2014 Coolmore Stud Stakes: Derby Day live blog, tips, results

Last year the Coolmore Stud Stakes was won by Zoustar, this year’s field includes some high quality youngsters which ensures a tough battle. Join The Roar for live commentary and reaction from 1:15pm (AEDT).

Zoustar was last year’s short priced favourite and this year Rich Enuff will provide the short priced odds after a solid campaign that saw him nearly come from the clouds to place in the Caulfield Guineas.

My only query here is coming down in distance from the 1600m to 1200m, if he can conquer that then he has more than enough quality to deal with this field.

The Joseph Pride trained Kuro has been big this campaign with four consecutive victories and is unbeaten on a good/dead track so far. Has been running some super times including running a faster time than Terravista two starts back and then ran faster than Famous Seamus last time.

Earthquake Gave subsequent winner 3.5kg and was too good last time. Only beaten once at 1200m, that was great 2nd in Golden Slipper. Has the quality and the distance will suit for this one, James McDonald is also on board which helps massively.

Rubick is the other one I’m interested in. Has fast return win over older horses. Only defeat was at 1200m but was good on strong speed that day. Worked well Tuesday. Not sure he matches the quality of others in the field but I have to have him in.

Outside of those four Brazen Beau looks a big chance. Was terrific here fresh when too close to inside and was lame. Dominant last time, over four lengths quicker than Famous Seamus on the day. Which is tremendous speed.

Bring Me the Maid and Scissor Kick could provide the value here but I fancy the top runners.

Brent Ford’s Tips
1. Kuro 2. Rich Enuff 3. Brazen Beau 4. Earthquake