2. Happy Trails: Old mate can never be discounted even over the 1400m – never runs well first up remember – but he is certainly up against it today with a soft track predicted and he just doesn’t handle it. Happy to bet around.
3. Boban: His chances for mine all depend on the track condition. I think he gets the Good 4 he wants so have to consider him, but a soft 5 i give him very little chance. Form barrier i’d be hoping they try and be a little more handy with him today than previously as with a field this size you just won’t get the required splits. Obviously has the ability.
4. Temple of Boom: First up ran nicely enough as favourite in a WFA-G2… but can you honestly see him winning a WFA-G1 as a 9YO beating this lot? I’d be shocked and happy to bet around even on that first up run.
5. Dandino: Clearly better runs and distances to come. Has a long way back to prove he is still a top class group horse after the injury he had to recover from.
6. Smokin’ Joey: Breathing issues last start explain the very poor run at Caulfield. Previous run would be good enough to measure up a chance here but the sting out doesn’t help.
7. Sertorious: Consistent type who hardly ever runs a bad race. Goes well first up and loves this track. Better over further is the simple thing to remember here.
8. Weary: Very strong run first up at Randwick just beaten by Burbero. Previous prep put in some shockers but also a few good runs worth following. 1400m looks his distance and any sting out will help.
9. Prince of Penzance: Needs further.
10. Entirely Platinum: Frustrating type who loves to run well and not win. Been a long time between drinks (over a year) and while he has placed 2nd to Dissident in WFA-G1 over this distance, this race looks very competitive and I can see at least one horse running past him. Take on.
11. VolkStok’N’Barrell: He’s the real deal boys and girls, no doubt about it, but how will he come out from 3YO group races into WFA-G1? Time will tell won’t it. Price looks a tough of unders for mine from barrier.
12. Magicool: Needs further to find best… good type and will go well over further this prep.
13. Petrology: Very disappointing runs first and second up. Blinkers on today should do the trick but hard to trust. Another rider change as top jocks jump off? 7 runs at track for 0 wins.
14. Hi World: Did everything right last prep winning well over further distances. 1400m may just be a tad too short for mine and his best runs were on wetter tracks. Will get a gem of a position from the barrier, but I think he is outclassed (i know others think he is a top 2 pick that i respect).
15. Setinum: Very good win in listed grade first up… drawn the carpark and will be out the back takes away his chances for mine. Keep an eye out for him though when draws a good barrier.
16. Rising Romance: Began last prep with a Open class win in NZ over 1500m. Goes well over this distance.. obviously goal is later into prep.
17. Stratum Star: First emergency who gets a run. Did alot wrong first up and had to do a load of work, was simply a forgive and back next start run. Barrier drawn today is MUCH better and maps very well. 1400m looks to be ideal on previous runs but certainly does find a way to lose when you consider how many 2nds and 3rds in 3YO class.
18. Trevieres: Too short a distance? Too long off.
19. Pressing: Prefer it wetter than expected and barrier kills chances.
20. Charmed Harmony: He won’t get a run, if he does and a Soft 5, he can win.
Comments: This could very well be the most difficult feature race of the season. So many chances and little between all of them. Can you trust the 3YO’s to make the jump to WFA-G1 level first up when this isn’t their best distances? Jury is out for mine. My lean in the race is towards a horse with a horrible barrier. if Craig Newitt can find Weary a good position in running he looks a very good chance.
Confidence 60%
Quaddie Leg Three: 3, 6, 8, 11, 14, 17
Strategy: Weary E/W
