1. Exosphere: Clearly the best runner in the race, by at least a length. First time down the straight always a concern and drawn in barrier 2, will be very interesting to see the tactics from the two speed horses out wide and to see what they do on Exosphere.
2. Ready for Victory: Respectable run in the Guineas. Back to 1200m probably not the best move I’d say considering just how off the bit the horse was each run this prep over the 1200-1400m distances. Only really settled over the slower 1600m tempo.
3. Super One: We were told he wasn’t wound up at Cranbourne and that was proven with a 2nd on the day. Was still going well around some very decent types including It Is Written. His very best ratings overseas is more than enough to measure up here. Key today is barrier 10, could very well see him and Dal Cielo make a dash for the stand rails to get as far away from Exosphere as possible.. and it could work.
4. Keen Array: Nice enough win in the Blue Sapphire for this classy horse, but just how strong was the form in that race really when you consider that Haptic ran 1L 3rd and Mawahibb has failed since on the previous race form line. First time down straight.
5. Japonisme: Tried to set up a stupid tempo on speed to beat Exosphere last start and it didn’t work. Clearly a good horse and clearly has ability, but it’s hard to suggest that he can turn the tables here.
6. Counterattack: Strong times in his win from the back last start at Randwick but it was certainly setup for him. Goes well on any track condition.
7. Dal Cielo: Is this too short for him? I’m not sure! He is rock hard fit now unlike first up. His Guineas Prelude run was huge against the patterns and he may actually be wanting to put the speed on and just keep going over the 1200m today. Looks value and blinkers help. Most importantly, drawn barrier 12, you just know Opie and Murray have a plan to go to the rails, surely!
8. Sebring Sun: Nice trial heading into this today off a freshen up. Well beaten by Exosphere last start but was fair in 3rd. Obviously have to improve but suited by step back to 1200m.
9. Black Vanquish: Clearly not going anywhere near as well as first prep. Take on.
10. Mogador: Had the lesser run than Keen Array in the Blue Sapphire and on my ratings is a better horse to follow from the race. Just not sure the horses out of that are as good as the rest here.
11. Hellbent: Looks a nice type. 4 length win on speed first up… but then midfield favourite last start as short priced favourite and was well beaten.
12. Ragazzo Del Corsa: Struggle to suggest a place based on all the form this prep. Take on.
Comments: Let’s just be honest on this one. Exosphere is lengths better than anything in this on form apart from Super One’s best. Tactics is the only thing that gets him beat and that is what i think can occur today.
Confidence 70%
Early Quaddie Leg Three: 1, 3, 6, 7, 10
Strategy: Super One on the Each-Way. Also win bet Dal Cielo.
