The Chelmsford stakes sees eight of the thirteen runners entered, backing up from last fortnight’s G2 Warwick Stakes including the winner Veyron. Early favourite however is one of Chris Waller’s six representative – Bayrir at $4.00, just in front of Veyron ($4.20) and stable-mates Beaten Up ($4.60) and Hawkspur ($5.00).
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1. METAL BENDER – (12)
He was first up for over 16 months when resuming in the G2 Warwick Stakes a fortnight ago and the now 8yo, produced an excellent run, finishing well to claim third behind Veyron (beaten 2 ¼ lengths). He’s won three from five second up including the G1 George Ryder Stakes but will have to be at his absolute best to overcome the wide draw.
2. VEYRON – R Norvall (3)
New Zealand galloper who has won 15 of his 30 starts including, at his most recent outing, the G2 Warwick Stakes (1400m). He was always well placed in the Warwick Stakes that was run at a hot tempo and was able to finish over the top of Streama and Rain Affair. Should get another lovely run here and his two efforts in Australia (the other run a close up effort behind Pierro in the G1 George Ryder) have been top class.
3. BEATEN UP – J Bowman (10)
Winner of the G1 Doomben Cup at his fourth Australian start, the son of Beat Hollow was given a brief let up after that victory and returned in the G2 Warwick Stakes recently. He drew the inside gate and whilst settled fifth in the run, was a dozen lengths of leader Rain Affair who set a cracking pace. He was doing his best work on the line finishing fourth (beaten 1.9 lengths) and think that effort will have him primed for here.
4. KELINNI – J Collett (11)
Honest galloper who claimed the JRA Plate (2000m) last prep and who returned to racing after a fourteen week break, in the Warwick Stakes. Over the unsuitable trip (1400m) he was sent out an 80/1 chance and run off his feet in a race were they went close to the race record. He did well to finish within five lengths of the winner but he’ll need longer than a mile still.
5. MORIARTY – (7)
Continued to improve last time in and claimed the Listed Mayor’s Cup and G2 Brisbane Cup (2400m) last prep. After the Brisbane Cup he was spelled by trainer Chris Waller and returned to racing in the Warwick Stakes. He looked to go forward from a wide barrier initially in the Warwick Stakes but couldn’t maintain the hectic pace set by Rain Affair and weakened to run second to last. He’s a better horse than that and whilst an improved effort here should be expected, can’t have him in the leading chances.
6. GLENCADAM GOLD – K O’Hara (5)
We haven’t seen this Gai Waterhouse trained galloper since he put in two disappointing efforts during the Autumn and was immediately spelled. Having won four of his eight starts in Australia, including the G1 Metropolitan Handicap, we know he has the talent. Looked ok in two recent barrier trials and he’ll roll forward from his gate but likely to be better again for this run.
7. BAYRIR – (4)
Well performed European galloper who made his Australian debut for trainer Chris Waller in the Listed Winter Challenge (1500m) at Rosehill a little over a month ago. He settled on the leader’s back and looked set to score until bloused on the line by stable-mate Coup Ay Tee. Can only be better for that run and he’s drawn perfectly here but does take on some smart types, proven at the top level in Australia.
8. SNEAK A PEEK – J Parr (1)
Former Italian galloper who, this time last year, ran some fair races in G1 races without threatening the winner. He was first up off a ten month break in the Warwick Stakes a fortnight ago and made little impression from the tail of the field in a race dominated by those up front. Expect he’ll get back again here and from barrier one, will need luck.
9. TREMEC – N Berry (6)
An emerging stayer who among his six wins from sixteen starts can boast victories in the Listed Randwick City (2200m) and G2 Chairman’s Quality (2600m). Off a sixteen week break, he stepped out in the Warwick Stakes but was unable to get close in a race where the tempo was solid from the jump. He finished last and expect he’ll need 2000 + before we start to see the best of him.
10. LIGHTINTHENITE – N Hall (9)
Honest galloper who was not far off the winner in races such as the Hollindale Stakes and Brisbane Cup during the winter. We haven’t seen him since the Brisbane Cup run bar a barrier trial on the 19th August. He runs into a smart field here with most have already had a run under their belts, he find a few too smart.
11. HAWKSPUR – J Cassidy (2)
He claimed the G3 Rough Habit, G3 Grand Prix and G1 QLD Derby in successive starts to round out an outstanding preparation during the Brisbane winter. The son of Hawkspur then stepped up to WFA class for his return in the Warwick Stakes and applied himself exceptionally well. He was hitting the line in good style before running out of room right on the line and whilst he finished seventh (beaten 2.6 lengths) behind Veyron, thought his run was one of the better in the race. Drawn to get a good run and improves each time he steps out on the track.
12. ALIYANA TILDE – P Robl (8)
She was in fine form last prep during the Autumn and claimed the Epona Stakes (1900m) before running third in both the G2 Chairman’s Quality (2600m) and G1 Sydney Cup (3200m). Hasn’t had a run or trial since the Cup start and she’s picked are hard race to kick her campaign off in. She’ll need this run and further.
13. CRAFTY IRNA – C Clipperton (13)
Honest mare who resumed with a closing effort in the Toy Show Quality (1300m) behind Hidden Kisses. She takes a huge step up in class for her second up run and given that she’s only won four of her thirty two starts, the pick of them being the Listed G3 Adrian Knox Stakes back in April 2011, she’ll find this race, at WFA and from the widest gate, well out of her league.
OVERVIEW
Pace will not be as hectic as it was in the Warwick Stakes and assume that Glecadam Gold and Veyron and Bayrir all go forward or hold prominent positions. Thought Beaten Up was a real chance first up in the Warwick Stakes and given the way the race panned out, thought he’s run was good. He’ll be able to find his feet second up over a mile and should be finishing hard from mid-field. Couldn’t ignore the run of Hawkspur in the same race. He was finishing just as well as Beaten Up and he appears to be still on the upward spiral. Veyron will get his chance again and as his strike rate suggests, he is a winner.
- BEATEN UP
- HAWKSPUR
- VEYRON
- BAYRIR
