Group 1 racing is back and the spring is nearly upon us, so things are starting to really heat up from a runners perspective!
Saturday, August 19
Caulfield
Current Track Rating: Good
Belthil
Belthil has enjoyed a nice freshen up following a busy end to his three-year-old season. He trialled up well last week in preparation for this 1400m event, which does look suitable on paper. His racing manners haven’t often helped his cause but he’s got more experience under his belt now and if he’s afforded a soft run in transit, he’s more than capable of being competitive.
Race 1 – 11:55am | 1400m Aspirant | T: Andrew Bobbin | J: Harry Coffey 59.5kgs | Barrier 12 | Saddlecloth 6
Daqiansweet Junior
To read more about DJ’s chances, click here.
Race 10 – 5:15pm | 1600m BM100 | T: Phillip Stokes | J: Gary Lo 59kgs | Barrier 13 | Saddlecloth 4
Full Of Sincerity
To read more about Full Of Sincerity’s chances, click here.
Race 10 – 5:15pm | 1600m BM100 | T: Andrew Forsman | J: Michael Dee 53kgs | Barrier 2 | Saddlecloth 15
Vardani
Vardani will kick his campaign off in the same race as Daqiansweet Junior and Full Of Sincerity, and like them, is sure to improve for the outing. It’s quite clear he’s a horse who needs firm ground and a 2000m test, so hopefully this sets him up for more suitable targets. He’s had a good grounding for this race and appears to have come back as well as previous preparations.
Race 10 – 5:15pm | 1600m BM100 | T: Archie Alexander | J: Daniel Moor 53kgs | Barrier 7 | Saddlecloth 16
Randwick
Current Track Rating: Heavy
Intuitu
Intuitu is the first of our runners at Randwick, heading into this contest off the back of a strong win at Eagle Farm. He was quite impressive there and although this is a tougher race, he can make his presence felt. He’s enjoyed a nice space between runs again and has the benefit of a 2400m run under his belt. It’s also felt he’ll appreciate the soft ground, so hopefully he can continue to build his profile.
Race 3 – 12:45pm | 2400m BM78 | T: Annabel Neasham | J: Chad Schofield 57.5kgs | Barrier 1
| Saddlecloth 3
Principessa
Principessa could well make the quick back up following her soft win on Wednesday. A final decision will be made on Saturday morning but she appears to have come through that confidence building run well, and we know she’ll love the wet ground. She’s done a terrific job this preparation and although it’s hard to know how she’ll handle the turnaround, she can feature in this.
Race 4 – 1:20pm | 1600m BM78 | T: Joseph Pride | J: Reece Jones 54kgs | Barrier 11 | Saddlecloth 17
Athabascan
We’d like to see the ground improve for Athabascan, or else he might be saved for another day. His return over a mile was sound and he’ll appreciate the extra 400m. Back as a gelding, we still hold high hopes for him this campaign, particularly given how he’s prepped up. This is a very tough Premier’s Cup so we’re not getting carried away with high expectations, but if he takes his place, we’d be expecting to see a competitive effort.
Race 6 – 2:30pm | 2000m Group 3 Premiers Cup | T: John O’Shea | J: Tom Sherry 53.5kgs | Barrier 10 | Saddlecloth 11
Sunday, August 20
Tramore (IRE)
Current Track Rating: Soft
Tom The Second
Tom The Second may make his return as a gelding here. Johnny expects him to need the run as the handicapper works out where he sits, but we do need to see considerable improvement over the next few months to warrant a trip to Australia. He’s bred to be better as more time goes on, but hopefully he can give a good account of himself on return.
Race 2 – 1:45am | 2400m 3yo+ Maiden | T: Johnny Murtagh | J: Shane Kelly 61kgs | Barrier 6
| Saddlecloth 8
Curragh (IRE)
Current Track Rating: Good
Deakin
Deakin is another ready to make his return as a gelding having failed to live up to expectations earlier in the year. He’s been touted as a lovely stayer in the making, so we’re hoping to see him feature in this big field. He worked very well at Naas in recent weeks and showed the right attitude, which gives us confidence he can hit the board late in his three-year-old season.
Race 7 – 2:10am | 2000m 3yo+ Handicap | T: Joseph O’Brien | J: Dylan Mcmonagle 60kgs | Barrier 6
| Saddlecloth 12
Warrnambool
Current Track Rating: Heavy
Guido
Guido is looking to make it back-to-back 3000m+ wins as we attempt to qualify for the Jericho Cup in December. He’s shown he can stay all day and although the wide draw looks a shade tricky, he’s partnered by arguably the most in-form highweight rider in the state. Having trained on well, he looks the one to beat.
Race 2 – 1:35pm | 3163m Heighweight BM70 | T: Mitch Freedman | J: Aaron Kuru 68kgs | Barrier 13
| Saddlecloth 2
Land Of Heroes
Land of Heroes will make his debut from a tricky draw but because of numerous hiccups in getting him to the races, Matt is keen to get him underway! He’s trialled up soundly, is a good looking horse and can run a competitive race if he’s afforded some luck early. Naturally, he’ll improve for the outing.
Race 3 – 2:10pm | 1100m Maiden | T: Matthew Williams | J: Jarrod Fry 59.5kgs | Barrier 17 | Saddlecloth 2
Cranbourne
Current Track Rating: Soft
Apollo
Apollo is crying out for some soft ground and he may well get what he’s after on Sunday. He simply doesn’t stretch out as well on the firmer surfaces and that has dented his confidence. Hopefully on Sunday, he can get his toe in, enjoy a smooth run in transit and be finding the line well. This race should help give us a guide on how he’s going.
Race 6 – 3:40pm | 1600m BM64 | T: Annabel Neasham | J: Blaike McDougall 58kgs | Barrier 8
| Saddlecloth 8
Best of luck to all connections!