The Aurie’s Star (Race 7) field is generally comprised of off-season sprinters well into their campaign and sprinter/milers kicking off their Spring campaigns.

The race was lifted to Group 3 status back in 2010.

The most interesting profile of previous winners are:

*5 of 7 winners have carried the minimum weight with one other 1kg over minimum

*6 of 7 winners have been 3rd up or deeper into their preparation

History, of course, is only one very small piece of the puzzle when it comes to determining value in the race.

Race Pace

None of the field are what could be called natural leaders with Flippant and Ruettiger likely to be the leaders with Cannyescent, I Am A Star and Grande Rosso just off them.

I expect the pace to be moderate but with all of the straight to use and a bunched field all horses should get their chance.

Leading Chances

Cannyescent ($5.50)

Transferred to the Hayes/Dabernig yard prior to this preparation and has gone from strength to strength winning 5 of 7.

The two defeats had excuses. An internal bleed when 5th of 10 at Flemington and a heavy track at Randwick with the bias against him.

His last 3 ratings are his career best.

Toughest task of its career to date but clearly the one to beat

I Am A Star (7.50)

Winner of the Group 1 Myer Classic (1600m) last Spring and carries with it another couple of Group 2 wins from the Autumn.

All her wins have been against her own gender and she gives weight to some well credentialed males in this but she is consistent and her best ratings are right up to this field.

Flippant (4.60)

Her best rating is at this track and distance in the Spring, however that was with a very strong bias on the day.

Outside that win she has been reasonably consistent at a grade or two below what I expect she will have to produce here.

One to oppose at the early quotes.

Hey Doc (7.00)

A high-class colt with scope to go on and be a threat in the big Group 1 1400-1600m races over the Spring.

First up last prep he finished 3rd at Group 3 level before winding up his campaign with beaten just 2.5L in the Goodwood.

He has consistent ratings to suggest he can be competitive but looks little value.

Grande Rosso (6.00)

Heavily backed in early markets.

Stable inspired? I don’t know but his previous first up form is well below what’s required here.

Whilst it clearly may not surprise some it will surprise me.

Look for later in his preparation.

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Bets

Spending 10 units on the race I would have 8 units on Cannyescent and 2 units on I Am A Star.