Distance | 1200m |
Grade | Group 1 |
Track Rating | Soft 5 |
Prizemoney | $502,000 |
Class | SW+P |
2020 winner | Trekking ($10) |
The Group 1 Goodwood always provides an intriguing clash, with the gun local hopes tackling the visitors.
This year's edition is no different and the locals look to hold the key on this occasion, demonstrated by their stranglehold at the top of betting markets.
I am with the locals and believe the current second choice in betting can prevail over the favourite.
The Morphettville surface is currently rated a Soft 5, with the rail out 4m from the 1800m mark to the winning post and true for the remaining section (605m).
Some showers are predicted for the remainder of the week in Adelaide, with fine conditions predicted for Saturday.
Given recent racing at the track and a likely rain affected surface, expect some bias to be present.
As always, a close watch is advised early to determine any fast lanes.
#2 Gytrash is the horse that punters are interested in early, and has been well backed after firming from an opening quote of $3.60 to now trade at $3.30.
#1 Behemoth is a slight drifter, out to $4.20 from $3.80 openers.
All other runners remain steady.
#1 Behemoth $3.80 > $4.20
High quality animal who knows this course well (9:4-3-0) and is in this up to his ears.
He brained them by over 4 lengths in a recent lead-up trial, and is historically lethal first up (7:4-2-0).
The draw in gate 6 is perfect and with Craig Williams booked, expect them to get every possible chance in this. Goes on top.
#2 Gytrash $3.60 > $3.30
Has plenty of class and comes via stronger Sydney form-lines than most, including a win in the Yes Yes Yes Stakes at Randwick, to round out last prep.
First-up is good (6:4-2-0) and with no trial, I suspect they've poured the work into him at home.
They should be racing midfield with cover off the moderate tempo, and just need to be mobile a touch earlier to catch the leaders. Leading fancy.
#3 Kemalpasa $9.50
Is a master of raiding the Melbourne riches and gets the chance to impress here at Group 1 level on his home deck.
He has race fitness on his side being fourth-up now, and did win well over 1100m at this track last start at Group 2 level in the R N Irwin Stakes.
He is possibly a touch below a few of these from a class angle, however is one that can bob up at odds.
#4 Dirty Work $14
Loves the speed on to display his big rush at the end, and may need a faster tempo than predicted to be doing that here.
No doubt he has the talent to win this, however the set-up (lack of speed) is against him on this occasion and I'm happy to risk. No.
#6 Savatoxil $19
Could not have been more impressive at this track last start over 1100m, where he blew them all away by 3 lengths at Group 3 level.
This is harder, however he looks in rare form and is likely to have favours leading at only a moderate tempo.
If they let him chalk up some cheap sectionals throughout, expect him to be hard to run past. Worth consideration.
#8 Beau Rossa $9.50
Lightly raced (8:4-1-1) 3YO gelding who has been beating up fields in the lesser grades.
This is a stiff test and even though he is a genuine star on the rise, Group 1 quality may find him out at this stage of his career.
#9 Instant Celebrity $6.00
Was absolutely blessed in run last start here, after sucking up along the inside to win the Group 1 Sangster.
She won't be receiving those favours on this occasion when launching from gate 11, and I expect the current price ($6.00) to drift. Avoid.
#10 Prophet's Thumb $21
Is from the shrewd in-form camp of Anthony and Sam Freedman, who would have her prepared to the minute for this Group 1 assignment.
She looks big odds to my eye and is certainly one that the mugs and recreational money will avoid.
Given the right run she is a player, and can surprise a few of the more fancied runners. Include.
Of The Others
#4 Viridine has the quality and the gun rider in Damien Oliver, which can take any horse a long way no matter what the recent form may suggest.
Expect Olly to position in the moving line with cover, and given those favours he can be included in broader bet types.
1st Behemoth
2nd Gytrash
3rd Prophet's Thumb
4th Savatoxil