The Sir John Monash Stakes is here, but unlike years past, there are no real cups or Cox Plate contenders in the race. Space from the Williams yard last week may turn into a light weight chance in a big race, and Mr O’Ceirin based on his win yesterday at Grafton may also turn into a big player in the spring. Today on the Home of Racing we will have a quick look around Australia to try and find a few winners for Saturday.
Caulfield
Race 2 No.1 – Octavia. A very consistent filly that was beaten by an inch by She Can Skate at her first up run. Last preparation this daughter of Holy Roman Emperor had seven starts for four wins. She will be right there at the end with any luck.
Race 4 No.1 – Ava’s Delight. Yes we got the cash last week with Space who is also in this race, but that horse looks ideally suited to Flemington whereas Ava’s Delight has won at Caulfield before. Yes Ava’s Delight was beaten as an odds on favourite last week, but she should bounce back here and might just be off and gone before Space gets going.
The Sir Monash Stakes
Have a look here… http://homeofracing.com.
Warwick Farm
Race 1 No.1 – Pitcrew. Two from two so far for this late season Waterhouse two-year-old. He just might be a star also considering the way he has won his first two races.
Race 8 No.13 – Relaxed And Happy. At his best he has beaten some really good horses like Knoydart. But at his worst he runs last. If he brings his best in this race especially since he is down on the minimum, he just might get to the lead and hold on.
Doomben
Race 1 No.4 – Cape Kidnappers. Clearly one of the best horses in work in Queensland. He was beaten last start at the Sunshine Coast by a 100/1 shot. However the track was very heavy that day and he should bounce back on Saturday.
Race 4 No.4 – Miss Bradbury. Two starts ago at Ipswich this mare produced one of the best runs seen in months. If she can reproduce this she should go pretty well on Saturday. She loves Doomben and might be one of the best each way chance of the day.
Race 7 No.1 – Firebolt. This boy has lots of talent but has underperformed so far in his career. On class he would win, but on heart and effort he can go missing. If he puts it all together he may just blow this field away. Having said that; this is a wonderful race and well worth a watch.
Morphettville
Race 3 No.5 – Natural Disaster. Had won two races in really good style before being the beaten favourite last start. However she was only just beaten and the track didn’t suit. The track on Saturday will suit and the mare should go close to getting back in the winner’s circle.
Race 4 No.2 – Mr Lowndes. A slow run on style horse that can grind out victories but can also look as if he is running on but stays in the one place. The race on Saturday is very thin and with even luck this fella should go close.
Belmont
Race 2 No.2 – Grey Cheval. Before two starts ago this grey flying machine was unbeaten. Yes her last two have been a little disappointing but this is the first time she has ever been $5. She is the value bet of the day.
By Zeb Armstrong
