Golden Slipper

Distance 1200m Grade Group 1 Track Rating Soft 6 Prizemoney $3,500,000 Class 2YO Set Weights 2020 winner Farnan ($4.90) This year's Golden Slipper features an even group of two-year-olds, with no single runner stamping their dominance over the field. The open nature of the race will provide punters with a great opportunity to receive a healthy return on their investment for correctly selecting the winner.   Notable statistics of the Golden Slipper Gai Waterhouse broke her father's Golden Slipper winning record last year after recording her seventh victory with Farnan. 28 fillies have won the Golden Slipper, with Kiamichi being the latest in 2019. Horses drawn in wide barriers have held an upper hand in recent years, with 6 of the past 7 winners coming from barrier 11 or wider.   Track Assessment The Rosehill track is currently rated a Soft 6, though there is plenty of rain forecast for Sydney in the lead-up and on race day. Punters should be doing their form based on a Heavy surface. Based on previous meetings at Rosehill where conditions have been wet, results have been mixed with on-pacers winning early before evening out as the day progesses.   Rosehill Race 7 - Group 1 Golden Slipper 1200m The Map  There is always plenty of speed engaged in the Golden Slipper and this year is no different. Home Affairs (2) will kick up from the inside in an attempt to gain a forward position, but he'll likely be headed by Profiteer (5) and Glistening (7). O'President (8) won't be far away from the lead and it's likely that Shaquero (15) and Rocket Tiger (14) will try and come across from wide gates. Four Moves Ahead (10) is versatile and I expect her to push up and settle in a midfield position. Meanwhile, Stay Inside (3) is likely to settle in a midfield position from a nice gate with Kalashnikov (1) also kicking up from the inside. Anamoe (16), Artorius (13), Mallory (6) and Queen of Wizardry (4) will likely settle to the rear of the field. Look for Swift Witness (12), Ingratiating (11) and Captivant (9) to settle in a midfield position, providing they can slot in from out wide.   Key Runners  Profiteer ($3.50) comes in as the favourite and has been top of the market ever since he cleaned up the Inglis Millennium field in February. He went into the Todman as favourite last start and he was his own worst enemy when over-racing in key stages of the race. However, he still fought on gamely to go down in second by less than half a length. He has drawn perfectly, which is the reason why he has firmed in the market and will make his own luck out in front. He is yet to face a heavy track, but connections and punters both think it'll pose no issue.   Stay Inside ($4.80) was very unlucky in the Todman. He was held up in a key part of the race around the 200m mark and by the time he got clear, it was all over. He still managed to finish within 2 lengths of the winner, which is a testament to his talent. The son of Extreme Choice has drawn ideally and will likely get the gun run throughout. Many punters have declared him a moral for this race, especially after slaughtering the Pierro Plate field by 4 lengths on a Soft 7.   Four Moves Ahead ($6.00) is one of just five fillies in this race and the only runner who is yet to taste defeat. She had a slight hiccup going into the Silver Slipper and was scratched from that event. She then entered the Sweet Embrace as favourite and put away that field, ensuring her birth into the main event. The daughter of Snitzel has drawn a nice barrier and she is very versatile, so she can sit on or off the pace and still come on nicely. One big tick for the punters is that she has form on the wet, which you will definitely need this weekend.   Analysis and Tips  Four Moves Ahead ($6.00) is my pick for the big one. O'President ($15.00) is one I like at decent odds and will create his own luck up on the pace. He broke his maiden status on a heavy track, winning by 4 lengths before impressively winning the Skyline on the Soft going. He will love the conditions and he'll give a sight in the straight.

Rosehill Gardens is the venue for a Group 1 feast this Saturday, with the nine race card highlighted by the Group 1 Golden Slipper. The main event is well supported by four Group 1's, as well as three Group 3's and a Listed race. Below we preview the Ranvet Stakes and the Rosehill Guineas, both contested over the 2000m.   Track Assessment For the latest insight into how the Rosehill track is expected to play, read our preview of the Golden Slipper here.   Rosehill Race 4 - Group 1 Ranvet Stakes 2000m  The Map  Just the five runners to contest this year's Ranvet Stakes, so the map should be pretty straight forward. Addeybb (2) loves to sit in the lead or on-pace, so expect him to stride forward to contest for the front.  Prince Fawaz (4) is the other horse likely to head forward, so expect the pace to be slow early on.  Master of Wine (5) and Verry Elleegant (3) are the ones who will settle behind this pair, with Nettoyer (1) to bring up the rear of the field.   The Favourite  Addeybb ($1.85) returns to Australian shores for the first time since the Queen Elizabeth Stakes last year. The son of Pivotal proved last year that he can travel overseas and perform well first-up, winning this race by under a length before winning the Queen Elizabeth by 3 lengths. Since then, he travelled back to England where he has since raced three times for two wins and a second. Tom Marquand has once again made the trip over to partner him and the stable has reported that he is good and ready to go first-up into this race. I think the lack of runners engaged in this race will suit him, as he will be able to get an easy time of it in front and allowed to go along at his own pace.   Analysis and Tips  Addeybb ($1.85) is my pick for this race and it will no doubt be an unpopular opinion for those that like Verry Elleegant.  For everything I have discussed above, I expect him to drift in the market and for us to collect.   Rosehill Race 5 - Group 1 Rosehill Guineas 2000m  The Map  There are 11 horses contesting this year's Rosehill Guineas and there looks to be only moderate pace on paper. Here to Shock (3) looks the one to head forward from an ideal gate and I expect Kobestar (11) to apply early pressure from the outside gate.  The Elanora (8) has a chance to get into a better position in the run than last start, with only stablemates Bucharest (6) and Wheelhouse (4) likely to provide any trouble to his inside.  Lunar Fox (1) will attempt to hold a midfield position from the inside gate, meanwhile Lion's Roar (9) will look to slot in midfield from out wide. Khoekhoe (10) will have to concede to a rearward position from the draw and you can expect him to sit outside the lone filly of the race, Montefilia (7).  Sky Lab (5) and Mo'unga (2) are both queries from the low draws.   The Favourite  There is no surprise that Mo'unga ($2.60) is the early favourite given his last start performance in the Randwick Guineas. He settled worse than midfield on the rail throughout the run, which wasn't ideal as he was met with a wall in the straight. Tommy Berry opted to bring him to the outside, but by that time Lion's Roar had steamed past him and it was all over. The Savabeel colt had to settle for second and the punters were left thinking about what could have been had the gaps appeared. Although the draw looks a touch awkward, he has the chance to sit off the rail if they begin well. This will provide him with a better run throughout. He'll eat up the 2000m and being out of Savabeel, the wet conditions should suit.   Analysis and Tips  Mo'unga ($2.60) is on top for all the reasons above.   The Elanora ($21.00) is the other I will be betting on at an each-way price. The track conditions won't worry him and he is drawn to get a much better run than last start. He's nearing peak fitness and is screaming out for the 2000m.

The race card on Golden Slipper day features no fewer than five Group 1 races, and makes for the ultimate punting experience for those who enjoy high quality racing. There appears to be plenty of value across the card and punters will be well rewarded for their correct selections. Outside of the George Ryder, I have gone wide searching for value and believe the below selections will give you a great sight throughout the day.    As always watch betting late for a good guide.     Race 4 Ranvet Stakes (Group 1 WFA) 2000m With a lack of speed engaged in the Ranvet Stakes, look for Verry Elleegant (8) and Nettoyer (7) to roll forward and take it up. If the former gets it cheap out in front, she will prove very hard to run down. Avilius (2) should settle midfield and just needs a touch of tempo to be able to run home hard at the end.  Addeybb (6) is the high class import and race favourite, who carries a huge boom. He's been touted as one of the best imports to land on Aussie soil and if the hype is correct, he may just be far too good for them all. The extra distance out to 2000m here will suit Danzdanzdance (3) and if there was a touch of rain, her chances would also improve. She looks the value and could get out to a big price late.    Best Racing Tips 1st   Verry Elleegant 2nd  Addeybb 3rd  Avilius 4th  Danzdanzdance   Race 5 George Ryder (Group 1 WFA) 1500m Te Akau Shark (8) is all class and it will take a very good performance to beat him in the George Ryder Stakes. He'll get back in the field, however there looks to be enough speed engaged with Spend (5) and Dreamforce (4) likely to roll along and set it up for the favourite to run home hard.  Alizee (2) and Brandenburg (3) will both get the run of the race midfield with cover. The latter was very hard late in betting last start, before just missing. He is a potential star.  The Bostonian (7) won well last start when he tagged the leaders before pouncing late, after enjoying the perfect run with the speed-on. He still has improvement and although he received favours last start, he can surprise a few again in this.  Super Seth (9) has to be considered and does have an electric turn of foot, given the right set up. He should race close to speed in the moving line and will have a decent head start on the favourite when they sprint.    Best Racing Tips 1st  Te Akau Shark 2nd  Brandenburg 3rd  The Bostonian 4th  Super Seth   Race 6 Rosehill Guineas (Group 1 3YO SW) 2000m Reloaded (3) should bounce straight to the lead from the good draw in the Rosehill Guineas, and appears likely to get away with some very cheap sectionals from out in front. I suspect Castelvecchio (5) is now ready to be ridden more forward and it would not surprise to see him race in the first 4. He should improve dramatically here and is up to a suitable distance.  Warning (1) has been racing well since retuning from his Victoria Derby heroics and is another that will appreciate getting out to 2000m. The rider won't spend a cent from gate 1 and if the breaks come, he should be unleashing hell late.  Although very well found following his last start win in the Randwick Guineas, Shadow Hero (8) is a must include and will again be running home hard.   Best Racing Tips 1st  Castelvecchio 2nd  Warning 3rd  Shadow Hero 4th  Reloaded   Race 7 Golden Slipper (Group 1 2YO SW) 1200m  Read our preview of the Golden Slipper here, which includes market moves, track analysis, runner comments and tips.   Race 8 The Galaxy (Group 1 Handicap) 1100m The Galaxy looks to have a warp speed tempo early, with plenty of noted front runners engaged. Expect Fasika (16) to carve across the face and take it up, with Miss Leonidas (1) likely to use her inside gate to be close also. Due to the fast tempo, Cosmic Force (13) should blend into the race midfield with cover before peeling at just the right time to charge home over the top. He was excellent last start at Randwick, when reeling off some impressive late sectionals. Big odds.  Savatiano (6) has been racing well at her past few and is right in this following the nice 2 of 7 at Randwick last start. She was very heavily backed last time out and must be showing the stable plenty at home. Best at odds has to be the well drawn In Her Time (4), who has the Kris Lees polish and gun hoop Brenton Avdulla to steer.  I'm leaving race favourite Pierata (11) out. With a lack of race fitness, he should struggle to overcome the wide gate first-up in a fast run race.   Best Racing Tips 1st  Cosmic Force 2nd  Savatiano 3rd  In Her Time 4th  Fasika

Distance 1200m Grade Group 1 Track Rating Heavy 8 Prizemoney $3,500,000 Class 2yo Set Weights   2019 winner Kiamichi ($26) This year's Golden Slipper features an even group of two-year-olds, with no single runner stamping their dominance over the field. The open nature of the race will provide punters with a great opportunity to receive a healthy return on their investment for correctly selecting the victor. My selection comes from the shrewd Snowden camp, who have declared that the last start Group 2 winner was only 85% fit heading into the race. This stable are the masters of timing a preparation and she should be peaking perfectly on grand final day here.     Rosehill Track Traits The Rosehill surface is currently rated a Soft 7, with the rail out 3m the entire circuit. Fine conditions are predicted in Sydney for the remainder of the week and on Saturday. With a drying track, the surface should race evenly. However, if there was more rain I would expect wider lanes to be favoured.  As always, a close watch is advised early to determine any fast lanes or bias.     Racing Market Movers Race favourite Tagaloa remains rock solid in early betting at the $5 mark. There has been a longer priced move seen for Hungry Heart, who is $26 into $15.     Key Runners #1 Tagaloa $5 Was simply outstanding when winning the Blue Diamond Stakes as an outsider. With no favours in the run after being posted wide, the star colt surprised many by giving a great kick to get home.  He has since had the one Sydney run at Randwick, where he again impressed after finishing second behind the smart Farnan. With the stable declaring the last run as nothing more than a "sighter" for Sydney's unique racing style, he could explode here. Top hope.     #2 Hanseatic $6.50 Started a warm $2.60 favourite in the Blue Diamond and looked the winner in the straight, after peeling off the leaders' backs. He just missed by 0.2 lengths behind Tagaloa on that occasion, who has since franked that form. He had genuine excuses at Caulfield on Blue Diamond day, when he was held up in the straight on a very leader biased track. Some are pointing towards the recent Randwick trial win as a form reference, however I doubt they were out to break any records. Include.     #3 Farnan $5.00 Won well in the Todman stakes last start at Randwick, after gaining a soft lead from an inside barrier. He was able to conserve energy in the run, allowing him to showcase a blistering turn of foot in the straight. This race maps much differently from gate 14 and I suspect that he'll need to use excess fuel to burn to the front. There is no doubting the high class of this colt, however with a tricky speed map and at the price I would much prefer to be with others.    #4 Prague $15 Raced outside the leader last start at Rosehill in the Pago Pago, before hitting the line strongly to win well. After assessing track patterns on race day, it appeared as though he received favours by being on the right part of the track. Furthermore, the quality of his opposition was questionable on the day. Back against the top line two-year-old's here, I expect that he may find a few of these too strong. Avoid.     #7 Mamaragan $14 Shocked a few when winning at big odds ($19) on debut at Randwick, in what has been his only race start. Expect Nash Rawiller to make good use of gate 1 and put the horse right on top of the speed.  There are still plenty of unknowns, however the price is big enough to find out. Can win again.     #8 Away Game $16 Was ultra impressive in the Magic Millions two-year-old Classic, where she cruised into it before racing away to give nothing else a chance.   She has since won the Widden Stakes at Randwick and will therefore be familiar with the Sydney way of going. Expect her to sit just in behind the leading division and from there, she can extricate and pounce on them late. Yes.     #9 Dame Giselle $10 The filly looks very well primed for this, with the stable openly declaring last start that they had left plenty in the tank for Grand Final day. She was excellent winning at Randwick last start in the Reisling, when she sat wide throughout yet still proved too strong at the end. Gate 4 is perfect and rider Tim Clark should settle midfield with cover, before peeling to the best part of the track to charge home. Goes on top.    #10 See You Soon $16 Charged up along the rails at Randwick in the Reisling to finish a close second behind the smart Dame Giselle. She flies under the radar here compared to a number of the hyped up rivals, and she could attract strong support from the betting syndicates close to jump. Her form is strong and the mid draw in gate 8 could be a blessing if the inside section of the track is off. Leading chance.    #12 Personal $18 Was excellent in the Blue Diamond, when she defied the severe on-pace bias to charge home from back in the field grabbing third. It will be a difficult run from gate 19, however at this stage of the day it may be an advantage to be tracking wider. She can slot into the moving line three-wide with cover, before rattling home down the outside. Big odds.    #14 Hungry Heart $26 > $15 Won the Sweet Embrace at Randwick last start, in what appears to be the inferior form-line. She was soft in the market last time out and she would need vast improvement to be winning this. No.    Of The Others #18 Minhaaj currently sits as first emergency however with the scratching of Global Quest and Cellsabeel, I expect her to line-up at the barriers. She was excellent at Flemington last start at Group 3 level, where she won comfortably. Certainly has the ability.     Best Racing Tips 1st  Dame Giselle 2nd  See You Soon  3rd  Hanseatic 4th  Tagaloa 

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 1st Performer  2nd Seabrook    3rd Sunlight  4th Written By