The first leg of the Quadrella and, as is the case with the remaining three legs, a very open affair. Seven of the thirteen runners are at single figures odds with in-form mare Platelet, holding the call just in advance of Shamal Wind and interestingly, a lot of early support for Ossenhagen who was a beaten odds-on favourite last start at Geelong.
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1. PLATELET – B Melham (5)
After winning the G1 Robert Sangster and G1 Goodwood Handicap in consecutive starts, the 5yo Strategic mare was spelled and returned to racing with a very pleasing fourth (beaten 2 ¾ lengths) behind the speedy Kuroshio in the G2 Mitty’s McEwan Stakes (1000m) at Moonee Valley. With that run under her belt and the step up to 1200m, she was too strong late in winning the G2 Gilgai Stakes at her next and most recent start, defeating Spirit of Boom and Steps In Time. That win made it three victories from her last four starts and whilst she rises 3kgs here on latest effort, she is simply going to well not to include.
2. FAT AL – D Stackhouse (3)
Formerly with Gai Waterhouse, this son of Al Maher will step out for the first time for Peter Moody and also, for the first time in twenty-two weeks. When last in work the Epsom Handicap winner was very disappointing in two starts and immediately spelled again. We haven’t seen him at any trails and would think he’d be in need of this run and a longer race.
3. GENERAL TRUCE – D Oliver (1)
Flew home – as he often does, when third in the G2 Mitty’s McEwan Stakes (1000m) three starts back before finding the step up to WFA and Group 1 company beyond him, finishing second to last and over a dozen lengths from Samaready in the Moir Stakes (1200m). Had to carry 60.5kgs at his most recent start when sixth (beaten 1.7 lengths) behind Canali in the Apache Cat on Cranbourne Cup day last Sunday. Will need plenty of luck from the inside gate getting a run in the straight.
4. READY TO RIP – L Nolen (7)
First up specialist who resumes from a twenty-two week spell here. He won the Listed Vic Sprint and was bloused on the line by Isabella Snowflake in the Listed Bob Hoysted at his latest two fresh runs. He’s also won two of his three starts at this track – Listed Thoroughbred Club Cup (1200m) and G3 Bletchingly Stakes. Not seen at any trails and the draw could be a slightly awkward one however, wouldn’t write him off given the above stats.
5. SPIRIT OF BOOM – N Hall (4)
His last win came in January of last year – on the Gold Coast, nineteen starts ago now but, off the back of some very good performances in top company since then, and two good efforts since returning from a spell, the son of Sequalo is quoted a $6.50 chance here. He flew home to run third behind Sessions and Aeronautical in The Shorts at Randwick before chasing Platelet home in the G2 Gilgai Stakes up the Flemington straight last time out. Meets Platelet 2kgs better here and his only start at this track resulted in a third in the G1 Oakleigh Plate (1100m). In form and will be finishing hard – can he break the drought here?
6. BROKEN – (10)
Stable-mate to Platelet who also has been in very solid form of late. She started a 9/1 chance when claiming the G3 Aurie’s Star (1200m) up the Flemington straight, defeating Temple of Boom but punters still didn’t pay her credit as at her following start, a Listed race at Moonee Valley (1000m), she started 12/1 and won again. She was off a month’s break last week when she found them a bit too slick in the G2 Schillaci Stakes (1000m) and was doing her best late when fifth of eight (beaten 4.1 lengths) behind Unpretentious. That run, and the extra 100m suits but it is this grade of race and the wide gate that are the concerns.
7. PAGO ROCK – C Schofield (12)
After winning the Listed Sir John Monash Stakes (1000m) four runs ago, the lightly raced 6yo from the David Hayes stables attempted some of the better races and did himself proud. He ran fourth in the G2 P B Lawrence behind Puissance De Lune and finished within two lengths of winner Shoreham in the Listed Sofitel Stakes (1400m). After that run he was freshened up and looked set to return in winning fashion, hitting the lead at the right time in last week’s G2 Schillaci Stakes (1000m) only to be headed late by the smart Unpretentious. Can’t knock his recent form but the wide gate makes this task tougher again.
8. GRIFFON – P Robl (9)
Back-maker who ran some good races in his home-state of Queensland over their winter carnival. The highlight of those efforts would be his fast-finishing head second to Galah in the G2 QTC Cup (1300m). He’s been prepared for this race with one hit-out a fortnight ago in the G2 Gilgai Stakes, his first run in seven weeks. He made little impression from the tail of the field there and whilst he’ll be better for that run and back onto a turning circuit, couldn’t include him on his last start.
9. SHAMAL WIND – G Boss (8)
Returned to racing in an Open handicap over this track/trip where the combination of a feather weight and a perfect run in transit, saw her register a comfortable 1 ½ length win over Anise. Off that win she was sent out a short 9/4 favourite in last week’s G3 Series Final (1200m) and again, was afforded a good run throughout but this time, with 58kgs, she was unable to let down like she did at her previous start and ran fifth (beaten 2.9 lengths). Gets back down to 53kgs and should enjoy the solid tempo they’ll set up front. She’s capable of bouncing back here.
10. EL MAGICO – J Bowditch (13)
This 5yo trained by Adelaide’s Lloyd Kennewell has only had two starts in the past twelve months – they being in May and June of this year. The most recent effort resulted in a long neck win over Planet Voyage in an Open Handicap at Flemington over 1000m. This is a tough task first up made even tougher by the outside draw.
11. CHIARAMONTE – K McEvoy (2)
Speedy customer form the in-form Darley operation who has finished in the placings at each of his three starts this prep. After running second to Samaready (who subsequently was brilliant in winning the G1 Moir Stakes) the son of Redoute’s Choice started 3/1 favourite in the Listed Testa Rossa Stakes (1200m) here three weeks ago, where he led all bar the last 50m when tackled by It Is Written and Richie’s Vibe (both fair since). Returning to the 1100m is a good move and he’s drawn well given his racing style. If he can get a slight breather mid-race, just may be able to give them something to catch.
12. LIKE BOLT – (6)
This Choisir 6yo gelding has had two starts back from an eight month spell with the most recent seeing him record a long neck win in a RST 86 (1000m) race at Morphettville a fortnight ago. Did carry 60.5kgs to victory then (down to 53kgs) and probably fitter again however, he is still eligible for much easier races than this one.
13. OSSENHAGEN – (11)
After winning his third and fourth career starts on the provincial circuit by margins of 6 and 4 ½ lengths respectively, it was no wonder that when this son of Ad Valorem returned form a seventeen week spell for his fifth start, he was sent out as 2/1 on favourite. It was on the Geelong Synthetic track over 1100m and the Robert Smerdon galloper was expected to win easily but those who took the short price were left disappointed as he hung on the turn and crossed the line in last spot, 3 ¾ lengths from the winner. Has had a winning trial since but would think aiming way too high here.
RACE OVERVIEW
Chiaramonte leads from his good draw with Ready To Rip coming across from wider out and Fat Al, Shamal Wind and Platelet all handy. As the market suggests, there’s a number of legitimate chances in this race but sticking with Spirit of Boom. Can’t fault his two runs back from a spell, meets Platelet slightly better at the weights. He should be able to tail the speed in a mid-field position and be brought down the centre of the track. Sticking with the Gilgai Stakes form – always a good pointer for this race – and Platelet, despite the hefty weight, as the next best. Her form is as good as it gets for a race such as this and is another that the speed map suggests, will be in the box seat from the outset. Shamal Wind can be the big improver. She’ll get the chance to be ridden a bit colder in this race having drawn wider out than her previous two starts and being a relative small filly, the return to a light weight will be to her favour.
- SPIRIT OF BOOM
- PLATELET
- SHAMAL WIND
- CHIARAMONTE
