There’s a faint scent of spring in the air this weekend with some good racing at Randwick and here at Flemington this weekend where the feature race is the Aurie’s Star Hcp. Among the field of eleven, we see the return of Group 1 winners Luckygray and Australian Guineas winner, Ferlax. Early favourite is Adelaide visitor Riziz at $3.30 who, since running a close up seventh in the G1 Goodwood Handicap, has posted two strong wins.
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Aurie’s Star Handicap Form Guide
1, LUCKYGRAY – M Zahra (9) 60kgs
Former Western Australian galloper now is under the care of Caulfield trainer Robert Smerdon. The son of Bradbury’s Luck started twice during the Autumn but found both the G1 Newmarket and William Reid Stakes, too rich. Has won three from four fresh and five from seven over this trip but with 60kgs to carry here, would think he’ll be better for this run.
2. TEMPLE OF BOOM – C Williams (11) 58kgs
Tony Gollan trained galloper is set to return from a thirteen week spell. He’s previous two fresh runs have been solid efforts in the G2 Schillaci Stakes last Spring and Challenge Stakes in March this year, both over 1000m. He’ll enjoy the extra 200m of this race and he boasts a good record fresh and at the track and trip. Hasn’t won since saluting in the G1 The Galaxy but capable of producing a good run fresh and finishing hard.
3. FERLAX – S Baster (2) 56.5kgs
This son of Pentire commenced his racing career with a solid win in an Echuca Maiden back in November and in just over three months later, after two further wins at restricted grade at Benalla and Sale, he claimed the G1 Australian Guineas. After finishing over eight lengths from It’s Dundeel in the G1 Randwick Guineas, the John Conlan trained galloper was spelled. Hasn’t been seen at any trails but improved lengths every time he stepped out in his initial campaign and can only think he’s a stronger horse again, five months later.
4. RIZIZ – C Symons (3) 55kgs
A lightly raced 5yo who boasts an impressive strike rate of seven wins from nineteen starts, including his most recent start in the Listed Vic Sprint over this track and trip. After winning the Golden Topaz at Swan Hill, he started 11/8 favourite last start, settled handy to the speed and was too strong late, recording a 1 ¼ length win over Livingo. Tougher again here but going too well to ignore and from a good gate, should be handy throughout.
5. PELICANO – N Hall (10) 54.5kgs
Another lightly raced 5yo, this well travelled gelding is from the astute Tony McEvoy yard and first up from a eighteen week spell. Strung three wins together last campaign, culminating in a 1 ¼ length win in the Listed Parramatta Cup at Rosehill, defeating Kaypers. Has never competed over a trip this short before and whilst he has obvious ability, would think he too will benefit from this run and a longer trip.
6. ZAMORAR – G Boss (4) 54kgs
A consistent galloper who has followed a similar path and registered similar results as he did heading into this race last year where he finished third, beaten 1 ¾ lengths behind Shanghai Warrior. Drew one and raced in a forward position last start in the G3 Bletchingly Stakes at Caulfield and stuck on well to record a fourth (beaten 1.6 lengths) behind Second Coming. He drops 4.5kgs on that run, drawn to take a sit here and has the services of Boss. At $7.00 he has appeal.
7. BROKEN – (7) 54kgs
Darren Weir trains this 7yo who returned to racing from an eight month spell back in July. He has had five runs since and, whilst each of them has been solid and in Open company, the son of Halo Homewrecker has yet to win one. He closed well last week when third behind Day Procedure and It’s Poets Day over 1000m at Moonee Valley last week under 57kgs. Hasn’t ventured past 1000m too often in his thirty-three start career and would think at this trip and grade, a few would have his measure.
8. KEEP COOL – D Lane (8) 54kgs
High Chaparral 7yo who won three of his nine starts last preparation which was rounded out with a close up fourth, beaten less than a length, in the G3 Easter Cup (2000m) behind Jet Away. We haven’t seen the Danny O’Brien trained galloper since that March race, nor at the trials and can only conclude, given his efforts last prep, that he’ll be much better off with this run under his belt.
9. DRAW FORWARD – C Newitt (6) 54kgs
Drew well and settled in a lovely spot last start in a F&M’s Handicap but was no match for smart Octavia late and finished 3 ½ behind her in second place. This is her first look at the Flemington straight and whilst Jockey and Trainer often combine with regular success, happy to bet around here.
10. CAVALLO NERO – P Mertens (5) 54kgs
He resumed from a twenty-two week spell with a fast finishing head third behind Our Nkwazi at Sandown a little over two weeks ago in a RST 82 event. Carried 58.5kgs first up and hasn’t seen this weight for some time now. That said, it’s a significant step up to the grade from a mid-week meeting.
11. FALCENT – D Dunn (1) 54kgs
Dunn was aboard this Falkirk gelding last start when, off an eight week freshen up, he lasted by a nose to score in a Flemington Open over 1100m defeating Bombsquad. That was his third win from nine starts and added to his three second placings, there is no doubting this Doug Harrison trained 4yo is doing his job. Has been ridden of the speed the last couple of starts and the inside gate makes it tricky.
OVERVIEW
Going to go with Zamorar here each-way. Unlike most of his competitors, he’s fully wound up condition wise, having had three starts this time in and he was solid behind Second Coming – who had the last shot, in the Bletchingly. From gate four, Boss should be able to find a nice trial for him and produce him at the right time in a race where it should pay to be in a forward position. Luckygray the danger for mine. He’s clearly the class runner in the race but the 60kgs is a concern first up.
