The Autumn Classic is a race over nine furlongs for 3yo’s and sees the VRC Derby Quinella of Fiveandhalfstar and Super Cool, who both put in good performances when first up in the Autumn Stakes a fortnight ago, face off against each other again and dominate the market.
1. FIVEANDAHALFSSTAR – G Boss (2)
It took the son of Hotel Grand twelve starts to break his maiden status but once he did, he registered wins at his follow two starts in a BM 72 and the G1 VRC Derby! He was given a let up by Anthony Cummings after the Derby and returned in very pleasing fashion, when sitting on the pace and running second to Mulaazem in the G2 Autumn Stakes (1400m). Will go forward again and the trip second up looks ideal.
Odds: $2.60
2. SUPER COOL – M Rodd (8)
Winner of the G2 The Vase at Moonee Valley in the Spring before a tough effort when finishing second to Fiveandahalfstar in the Derby. Also returned in the Autumn Stakes and closed well from the tail of the field to finish third, beaten 2 lengths. He too will be better for that hit-out but from barrier eight, will again be giving Fiveandahalfstar a start as they turn.
Odds: $2.90
3. SUBIASO – S Arnold (5)
Ran an unlucky fourth (beaten ¾ length) in the G3 Norman Robinson Stakes in the Spring before finishing down the track in the Derby. Has had three runs back, winning the most recent of them under 60kgs, in a BM 72 at Sandown over a mile. Rates an each-way chance on the Norman Robinson run.
Odds: $10.00
4. SEA OF CHOICE – C Schofield
Redoute’s Choice gelding who was ridden back and well beaten at his first two starts, both at Ballarat and in Maiden company before a change of riding tactics, saw him lead all the way to comfortably win a Maiden over 1600m at Moonee Valley. From the inside draw, expect they’ll follow a similar pattern here but he should find the significant rise in grade too hard.
Odds: $17.00
5. HIGH SHOT – C Williams (7)
High Chapparral colt from Mick Kent’s yard who won a Cranbourne Maiden on debut back in October of last year and was then immediately spelled. Returned to racing with a sixth (beaten 5.1 lengths) in the G2 Autumn Stakes behind Fiveandahalfstar. Won a Terang barrier trial since over 1430m but can’t see him finding the ground he needs to be competitive here.
Odds: $4.20
6. LUCK’S A FORTUNE – R Booth (6)
Colt by Clangalang who broke at his Maiden status at his most recent run when a ¾ length winner of a Sale Maiden. It looks like he’ll appreciate getting to this trip but will find the class too great for him.
Odds: $101.00
7. BIT OF A SCHILLER – B Prebble (4)
Adelaide visitor from the John Hickmott stables who has raced in his home start on six occasions and is to register a win. The pick of his run was probably his last start second at Morphettville Park behind Swinging Soldier. Ventures past the 1400m for the first time but can’t see him winning here.
Odds: $41.00
8. MUST CONFESS – (3)
A son of Testa Rossa who surprisingly, his making his debut! He’s had three barrier trials since 8th January in readiness for today’s race but it would take some kind of effort from the horse and his trainer Kane Harris to win this first up.
Odds: $61.00
OVERVIEW
If Sea of Choice, as expected, goes forward from his gate, Fiveandahalfstar could get a lovely run behind him and prove too hard to run down. Can only imagine him improving on his first up run and can’t see the other leading chances finding the beaten margin of last start, plus more, to turn the tables on him. Super Cool the obvious danger but Subiaso from five, could settle close today and has had three starts leading up to this. As mentioned above, should he reproduce the Norman Robinson effort, he might be a bit of a smokey.