If you take the two favourites out of Saturday’s $3.5million dollar Golden Slipper it becomes a very open race. Despite Earthquake and Mossfun looking very hard to beat many punters will be looking for value in the race which i hope i can steer a few into.
You can see my top five long shots in the race here:
Horse 5: Believe Yourself – Best Odds: $71at Bet365.com.au
Believe Yourself will go into the race unbeaten from two starts albeit against weaker company than most horses she will be facing on Saturday. She returned in the Sweet Embrace Stakes last start at Randwick where she came from back in the field to record a narrow victory. The race was run for those on speed but she was still too good on the day. She will have to overcome barrier sixteen on Saturday but she has shown she can go forward and win or go back and win so jockey Brenton Avdulla will be able to decide after they jump which will be an advantage over horses who will be ridden to a strict plan.
She will need a lot of luck and a good ride but at the odds i think she could be a blowout chance for a place.
Horse 4: Oakleigh Girl – Best Odds: $17 at Sportsbet.com.au
Oakleigh Girl will go into the Slipper after close to three months off the track with her last run being in the Magic Millions Classic where she put in a very good race when running second to Unencumbered.
She has raced four times for two wins including an explosive debut win at Flemington in the 7news Stakes when leading all the way. She was then sent to Queensland where she again won well in a good time before being beaten in her next two starts. I think she will go forward on Saturday and coming into the race fresh will be a massive advantage, i can see her rolling forward from barrier 10 and being very tough to run down.
Horse 3: Jabali – Best Odds: $34 at Sportsbet.com.au
Jabali started as favourite last start but he was very disappointing to the point connections were going to bypass the Slipper although he showed that he was well and Mick Price must be confident he can bounce back or he wouldn’t be lining up in the field.
His run in the Blue Diamond Prelude behind Rubick was outstanding, he then backed it up with a very good run in the Blue Diamond Stakes where he was only beaten just over a length by Slipper favourite Earthquake.
He has drawn the inside barrier which has produced more Golden Slipper winners than any other barrier. His running pattern will suit the race and if he can match his Blue Diamond run he will be right in the finish.
Horse 2: Risen From Doubt – Best Odds: $51 at Bet365.com.au
Risen From Doubt was super impressive when winning on debut beating Jabali by a good margin on the line who then went on to run secnd in the Blue Diamond Stakes. He has been disappointing in his next two starts although i feel he did a few things wrong and luck just wasn’t on his side at those starts. From barrier six he will be able to sit just off the pace and get perhaps the run of the race and Nash Rawiller will give him every possible chance.
He looks to be way over the odds and should be included in all multiples.
Horse 1: Bring Me The Maid – Best Odds: $12 at Luxbet.com.au
Bring Me The Maid had her first start in Sydney on Saturday in the Magic Night Stakes on a heavy track which Rosehill could become by race time. She went back to last in the race, peeled wide and hit the line very well. She is drawn in barrier five which will give her an easy run throughout the race but will also mean jockey Chad Schofield will have his work cut out for him when they fan into the straight as she is likely to be out the back. I think the outside rail will be where you want to be if rain continues and she will be able to find the best part of the track and have plenty to give in the straight.
With the rain hitting Sydney today, i expect money to continue to come for her with wet form next to her name.
