After Gus fronted up with a poor haircut this week, we’ve opted for another written preview!
We had a fruitful week on the track with the progressive filly Perfumist (pictured below) winning dominantly at Randwick last Saturday, and both Pro Aussie and Emphasize following that up with strong maiden victories at Sale. With much of this week’s action centred around the Magic Millions, we’re excited to be represented by West Of Africa in the $2m Listed Cup. He’ll be supported by numerous runners around the traps, including a Derby contender (hopefully!) stepping out in New Zealand.
Saturday
Starting in Melbourne, Ruminate will be our sole representative at Flemington in the 1600m BM70. He’s been a model of consistency this preparation, picking up a well-deserved metro victory last start. He faces a tougher task here up in grade but is deserving of his place in Saturday company and looks set to be competitive again.
Heading up to NSW, we’ll have Baby Rider and Regal Lion stepping out in the 2100m BM88, provided the track stays in the soft range. The former needs to lift his game after failing to finish off in recent times. He doesn’t seem to appreciate being used in the first half, so he’ll need a share of luck to find some cover early from the wide draw. It’s hard to be confident on his current form, so we’re hopeful of some sharp improvement.
The latter, Regal Lion bounced back with a sound showing last start. He was left vulnerable late on following a big space between runs + chasing a genuine speed. He should improve for that and in this grade, gets his chance to be thereabouts. It’s been a long time since he’s featured in the winner’s circle, so he’ll need favours and it’s crucial that the track doesn’t deteriorate.
At the provincials, Tenniel looks right in the mix in the 2400m BM64 at Kembla Grange. She was a bit stiff to get run down late on last start and is nearing her top now third up. She needs to prove herself out in trip but gets every chance to do so from a good draw with in-form apprentice Mollie Fitzgerald claiming 3kgs. We expect to see her in the finish.
We’ll have three representatives up in Queensland, with West Of Africa (pictured below) leading the charge in the 1400m $2m Listed Magic Millions Cup on the Gold Coast. His fast-finishing 3rd on return was ultra encouraging, and it needed to be to head into this grade second up. Unfortunately, he has the widest alley to contend, so we’ll need the speed on. If that eventuates, he’s got the upside to be running home well late and featuring in the first five.
Over at Eagle Farm, both Holstein and Stuck With You will contest the 1800m Open Handicap. Whilst you’d love to split a pair that have winning claims, the race makes sense for both. Holstein is trending towards a winning performance, and this is when he starts to hit his straps, third up over this kind of trip. Gate 1 isn’t ideal as he can be picky when inside horses, but he gets his chance to win. Stuck With You on the other hand was hampered by bottomless ground last start, so we hope the rain steers clear. His best is clearly good enough but it’s up to the 9yo to show his endeavour again.
Sunday
Golden Century is the feature of our Sunday, taking his place in the 2100m Listed Gingernuts Salver at Ellerslie. Yes, he’s still a maiden, but the big galloping track and step out in trip look like major positives, so it’s no surprise to see him safely held in markets. His first run for new connections was a good one when getting no favours, and he’s expected to improve a lot for that outing. Hopefully, he emerges as a genuine Derby contender after Sunday.
Belthil is looking to add the Port Fairy Cup (1400m) to the mantlepiece at Warrnambool, dropping back from city grade (when a strong 2nd at The Valley). He’s been competitive at his past couple in tougher race and looks to get every chance to be doing similar here.
To view a full list of race details/times, head to our home page here. Good luck to all those involved this weekend!