This is definitely an epic edition of the Queen Elizabeth Stakes. Don’t know if it is the best in decades, as described by one former jockey, but it definitely is up there with some of the good editions. So many questions will be answered – was Manighar perhaps lucky to beat Americain in the Australian Cup and the BMW? Does Americain have the dash to win over 2000m? Can More Joyous extend her stamina to 2000m? Is Jimmy Choux the same horse he once was? I’m looking to a double figure winner.
I think JIMMY CHOUX’s a big chance. Forget the fact he ran 7th first up – it was in a handicap, he had to carry 61kg and he was never likely to be suited. He’ll take great benefit for that run and back to weight for age he should be in his element. He’s unbeaten second up and the only time he’s been beaten at around 2000m, he was beaten by a freakish ride on Pinker Pinker in the Cox Plate. At around $11, I think he’s a nice bet.
I think MANIGHAR has to go down as the danger. Doesn’t look to be a great deal of pace in the race, which means he should be suited to the race more than Americain – at least on what we saw in the Australian Cup and the BMW. I think people are still choosing to ignore the fact that Manighar is clearly a different horse under Peter Moody – he may or may not have improved, but he’s showing traits he didn’t have before – and I think it’s because he’s adapted well to Moody’s training methods. It’s hard to underrate a winner of the Australian Cup, Ranvet Stakes and BMW but yet, here we are. Clear danger.
I’d much prefer to see the BMW run again so the AMERICAIN could win as he really should have, but oh well. As said above, I think Manighar has the edge over the shorter trip. But any chink in the armour of Manighar and Americain will be there to pounce. And for fourth, I was going to put in More Joyous but I’m not sure about her at the trip.
I’d prefer to have RANGIRANGDOO, who will also be up on the speed but who I know will see the trip out very strongly. Great race!
3 – JIMMY CHOUX
2 – MANIGHAR
1 – AMERICAIN
4 – RANGIRANGDOO
