Group 1 racing returns to HQ on Saturday and a strong edition of the Australian Guineas headlines the nine-race program.
The rail will be set out two metres around the entire course while at publish, we’re faced with a track rated in the Good (4) range.
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Race 1 – 12:35pm – The Australian Childhood Foundation Plate (1000m)
There’s virtually no form to study ahead of the first on Australian Guineas Day and at publish, debutant Wee Nessy holds market favouritism.
I am happy to stay out of this one from a betting perspective.
Race 2 – 1:10pm – Listed Roy Higgins Quality (2600m)
A talented field will assemble for this year’s Roy Higgins Quality, but it does look to be Crystal Pegasus’ race to lose.
Crystal Pegasus returned to the races with an eye-catching effort to finish second behind Monegal over 1500m at Rosehill and he hasn’t looked back, winning each of his next two starts in impressive fashion.
He steps out this week in peak order and loses nothing with Jamie Kah in the saddle.
Race 3 – 1:45pm – The Resimax Group Plate (1200m)
This looks to be the perfect race for Superium, in my opinion.
He has always hinted at above-average ability while still doing plenty wrong, but Superium has returned to the races in competitive form this time, and he has improved noticeably with each start.
He steps out this week following an eye-catching run for fourth behind Lost And Running in the Southern Cross Stakes, and this is a decent drop in class from that contest.
Race 4 – 2:20pm – Group 3 Frances Tressady Stakes (1400m)
I’m pretty keen on the resuming Sirileo Miss in this year’s Frances Tressady Stakes.
Sirileo Miss was nothing short of outstanding last time in, winning each of her first three starts back including the Group 3 Ladies Day Vase at Caulfield, and ending her prep fourth in the Inglis Bracelet.
She is yet to taste anything but success in three previous fresh attempts, and the booking of Linda Meech certainly doesn’t hurt her chances.
Race 5 – 3:00pm – Inglis Sprint (1200m)
Sneaky Five is another horse that is yet to miss when resuming, and she looms as a key winning chance first-up in the Inglis Sprint.
The talented filly won each of her first three career starts in impressive fashion, and suffered her first and only career defeat to date when caught wide in the Group 1 Manikato Stakes in October.
He’s had the benefit of a trial in the lead-up to her return, and the $8 about her at publish looks to be overs.
Race 6 – 3:40pm – Group 2 Blamey Stakes (1600m)
Zaaki is a dual acceptor in Saturday’s Canterbury Stakes in Sydney, and I’m expecting him to take that option, so Mr Brightside is the one that I want to be with in the Blamey Stakes.
Mr Brightside was excellent during his spring preparation, recording an incredible six wins in succession before ending his year fourth in the Group 1 Cantala Stakes.
I thought that there was a lot to like about the way he hit the line for third in Listed company here when resuming, and getting out to the mile will be ideal.
Race 7 – 4:20pm – Group 1 Australian Guineas (1600m)
This is a typically strong edition of the Australian Guineas with many great three-year-olds engaged, but if he runs anything close to his best, I think that Profondo will be winning.
Profondo has made just three appearances at the races so far, but has won twice and ended his debut prep with a bullish victory in Group 1 company.
The manner of that performance suggested that he has a very bright future, and I think that he can continue on his way in this race.
Race 8 – 5:00pm – Listed Bob Hoysted Handicap (1000m)
Some talented sprinters will contes the Bob Hoysted Handicap, including Brooklyn Hustle.
She hasn’t quite been able to break through at the highest level of racing, but Brooklyn Hustle has been a great horse since debuting, and she has picked off plenty of features along the way.
She typically keeps her best racing for early in her preparations and Jamie Kah has gotten the best from her previously, so I’m happy to put her on top of this open race.
Race 9 – 5:35pm – The Schweppes Plate (1600m)
This certainly isn’t the easiest way to conclude Australian Guineas Day, but Yonce does put an unbeaten record on the line, and she can win again.
Yonce stamped herself as a galloper to follow with an easy win on debut at Mornington in December, and she hasn’t put a hoof wrong since, winning each of her three subsequent starts.
She steps out this week in peak order, and she seems to relish the mile.
