I’m OK with paying up too and I’ll make it C in the Cox Plate as the longer the week goes the more likely I think it is to win. I was all set on Gold Trip and Dosh as my last two picks but doubts over Gold Trip’s fitness caused me to find the extra cash for Verry Elleegant. That pair should run 1-2 which is 56 points but the risk is that one flops and you miss out on an opportunity in another race. The issue for me this round is whether to load up on the Buffalo River-Elephant G2 or try to spread that value in other races. Combined with a number of runners accepting for both Friday night and Saturday, meaning there could be some scratchings, I’ll wait for Saturday morning and see who the favourite is in the jockey challenge. J-Mac is in Melbourne and while he still has some strong rides, he’s not as safe a back-up option as he usually is. He’s crying out for a trip and I think he’ll be incredibly hard to beat in the Derby, winning this on the way through. Looks as close as you can get to a ‘moral’ this weekend. The winner, Sneaky Five, is at single-figure odds in the G1 Manikato, while Robodira now tackles a Listed race for 3YO fillies. Robodira ($175,000) - Listed Crockett StakesĪnother who was a complete forgive last start, the Husson filly arguably should’ve won at Caulfield but couldn’t find clear running in the straight. She’s been competing well in the A-grade 3YO races and will find this much easier.
#Group 1 crew forgive me crack#
Her G1 Thousand Guineas run was a horror show, held up badly and never really getting a crack at them when she seemingly had plenty to offer. Connections were considering sending her to the G1 Manikato (1200m) on Friday night, but instead she races against her own age group. Was huge at Caulfield last start, leading throughout before being grabbed on the line by G1 winner, and seasoned galloper, Savatoxl. The Kiwi’s been at this track/distance before when narrowly edged out in the G2 Feehan Stakes.
Was a complete forgive in the G1 Toorak Handicap and if you ignore that run his other Australian form has been exceptional. He’s the best 3YO in the country but now he takes on the seasoned, older horses. I don’t question his brilliance but I do question his toughness, but he could blow them out of the water and prove he’s Australia’s best on Saturday.Ī must have in your team given he’s the second favourite in a G1 at just $275,000. We’ve been waiting for the clash between him and Verry Elleegant since May, and it’s made all the more intriguing with both coming off a shock last start defeat. Forget the last-start flop in the Turnbull where she had an off day - she loves a scrap and will be up to the challenge on Saturday.
1 contender Zaaki and rising star Anamoe. She’s been Australia’s best horse (at 1600m+) for over 12 months now and she has to defend that title against No. Verry Elleegant ($500,000) - G1 Cox Plate (Captain) Two from two at The Valley, he’ll eat up 2040m and be winning. Thought he’d be competitive in the Cox Plate but finds himself here against a field that are a class below him. Forgiving of that run and dropping back to a field of B-grade fillies, she’s incredibly well weighted with just 57kg. Thought this filly was a hot chance for the Thousand Guineas but nothing went right. She is right at her peak third-up and well weighted with 56.5kg. That horse is a Group 1 winner and the favourite for Friday night’s Manikato Stakes. Went enormous last time out when Saxatoxl ran her down in the shadows of the post. Should roll forward and have a kick turning for home. Have a good opinion of this mare and she went great last time out in a stronger field than what she faces here. Was wide the whole way last time out in the Caulfield Guineas but still beat them and while he’s drawn out again, don’t think it will be much of an issue in a field of 10. Three-year-olds have a great record in this race and this bloke might be the best of them over the past few years to line up.