Two of the most talked about staying races are set to light up Day 2 of The Championships
This year's edition of the Australian Oaks will be contested by the stars of tomorrow's staying ranks, headlined by QLD raider Gypsy Goddess. Just how good is she?
Not to be over-shadowed, the time honoured Sydney Cup will take place over 3200m.
There has been a stack of early money for Jamie Kah's mount Crystal Pegasus, but will it be able to navigate the carpark draw of barrier 18.
Let's delve into these action packed races, hosted on a tricky Heavy 10 track.
With over 100mm of rain expected between now and Saturday, there is no doubt we will be racing on a Heavy 10 surface.
It would not surprise me to see multiple trainers opt out of running in these treacherous conditions.
Those who choose to run will need to be at peak fitness, to get through the ground that will chop out badly.
The rail is out 4m the entire course, and runners could be coming down the outside fence by day's end.
The Map
The Early Favourite - Hinged $4.00
Social media has been loud over the last fortnight regarding the Vinery Stud result.
There were plenty suggesting if Hinged / Fangirl had their positions swapped in the run, Hinged would have come out on top.
I'm still unsure. Whilst she certainly had her excuses, she has had a tough preparation with plenty of harsh runs in transit.
To my eye she peaked on the run and the step up to 2400m poses plenty of questions.
She is a star on the rise, no questions there, but I'm not confident that she will relish the step up in trip, 5th up.
Plenty of others around her represent more value on an each-way basis.
Best Racing Tips
Hardly Sweet was stylish when winning at Cranbourne a week ago. That was her first run stepping up in distance and she excelled.
Her mum only had 2 victories in her career and they were both on rain affected going. Furthermore, no one needs to justify All Too Hard's performances in the wet.
She looks bred to eat the distance and from the soft draw can place herself midfield with cover.
In the tough conditions there will be plenty of space for her to get a clear run at them.
Represents huge value on an each-way basis.
Gypsy Goddess has been set for this run for months by trainer David Vandyke. She got way too far back at Newcastle but savaged the line to finish 3rd.
The step up in distance looks ideal and the wide draw of 11 will allow her to get in a three wide trailing position.
She will be the first to get to the A ground out wide and could just blouse these at her second start in NSW.
Pink Ivory was in a similar position to Gypsy Goddess, and while Gypsy left her flat in her tracks, I keep returning to her run at Newcastle two starts back.
She was able to turn the tables on the talented Tipitina and streaked away for a 4 length win.
That was in similar heavy conditions to what she will face this weekend.
Her breeding out of Redwood is a true indication of her staying ability and she is in this, more than some believe. Plus the booking of Jmac is always a positive.
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The Early Favourite - Stockman $4.80
Has the magical form line that everyone is chasing in staying races.
A second behind Duais looks brilliant on paper but is it a true reflection on the horse?
That Tancred Stakes run at Newcastle was a mess. Horses collided badly on the bend and Duais was able to sweep around them for a convincing win.
Stockman was one of the lucky ones to avoid most of the trouble and was strong enough to the line.
He drops 8kg from that run and loves the wet, but at the current quote... no thanks.
Best Racing Tips
Sheraz looks well placed stepping up to 3200m.
His best run this campaign was two starts back on a heavy track at this course, when he made up plenty of ground at the end of 2000m.
His best runs have come in the heavy going and he drops 8kg from his last run.
The $13 is such an entertaining price and he is another horse I am happy to play each-way.
Crystal Pegasus. I love the wide draw.
From barrier 18 connections will have no option but to be forward in the run.
Jamie Kah is a brilliant front running jockey and will give him every chance.
At the $7.50, I'm happy to also have a small play on him.
Chalk Stream is another who will have no issues with the testing 3200m journey.
Third up at 3200m, screams peak performance, perfectly trained to the minute by expert Chris Waller.
Barrier 9 gives Damien Thornton plenty of options and he must go in all exotics if you're a multiples player.