Last year in this race More Joyous had to get past Manighar who had won multiple Group Ones at his last 4 starts, Secret Admirer who was in good form, Americain who was a super star, Jimmy Choux who was also a star, an in-form Rangirandoo plus good battlers Speediness and Rekindled Interest. It was clearly the best field of the season and More Joyous smashed them. She destroyed them like it was a set weights race for mares. More Joyous is not in this race this year, but another star is, the future immortal It’s A Dundeel.
If More Joyous was in this race, would It’s A Dundeel still be favourite? Probably. The point is that this year’s field is nowhere near as strong as last year but It’s A Dundeel looks more suited in this race than More Joyous was last year. Two starts ago, It’s A Dundeel won over this trip by seven lengths and he just happened to beat last week’s Doncaster winner. There really doesn’t seem to be a horse that can match him in this race. It could very well be a done deal.
4th. Lamasery. One of the best 50/1 chances of the year to date. At his last start over 2000m, Lamasery won the Group Two Hill Stakes beating Lights Of Heaven and Mourayan. Lights Of Heaven would be second favourite if she was in this race on Saturday. He is definitely one for the multiples.
3rd. Silent Achiever. If this wonderful mare could not get past Fiveandahalfstar over 2400m it is hard to see her getting past It’s A Dundeel over 2000m. Maybe wait for the Brisbane Cup for her; however she is great mare and will be running on, but probably just not as fast as the favourite.
2nd. Secret Admirer. While Manighar might have been a better choice because he looks to have turned the corner, but Secret Admirer always runs well and she is due for a great performance. This mare as mentioned ran third in this race last year to More Joyous and that same had this mare out of the best company, such is his opinion of this mare. She is an old marvel and hopefully she can fill the quinella.
1st. It’s A Dundeel
Good luck.
By Zeb Armstrong
