Caulfield racecourse will host a fantastic day of racing on Blue Diamond Stakes day today and we take a look at the three Group 1 feature races with runner by runner previews for each one.
2013 Blue Diamond Stakes tips, preview and selections
Melbourne’s premier 2yo race sees a field of fifteen taking part, consisting of seven Colts and Gelding and eight Fillies. According to the early markets, it’s the Fillies who hold the upper hand with Miracles of Life and Darley pair of Guelph and Metastasio dominating the betting at $3.30, $3.20 and $7.00 respectively. Peter Moody’s colt Thermal Current, one of four representatives the leading Trainer has entered in the race is the only runner under double figures at $7.50 and considered a legitimate chance.
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Blue Diamond Stakes Form Guide
1. CRACK A ROADIE – C Williams (9)
A son of Charge Forward, he won the Inglis Banner Stakes at Moonee Valley back in October of last year, finishing in impressive style to defeat Diva Dee. He stepped out a fortnight later in the G3 Maribyrnong Plate and was nosed out of back-to-back victories by Direct Charge. Was due to return to racing at Mornington only to be scratched after knocking a fetlock in his box but to ensure he has been kept up to the mark, he was given a solid hit-out under the guidance of Williams on Monday.
Odds: $21.00
2. DISSIDENT – V Duric (15)
First of Moody’s runners who, when making his debut at Caulfield in the BD Preview on Australia Day, finished well to score a neck win over Kurishino and Thermal Current. He’s since backed that effort up with a half length third to Kurishino in the G3 BD Prelude a fortnight ago. Not sure the pace of the race last start suited his style and will get plenty of time and room to wind up from 15 gate. Look for him to be the improver and finishing hard.
Odds: $21.00
3. SHAMUS AWARD – N Hall (4)
Son of Snitzel who has run third in each of his three starts to date with the latest being a 3 length third to Metastasio. Despite drawing wide on that occasion, lobbed in a nice spot during the run and appeared to have every chance. Drawn better here but still think he’ll have to improve too much on last start to be winning here.
Odds: $101.00
4. THE BOWLER – C Newitt (3)
Drew well when making his debut a fortnight ago in the BD Prelude and gave plenty of cheek, running second and beaten a neck, behind Kurishino. A colt by Testa Rossa (who ran second in this race back 1999) he has again drawn favourably in three. With last year’s winning jockey on board and natural improvement expected from his debut, not the worst outsider in the race.
Odds: $21.00
5. THERMAL CURRENT – L Nolen (6)
Hit the line in good style on debut but failed to claim Mr Funovits by a head, finishing second at Flemington over the 1000m before a luckless third (beaten 1 ¼ lengths) behind Dissident and Kurishino (both good in the BD Prelude since). Draw the inside (2) and was something beaten last start. The Exceed Excel colt has drawn perfectly here you would think from gate six he should be rated very highly.
Odds: $8.00
6. I AM TITANIUM – C Schofield (14)
First of three runners in the race for David Hayes (Fast ‘n’ Rocking and Gregers the other two) and according to the bookies is the poorer chance of the trio and is quoted a $61.00 chance. Led on debut and held on fairly for a short head second of five runners over 1100m at Caulfield in December before returning to racing in the Listed Chairman’s Stakes (1100m) with a three length fourth behind Metastasio. Drawn poorly given his preferred racing style.
Odds: $67.00
7. FAST ‘N’ ROCKING – S Arnold (5)
He made an ordinary debut back in October, finishing a well beaten seventh behind Kurishino in the G2 Superracing Stakes. He was immediately turned out and in his two runs back since, an argument could be made on both occasions, that he should’ve finished closer than his fourth (beaten 2.1 lengths) in the BD Preview and fourth again (beaten one length) in the BD Prelude. Generally gets back in the run but the extra 100m of this trip, should be in his favour.
Odds: $51.00
8. GUELPH – K McEvoy (13)
The first of the fillies, of three Darley runners and the current favourite ($3.20) after impressive victories at both of her recent starts, the first of which was a soft length win over Good Job Bro at Warwick Farm before warming to her task late and proving too good for Montsegur, winning the Fillies BD Preview by 1 ½. Exceptionally bred mare (Exceed and Excel out of G1 winning mare Camarilla) who improves with each run but from the third to widest gate and this being her toughest test to date, it may pay to wait for a slightly better price than that currently on offer.
Odds: $3.50
9. METESTASIO – G Boss (12)
The second of Darley’s runners who, like her stable mate, hasn’t faired all that well in terms of her barrier draw given that, at her two start of which she’s won both in good style, she’s led throughout. Totally dominated them last start to record a 2 ¾ length win the Listed Chairman’s Stakes defeating Kona Breeze, Shamus Award and I Am Titanium. She’ll go forward again but have plenty to do early if she’s wants the lead and that could tell in the concluding stages.
Odds: $6.50
10. MIRACLES OF LIFE – L Stanjokovic (1)
What a thrill this daughter of Not A Single Doubt is providing to her Adelaide based trainer Daniel Clarken and apprentice jockey Lauren Stanjokovic. She won both her starts in Adelaide by a combined 14 ½ lengths before claiming the Fillies BD Preview on Australia Day, by 4 ¼ lengths and displaying a fantastic turn-of-foot. She has drawn the inside, which can be as much a disadvantage as it is an advantage but, believe if she gets a crack at them, has the gears to put pay to them. Definite chance.
Odds: $3.30
11. MONTSEGUR – C Reith (8)
Final Darley rep that is currently quoted at $41.00 with Sports bet. No luck behind Miracles of Life two starts back and should’ve finished closer than her six length sixth before being well supported in the Fillies BD Prelude but no match for stable-mate Guelph over the concluding stages and finished 1 ½ second. On last start, can’t see her turning the tables on Guelph.
Odds: $34.00
12. CASQUETS – SCRATCHED
13. KONA BREEZE – Brett Prebble (10)
Daughter of Golden Slipper winner Sebring who has finished second at each of her three starts, running into the smart Metastasio at her most recent efforts. She had her chance at each of the above starts but couldn’t get closer than 2 ¼ lengths to the winner and would have to improve too much to be rated a chance here.
Odds: $81.00
14. GREGERS – D Dunn (11)
Daughter of Commands who recorded a strong 1 ½ length win in Restricted company at Moonee Valley when making her debut three weeks ago. Has the service of four-time Blue Diamond winning jockey but fancy she’ll need more than that to see her win here.
Odds: $21.00
15. GODIVA ROCK – (2)
She was thrown in the deep end when making her debut a fortnight ago in the in the Fillies BD Prelude but thee daughter of Stratum, acquitted herself well finishing third (2 ¾) behind Darley pair of Guelph and Montsegur. Would expect she’ll only be better for that experience and drawn to get a good run but can’t see her turning the tables on those who beat her last start.
Odds: $17.00
16. QUEST FOR PEACE – (7)
The last of Moody’s four runners and she held her spot in the run to the line when finishing fourth first up in the Fillies BD Prelude behind Guelph. Also ran fourth to Kurishino on debut back in October and on those two runs, think she’ll be safely held by several of her rivals here.
Odds: $51.00
OVERVIEW
Pace, as always is the case more often than not in a Blue Diamond, will be very solid. Miracles of Life will need to jump and find a spot from the inside gate otherwise she could find herself in a very awkward position in the run. As it is, see her needing a little luck as they round the bend but if Stanjokovic can navigate a clear path, she proved last start she has the motor to deliver the goods. Guelph is untapped and improving with each run but still think this is her toughest test to date and has an awkward draw to contend with as well. At the current prices, the best option for mine is Thermal Current ($7.00) each-way. Very unlucky last start behind Dissident (who was good again in race not run to suit last start) and from six, Nolen should be able to keep in out of trouble and just off the speed. Speaking of Dissident, think he’s over the odds at $26.00. He’s a big horse that will appreciate the solid tempo, the room and the six furlongs.
2013 Futurity Stakes tips, preview and selections
Field of ten runners entered that sees last start G1 Orr Stakes winner All Too looking to make it six wins form seven starts in Victoria and a host of smart horses resuming including Melbourne Cup winner, Green Moon and last year’s Futurity Stakes winner, King Mufhasa.
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1. GREEN MOON – B Prebble (1)
Melbourne Cup winner of last year returns to racing and has drawn the inside gate. He was produced first up this time last year to win the G2 Blamey Stakes (1600m) and at his most recent run fresh, finished a very unlucky fifth in the G2 Memsie Stakes (1400m). No trials but a class animal who can win this first up.
Odds: $8.50
2. KING MUFHASA – M Rodd (7)
The champion New Zealander galloper recorded his twentieth career win two starts back when taking out the G3 Challenge Stakes in his home country before venturing across the Tasman seven weeks later and running fifth (beaten 1 ¼ lengths) in the G1 C F Orr Stakes. He’ll cross to lead again and no doubt, give a good account of himself.
Odds: $4.20
3. MOURAYAN – K McEvoy (6)
He faces the starter for the first time since finishing a disappointing fourth (beaten 5.4 lengths) in the G2 Zipping Classic behind stable-mate Tanby back in November. His first up record of eight starts for one third, coupled with the fact that his two Australian wins have been at 2000m and 2500m, indicate he’ll struggle here.
Odds: $61.00
4. GLASS HARMONIUM – S Arnold (9)
A 7yo who ran fourth first up last campaign in the G1 Rupert Clarke Stakes, this track and distance, behind Moment of Change. Generally likes to race handy and may have his work cut out early from his wide gate should he go forward and his last four wins have been at 2000m. He’s likely to need this outing.
Odds: $15.00
5. MALUCKYDAY – (5)
He hasn’t races since finishing nineteenth in last year’s Melbourne Cup. He’s last two first up runs have seen him well accounted for and he’ll this run and possibly a few more, before we see the best of him and consider him a legitimate chance.
Odds: $101.00
6. NIWOT – (2)
He won the Sydney Cup last year but failed to impress at any of his five starts in a Spring Campaign which culminated in a fifteenth in the Melbourne Cup. He ran fifth (beaten 5.1 lengths) in this race last year behind King Mufhasa and would expect a similar performance at best here.
Odds: $101.00
7. SHANGHAI WARRIOR – G Boss (10)
4yo by Elvstroem, trained by Pat Hyland who was building an impressive record before failing in the G3 Bobbie Lewis and then finishing last in the G1 Rupert Clarke Stakes before being spelled. Returned to racing in the G3 Rubiton Stakes (1100m) and appeared to have his chance behind Adebisi, finishing fourth (beaten 2.4 lengths). Will take some benefit from that outing but won’t find this easy.
Odds: $31.00
8. LIGHTS OF HEAVEN – L Nolen (8)
Smart mare from the Moody Stable who ran third in last year’s Caulfield Cup behind Dunaden and Alcopop before finishing well down the track in the Melbourne Cup. Resumes here and will get back from her gate. She’s more than likely to be better for this run and will be doing her best work over the concluding stages.
Odds: $17.00
9. KOONOOMOO – S Baster (3)
5yo mare who ran fifth (beaten 2 ¾ length) in the G2 Australian Stakes and third (beaten a head) in the G3 Bellamaine Stakes at her two runs back from a spell. She’s drawn to take a forward position but under the WFA conditions, will find a few too good for her here.
Odds: $21.00
10. ALL TOO HARD – D Dunn (4)
The Caulfield Guineas winner from last year, returned to racing in the G1 Orr Stakes a fortnight ago and was ridden a treat by Dwayne Dunn to score a half length win over Mawingo. Drawn four here and with King Mufhasa, Koonoomoo and Glass Harmonium going forward, he should be positioned to advantage as they turn and find it hard to come up with a legitimate reason, why he can’t make it three from three at Caulfield.
Odds: $1.70
OVERVIEW
King Mufhasa and Koonoomoo lead them out with Glass Harmonium coming across from his wider draw and set a genuine tempo. All Too Hard should be positioned in behind them and be in the right spot turning. As mentioned above, it is hard to find a reason not to tip him on top, especially with Green Moon who has drawn the fence, possibly requiring a bit of luck around the turn.
2013 Autumn Classic tips, preview and selections
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.
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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.
2013 Peter Young Stakes tips, preview and selections
Following on from the 3yo’s in the previous race, it’s the older horses’ turn to tackle the 1800m, this time in the G2 Peter Young Stakes. The race sees G1 winner Mawingo, looking to go one better than his first up second to All Too Hard in the G1 Orr Stakes.
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1. MR MOET – D Staeck (4)
Western Australian galloper who, after a successful summer in his home state that saw him win the G2 C B Cox Plate (2100m), ventured to the eastern state for the first time last start in the G1 Orr Stakes. He produced an eye-catching effort, finishing hard from the tail of the field to record a third (beaten ¾ length) to All Too Hard. He has to be considered among the leading contenders on that run.
Odds: $3.60
2. TANBY – N Hall (3)
Stable-mate to Green Moon who rounded out his Spring Campaign last year with a strong victory in the WFA G2 Zipping Classic (2400m). His first up form is only average and generally doesn’t produce his best until gets to races at or over, the 2000m mark. He’ll need this run.
Odds: $17.00
3. MAWINGO – C Williams (1)
A former European galloper who won the G1 Doomben Cup (2000m) in May of last year at his third Australian start but failed to re-produce that in two Spring starts and was spelled. The break seems to have done the trick judging by his fast finishing and unlucky second to All Too Hard first up in the G1 Orr Stakes. On that run, he’s the one to beat for mine.
Odds: $3.20
4. BUDRIGUEZ – B Prebble (5)
Adelaide galloper who came across to Victoria and led all the way to record a neck win the G3 Carlyon Cup (1600m) last start, defeating Invest and the in-form Lord of Brazil. This race, his first at the WFA scale, is an entirely different kettle of fish and expecting it will find him out.
Odds: $8.50
5. FORETELLER – D Dunn (8)
He ran a fantastic race first up off a six month break when a length second to the in-form Merlin Mustang at Warwick early January. He was given plenty of time to get over that run by his trainer Chris Waller before venturing south and finishing fifth (beaten 2.1 lengths) behind Budriguez in the Carlyon Cup. Better for that outing, will appreciate the step up to 1800m and will be an improver.
Odds: $10.00
6. ÉCLAIR SURPRISE – D Tourneur (2)
Phillip Stokes has produced this son of Blackfriars to win his last four starts including the G3 Eclipse Stakes at Sandown during the Spring. Despite the 62.5kgs allotted to him first up, he was too good for his competitors when returning to racing at Morphettville a fortnight ago. Going well and could be one to include amongst multiples.
Odds: $10.00
7. PRARIE STAR – B Melham (6)
Another formerly from Europe who ran an encouraging fourth (beaten 1.4 lengths) in the G3 David Jones Cup (2000m) in his Australian debut during the Spring before again finishing fourth, this time in the G1 McKinnon Stakes behind Alcopop Returned to racing in the G3 Carlyon Cup but after settling at the tail of the field, failed to make an impression in the run home and he finished a well beaten tenth. Obviously needs to lift on that run but Spring form suggests, he has the ability.
Odds: $9.00
8. INVEST – P Mertens (7)
Only mare in the race who, at 60/1, ran second to Brudriguez last start in the Carlyon Cup. Form during the Spring, when contesting some of the leading Fillies races, suggests that she’ll find taking on the boys here – at WFA – a challenge too great.
Odds: $12.00
OVERVIEW
Brudriguez leads with Mawingo sitting closer today from the inside draw and, over the longer trip, it is him, off the back of his slashing first up run, that I believe they have to beat. With him on top, the obvious danger is Mr. Moet who finished on his heels last start and will also appreciate that run and the 1800m. To round out the trifecta, Éclair Surprise and Foreteller appeal the most.
2013 Angus Armanasco Stakes tips, preview and selections
The first of seven Group races on the Blue Diamond Stakes day is a Group 2 event for 3yo Fillies. Of the seven runners entered, only Members Joy has won in Listed or Group company previously and, after her last start nose second to Octavia in the Listed Kevin Hayes Stakes, she holds favouritism at
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Angus Armanasco Stakes Form Guide
1. MEMBERS JOY – G Boss (4)
She is the winner of two of her eleven starts including the Listed Cap D’antibes at Flemington last prep and followed that up two starts later with a nose second to Maybe Discreet in the G2 Edward Manifold (1600m). She looks cheery ripe for this race, third up from a spell and after having gone within a whisker of beating Octavia last start over 1200m. Only has to give her competitors a kilo and a half here, has drawn well and has Boss onboard.
Odds: $3.00
2. SUMMER GEM – B Rawiller (7)
Elusive Quality filly that won a RST 72 event at Flemington first up and backed that up with by finishing hard again, to register a half length win over Octavia in an Open Class (1100m) at Caulfield. Dropped out to the tail of the field again at her most recent start in the Listed Kevin Hayes Stakes last start, but didn’t have a great deal of luck in the run home and finished 3 ¼ behind Octavia. First go at the 1400m but previous efforst suggest it will suit and expect her to be finishing hard.
Odds: $6.00
3. MELIORA – L Nolen (2)
Front-running Ad Valorem filly from the Moody yard who led the field at her most recent start – Listed Kevin Hayes Stakes before weakening late to finish fourth (beaten 2.4 lenghts). She will lead the field again here with the temp of the race, key to her chances of recording a fourth career win at this, her tenth start.
Odds: $9.00
4. BALACLAVA LADY – C Williams (6)
Her only win in eight starts, came at this course and trip back in September of last year. She backed that up with fourth placings in the G2 Fillies Classic at Moonee Valley behind Kazanluk and in the Listed Lexus Hybrid when unlucky behind Walk With Attitude. Resumed with a pleasing fifth (beaten 2.6 lengths) in the Listed Kevin Hayes Stakes and can only be better for that outing.
Odds: $8.00
5. RED FEZ – C Schofield (3)
Unbeaten daughter of Red Ransom from David Hayes stable who closed well on debut from the tail of the field to record a comfortable two length win in a Ballarat Maiden over 1200m. Backed that up with a solid head win over You’re So Good who in turn, was excellent in the G3 Vanity last week when a nose second Alzora. Obviously has above average ability but Boss did ride last start and has opted to stick with Members Joy here.
Odds: $3.60
6. GONDOKORO – B Prebble (5)
Best of her ten starts to date, was a third placing in a Geelong Maiden and she was well accounted for in some of the premier fillies staying races over the spring. Tackles this race first up and will find it hard to keep up with them over this trip.
Odds: $61.00
7. HAMAM – (1)
Al Maher filly who has won two from four for trainer Luke Oliver but those victories have come in a Werribee Maiden and at her last start, a nose victory in a RST 68 at Bendigo. She’ll find the step up in class too hard.
Odds: $7.50
OVERVIEW
Meliora leads and will try to control it form the front but expecting Members Joy, drawn in four, to be right on her tail throughout and with two runs back this prep now under her belt, be able to run her down and too good for the others. Dangers are Balaclava Lady and Red Fez who has good form around here.
