This year’s Group 1 Chipping Norton (1600m) at Warwick Farm features a star-studded line-up. Join us for live commentary just before the race start time at 4:15pm AEDT.
Lucia Valentina‘s Apollo Stakes (1400m) run was impressive given how far back the mare was, having to force her way through the field before turning to the inside.
Of course on that day the inside just wasn’t where most wanted to be but she still managed to get fourth. If she gets a better run today she is going to be quite dangerous. Her current quote of $5 is good.
Contributor is the main talk of the race but everything went his way in the Apollo. He was given a good ride from James McDonald which meant that he could launch from the good part of the track. While there is sure to be some improvement off that dominant display, things can’t all go his way on a tight turning Warwick Farm track? If they do he will be mighty hard to beat but $2.60 odds has me questioning.
Boban hasn’t shown his previous quality this preparation, but he is perfect at the Warwick Farm track with two wins at the track and one win over the distance, which incidentally was in the 2014 edition of this race. His third-up form is brilliant, with three wins and one second placing from four starts. If we see the best of Boban he simply wins this and at $13 that could be worth a shot.
Who Shot Thebarman was terrific last preparation which included a third in the Melbourne Cup. His trial form has been sound and he is at monster odds of $81 to take this one out. He might need a longer distance but he has won twice over this distance from four starts.
If there is some rain over the week then Weary could benefit with any sting taken out of the track, while Ninth Legion finished second behind Contributor in the Apollo, so he could be one to look out for as well.
Of the rest Silent Achiever, Foreteller and He’s Your Man all have place claims.
Brent Ford selections
1. Lucia Valentina
2. Contributor
3. Boban
4. Who Shot Thebarman
Adam Page selections
1. Contributor
2. Lucia Valentina
3. Ninth Legion
4. Who Shot Thebarman
Cam Rose selections
1. Contributor
2. He’s Your Man
3. Silent Achiever
4. Hartnell
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
So Contributor wins from Hartnell and then He's Your Man and Silent Achiever was honest for fourth. Next up we have the Oakleigh Plate in a little while!
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
Ninth Legion is tackled by Contributor and Contributor gets up! A Godolphin quinella with Hartnell second then He's Your Man. Boban has pulled up sharply.
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
Lucia spotting them a distance with 1000 to go!
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
We are off with Ninth Legion and Weary taking the lead and Five and a Half Star.
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
Punter around me has said look for the bottom weights.
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
Contributor looks calm!
Tristan Rayner
Editor
can't offer a tip here - too many hopes for me
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
Boban and Shootout the previous two winners of the race. Super Impose, Lohnro and Octagonal amongst he legends.
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
Runners getting behind the barriers not long now!
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
Ninth Legion at $9.50 and Boban at $11. Don a regular roarer has said to be wary of Foreteller at $35. Weary probably wanted some rain and is $12's and Hawkspur at $51 is a price as we head to the barrier.
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
Money coming for He's Your Man currently at $11's.
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
Controbutor is currently a $2.50 quote. Too short for my liking and Lucia Valentina is $5.50, Silent Achiever the next at $8.50.
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
I've specked Who Shot Thebarman at odds but really like Lucia Valentina. Contributor is going to be mighty hard to beat though.
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
I don't know why but I just keep going to Boban. He isn't at his best but I'm just hoping one day he finds it.
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
Well Suavito has taken our first group 1 out and we move to Western Sydney for our next!