A very wet track, several key formlines, and a host of runners reaching their peak deep into their preparations make this year’s Doomben 10,000 one of the most intriguing and challenging editions in recent memory.
The weather will play a critical role, with up to 25mm of rain expected by Friday, leaving the surface likely to settle around a Heavy 9.
With the rail in the True position assessing any track pattern early will be vital, especially with many key chances drawn wide.
Expect momentum into the straight to prove decisive, particularly behind what shapes as a strong early tempo.
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Overpass, drawn wide but hard-fit, looks to spear across and take control early.
Schwarz will follow over from a wide gate, with Rothfire sliding across to be prominent.
Mazu faces a similar wide alley but can push forward to settle behind the speed, alongside Zarastro.
From an inside draw, Golden Mile will need to make use of the barrier and park just a few lengths back, somewhere near Sunshine In Paris and Lady Laguna.
Veight looks to settle worse than midfield with Desert Lightning, Benedetta, and Jedibeel further back, hoping to unleash late.
Sunshine In Paris holds narrow favouritism around $4.50, but on a heavily rain-affected track with plenty of genuine chances, she’s unlikely to shorten much further.
With so many variables, it’s a race to tread carefully, and taking anything under $5.00 looks risky.
Powerhouse mare Benedetta is primed to return to the winner’s stall.
She was outstanding, storming home behind Schwarz in the Group 1 William Reid Stakes before again hitting the line strongly in the G1 All Aged Stakes at Randwick.
A recent trial at Doomben suggests she’s right on track, and the freshen-up with four weeks between runs looks ideal as she drops back to 1200m.
Importantly, she boasts an explosive turn of foot and handles wet ground perfectly.
Expect her to peel to the middle of the track and charge late.
Schwarz: Resumes off two sharp trial wins and loves rain-affected going. Huge threat if he handles the pressure early.
Mazu: Last-start Group 3 winner who’s a proven swimmer, boasting five wins from eight starts on heavy tracks. Overs at around $12.
Sunshine In Paris: Has the class and comes through the same strong form line as Benedetta. Will be thereabouts again.
Jedibeel: Well-drawn to find cover, and importantly, he thrives in wet ground. Looks a strong each-way play at $11.
Overpass: Will give a bold sight out front, but his heavy track credentials don’t match his impressive soft track form.
Benedetta (Best Bet)
Schwarz
Sunshine In Paris
Jedibeel
Overpass
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