Golden Slipper race preview 2018

The anticipation for this year’s edition of the Golden Slipper is next level! The quality out of the Melbourne brigade with Written By engaged along with Seabrook, make for an intriguing contest against the typical high quality Sydney horses. Whilst there is always a strong tempo in most Golden Slippers, suspect this year they could go at warp speed, opening the door for a few of those that will be back and with cover.

  Race Track Traits

Rosehill is currently rated a Soft 6 with the rail out 2 meters the entire circuit. Sydney has been blanketed in rain all week and it does not look like stopping, with forecasts predicting more rain up to Saturday. Whilst Rosehill drains well, it has copped more than its fair share and with more weather forecast, punters could see a very heavy track come Saturday. A close watch on those that exhibit residual fitness and wet track form is advised.

 Market Movers

Favourite Sunlight has been solid maintaining her $4.20 quote after briefly touching $4.00. Oohood is the one they have come for at long odds $34 into $21, with Ef Troop the significant drifter, pushed out to $19 from $15 openers. Suspect the Pro’s will keep their powder dry until the track rating becomes clearer.

 Key Runners

#1 Written By $4.80

The avalanche of money late for this colt in the Blue Diamond was extraordinary! He won accordingly after cruising over from a wide gate to still sit wide, before racing away to score in very dominant fashion. The run last week here in the Pago Pago was again impressive, where he showed speed and strength all the way to the line. Slight question mark that Sandbar was able to go with him last start and finish alongside. If you draw a line through that form, Sandbar would have to be regarded as “second tier” of the Sydney brigade. Draws favourably and has to be top 3.

#2 Santos $8 > $9

Industry chatter was that he was nowhere near fit last start, where he still won well at Randwick. Likes to race on speed as seen in his last two, but doubt he will have the sharpness to be leading here but can find a position close enough with his favourable draw. Believe he is a fraction below a few of these and will need everything to pan out perfectly to be in the finish. Gai will be hoping she can do it for daughter Kate, who shares in the ownership. Happy to risk.

#3 Alymerton $17 

Interesting runner who Coolmore have bought a share in, specifically prior to the running of this race. They know a thing or two about selecting good colts and already have Vancouver and Pierro (both slipper winners) back home at stud. It would be a masterstroke if they could achieve that result again here and you have to respect their nous.  The wildcard.

#5 Performer $8.50 > $10

Has proved a “problem child” for connections of late, after dumping rider Hugh Bowmen when looked like he would be right in the finish at Randwick. Has since trialled impressively to be right back on track for this. If he won last start, he would be challenging for favouritism, and a few good judges have talked him up all the way throughout this campaign as the leading two-year-old. If Bowman can stay on, he will be charging to the line late. Goes on top.

#8 Sandbar $12

Huge run last start to match it with Written By in the run to the line here last week. Could argue that day he had the tougher run and was in the slightly inferior ground closer to the rail. Draws gate 3 with the experienced Christian Reith aboard who can use his tactical speed to be anywhere he likes. The Brad Widdup stable strike rate is second to none, and this Snitzel colt could be better than many think.

#10 Sunlight $4.20

Deserves favouritism following his dominant Magic Millions victory and bombproof performances since (has won past 5), where she appeared classes above in each. Has the tactical speed to lead or find a handy position from a luxury gate 5. They will be happy to sit outside the leader if need be and with Estijaab coming across form out wide, suspect Luke Currie will have her one off the fence and one or two horses back. Only concern is she has been up for a while now with this being her sixth start this prep, and they can be over the top going this deep. However trust master trainer of two-year-olds Tony McEvoy to have her trained to the minute. With any luck will be in the finish.

#11 Estijaab $13 > $12

High class filly purchased for $1.7million at the Inglis Easter Sale. Emirates Park CEO Bryan Carlson said at the time “she is the best filly in this sale”, and he has been proven right so far. Huge debut win at Randwick after cruising across from an outside gate to run away with the win as she liked, backed that up with a solid win at the same track where again raced on speed giving nothing else a chance. Clashed with Sunlight last start, where she could have easily made a case to win after being softened up throughout. The big concern here is gate 17, with a stack of speed inside, it looks like she will almost certainly be posted 3 wide, unless they are very aggressive and “lead at all costs”. If she gets across to lead or can slot in with cover, will be in it for a long way.

#15 Seabrook $9

Good in the Blue Diamond Prelude where she ran third, then came to Sydney to take on some classy ones last start and was too smart. There was professional money around for her that day and she was impressive. Draws out in gate 12 but this could be a blessing, as she'll get back and hope the speedsters overdo it up front. Is right up to this.

Of The Others….

Prairie Fire maps to get an economical run just in behind the speed. They could go warp speed up front in this, with the favourites all looking to be close if not on speed and plenty trying to get across from out wide. If they do, he will be the one mowing them down late. The Smokey.

Have to respect the early money for Melbourne raider Oohood.

  Selections

1^st Performer 

2^nd Seabrook   

3^rd Sunlight 

4^th Written By