We have a number of chances at home this weekend, but our focus will also be fixed firmly on the international racing scene with Timour set to contest the Queen Alexandra stakes at Royal Ascot (UK), and Athabascan the Group 3 Prix du Lys at Chantilly (FR).
Saturday, June 18
Flemington
Current Track Rating: Heavy
Sous Les Nuages
With two runs now under his belt, Sous Les Nuages steps up to a favourable journey. He is a winner out to 2700m in France, so is expected to be staying on well with the light weight. A competitive showing would book him a spot in the Banjo Paterson Series Final.
Race 1 – 11:50am | 2540m Handicap | T: Matt Cumani | J: Will Price 53kg | Barrier 2 | Saddlecloth 6
Rosehill
Current Track Rating: Good
Dick Whittington
Dick Whittington is now at full fitness. Although his form suggests he’ll be better over 2400m, Matthew Smith has taken good confidence from the horse’s Flemington run over 2000m last time out. A smooth run in transit should give the gelding every chance of being in the finish at big odds.
Race 5 – 1:20pm | 2000m BM78 | T: Matthew Smith | J: Jason Collett 57.5kg | Barrier 10 | Saddlecloth 7
Eaglemont
Progressive Irish import Eaglemont is starting to build a nice profile here in Australia. He appears to be thriving in work and will certainly appreciate a firm surface. The drop to 1500m doesn’t look ideal on paper but the stable feels he has sufficient speed to be a winning chance.
Race 8 – 3:05pm | 1500m BM78 | T: Ciaron Maher & David Eustace | J: Jason Collett 58.5kg | Barrier 8
| Saddlecloth 8
Hasstobegood
Talented mare Hasstobegood has been crying out for a dry track, which she should finally get here. She had a couple of weeks in the paddock to freshen up the mind, so may well improve fitness wise from this outing. She’ll be ridden conservatively but is expected to be closing off strongly.
Race 9 – 3:45pm | 1300m F&M BM78 | T: Joseph Pride | J: Sam Clipperton 58kg | Barrier 5 | Saddlecloth 11
Ascot (UK)
Current Track Rating: Good
Timour
Timour is yet to find his best form so far this season, so it’s hard to head into this tough staying test with too much confidence. We hope he can find a rhythm in running and be figuring late. Should he stay the journey, a tilt at next year’s Sydney Cup would likely be on the agenda.
Race 7 – 3:10am | 4343m Queen Alexandra Stakes | T: Andre Fabre | J: James McDonald 58.5kg
| Barrier 14 | Saddlecloth 10
Sunday, June 19
Chantilly (FR)
Current Track Rating: Good
Athabascan
Athabascan, a new acquisition by Almanzor, is on an upward curve and is deserving of his place in Group 3 company. The step to 2400m is in his favour and the form around him is strong. Hopefully we can strike for new connections.
Race 8 – 1:55am (Monday) | 2400m Group 3 Prix du Lys | T: Andre Fabre | J:TBC 58kg | Barrier TBC
| Saddlecloth 6
Best of luck to all connections!
