This year’s running of the time-honoured classic sees ten colts and geldings lining up with It’s A Dundeel, strangling the betting at $1.25. Victorian galloper Philippi considered the only danger, if any, according to the market at $7.50.
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1. IT’S A DUNDEEL – J McDonald (8)
Winner of six of his seven starts in New South Wales including the G1 Spring Champion (2000m) in the Spring of last year. He commenced this campaign with an eye-catching fourth behind Pierro in the G2 Hobartville Stakes (1400m) and has been impressive in two subsequent wins. Firstly in the Randwick Guineas (1600m) where he accounted for Proisir by half a length before demolishing the opposition by close to seven lengths in claiming the Rosehill Guineas (2000m) last start as $1.30 favourite. Last start was brilliant, has the class and would expect him to be winning this comfortably.
2. HVAASTAN – C Newitt (7)
Well performed son of Fastnet Rock who has won four of his eleven starts including the G2 Alister Clark Stakes two starts back at Moonee Valley. That was his third run back this preparation and followed a fantastic effort when finishing fourth in the G1 Australian Guineas (1600m). He left Victoria for the first time when lining up last start in the Rosehill Guineas but after drifting from $6.50 – $10.00 in betting, ran second to last, beaten thirteen lengths by It’s A Dundeel. Better horse than that and on best form, should fill a place but does have a lot to turn around.
3. PHILIPPI – L Nolen (1)
Won his first three starts – including the Listed UCI Stakes (1800m) in the Spring and returned to racing with a pleasing fourth in the CS Hayes Stakes (1400m) in February. He followed that up with good efforts in both the Australian Guineas (1600m), where he got a long way back before finishing sixth and than, chased home Hvaastan in the G2 Alister Clark (2040m), beaten a length. At his most recent start, in the G2 Tulloch Stakes at Rosehill a fortnight back, Trainer Mick Kent put blinkers on with immediate results. After settling mid-field in the run, the son of Host moved up to the leaders in good fashion as they turned for home before running away with a three length win. The obvious and only danger to the favourite.
4. SOLEMN – K McEvoy (4)
Darley runner by Bernardini who showed some staying promise early on, including a close up fifth behind Dear Demi in the Listed Fernhill Quality (1600m) and victory in the Geelong Classic (2200m) last year. However, in four runs back this time in, he has been plain at best. Two starts back he offered little when close to tenth lengths off It’s A Dundeel and at his last start, he finished eleventh of sixteen (beaten eleven lengths) in the G2 Tulloch Stakes behind Philippi where again, offering little to suggest he’ll be a threat here.
5. HIPPOPUS – N Rawiller (5)
High Chaparral colt trained by Gai Waterhouse, that made his debut back in November last year and in seven subsequent runs, in which he has won three, has progressed to being placed in G2 Tulloch Stakes (2000m) That effort came last week where he camped behind the leading group and just had his momentum halted for a stride or two as they made the home-turn before chasing hard and finishing three lengths behind Philippi. Fancy he’ll lead and roll along at a genuine clip and capable of a cheeky effort if afforded that type of run. At $15.00, worth throwing into multiples.
6. BASS STRAIGHT – T Berry (2)
Sired by Holy Roman Emperor this gelding is by a Zabeel mare and on breeding and recent efforts, should relish the 2400m trip to which he gets to for the first time. Finished fifth in the C S Hayes Stakes (1400m), Australian Guineas (1600m) and Alister Clark Stakes (1600m) at his first three runs back this prep before, at his most recent outing, finishing fourth of sixteen in a Caulfield Open event over 2000m. Step up in distance probably in his favour but hard to see him turning the tables on those he met in Victorian races previously.
7. GERONTIUS – C Brown (9)
Stable-mate to Bass Straight who after finishing fourth in the G2 Alister Clark Stakes, put in a fair effort in last week’s G2 Tulloch Stakes. He drew barrier sixteen and settled at the tail of the field before chasing valiantly (rider lost whip) without ever threatening the winner to finish fifth (beaten 5.1 lengths) from Philippi – a length behind third placed Hippopus. Kept coming last start but has to make up five lengths on Philippi and even more to catch the favourite.
8. KINGDOMS – M Rodd (10)
Commenced his career under Bart Cummings but now racing under the guidance of John O’Shea, this son of High Chaparral won his maiden at Kembla Grange first up, four starts back and followed that up with a second placing at a mid-week Canterbury meeting. His recent starts however, do not create a lot of enthusiasm about his chances here. He finished sixth of nine in a BM 75 (1900m) at Canterbury before finishing eight lengths from It’s A Dundeel in the G1 Rosehill Guineas (2000m).
9. HIGH SHOT – C Williams (6)
Well bred stable-mate to Philippi who has was fair in the Australian Guineas (eighth, beaten 5.2 lengths) and again in the Rosehill Guineas (1500m) three weeks later where he was doing his best work late to finish sixth (beaten 4.2 lengths). The step up to 2000m of the Tulloch Stakes last week was anticipated to suit the son of High Chaparral however, he sweated up badly before the race and ran accordingly, finishing eighth (beaten 7.4 lengths). Expected to see more from him last week, which makes it hard to include him here.
10. BLOODBUZZ OHIO – J Cassidy (3)
Son of Elvstroem who has won one of his six starts thus far, that being a Werribee Maiden (1420m) three starts back when first up from a spell. He’s two subsequent runs – a last of seven in at Sale and fifth (beaten 9.5 lengths) in the Rosehill Guineas, would indicate that he will struggle to be competitive in this race.
OVERVIEW
It’s A Dundeel is the one they have to beat. He was at the end of a long campaign when he finished down the track in the VRC Derby during the Spring but here, fourth up with two sensational wins under his belt, he’ll be spot on. Philippi the clear second pick and to round out the placings, going to look for a bit of value with Hippopus – will lead and if allowed to dictate at in front, is capable of sticking on and Gerontius who, from the tail of the field, kept coming last start in the Tulloch Stakes.
