.
Sam James
Roar Guru
1ST - DRIEFONTEIN 2ND - PLATELET 3RD - GREGERS 4TH - VILLA VERDE
Sam James
Roar Guru
Driefontein leads around the bend and Duric pushes her to the outside. Gregers pops off her back and runs on with Villa Verde. Driefontein in front, Gregers can't reach her, Platelet runs on but it is all the way for Driefontein!
Sam James
Roar Guru
Racing! Driefontein is pushed out from he gates and settles in front of Gregers from A Time for Julia and Villa Verde. Platelet is midfield at the 600m.
Sam James
Roar Guru
All in and ready to go for the Robert Sangster Stakes.
Sam James
Roar Guru
Driefontein has moved into $7.50 from $9.50.
Sam James
Roar Guru
It is a classic mares versus fillies affair at Morphettville. Can Villa Verde and Gregers upset the older mares?
Sam James
Roar Guru
Horses are behind the barriers and starting to move in for the Group 1 Robert Sangster Stakes.
Sam James
Roar Guru
Halle Rocks has travelled over well for Mick Price. She is another with an explosive finish, but she will need pace on to threaten the favourites.
Sam James
Roar Guru
Platelet is into $3.90 and will start favourite.
Sam James
Roar Guru
They are on their way to the barriers. Cannot fault Driefontein; she is rock hard fit and may get a easy run in front.
Sam James
Roar Guru
I'm a big fan of Molto Bene and she looks in better condition today; bar plates are the issue though.
Sam James
Roar Guru
Shamal Wind is on her toes in the yard. She is quality, but needs to put it all together.
Sam James
Roar Guru
A Time For Julia has freshened up well. The 1200m suits and she has great form around some very handy Sydney mares.
Sam James
Roar Guru
Villa Verde is a plain filly, but she is extremely fit and will appreciate the firmer track.
Sam James
Roar Guru
Gregers has travelled well and looks rock hard fit with the blinkers on for the first time. Her form was enhanced with Tango's Daughter winning earlier today.