A collection of a dozen 3yo’s for this Group 3 event who between them, have won nineteen races with two runners, Philippi and Royal Haunt (the latter early favourite at $2.40) yet to taste defeat.
1. LUNAR RISE – (6) S Arnold
Bart Cummings trained galloper who progressed from a Kembla Maiden to winning the G3 Carbine Club Stakes in five starts last preparation. Before his thirteen week spell, he ran second to the smart Tatra in the G2 Sandown Guineas and although first up here, expecting him to be motoring home late.
Odds: $8.00
2. ALBRECHT – (11) K McEvoy
The winner last preparation of the G3 Up and Coming Stakes before running second in both the G1 Golden Rose and G2 Stan Fox Stakes behind Epaulette and Kabayan respectively. Returned to racing in the Listed Manfred Stakes as a short priced 11/8 Favourite but disappointed his backers by finishing second to last, beaten over six lengths by Royal Haunt. Better than that obviously but will have to be back to near his best if he’s to negate the wide gate.
Odds: $6.00
3. PHILIPPI – (2) C Williams.
Unbeaten in three starts including a ¾ length in the Listed UCI Stakes (1800m) over Hvaastan in the Spring. Ran second (beaten 12 lengths) behind Miss Softhands in a Werribee Barrier Trial earlier and whilst he has above average ability, not sure the inside draw will be to his advantage here first up.
Odds: $6.00
4. ROYAL HAUNT – (12)
It could be a big day for Peter Moody with this son of Hard Spun, lining up for his fourth start and looking to remain undefeated Jumped to the lead last start in the Listed Manfred Stakes (1200m) and was simply too good for his competitors, recording an impressive 4 ¼ length win over Force Command. Drawn widest here, so will need to be committed from the jump if, as he has down in three starts to date, lead here and also faces the 1400m and Flemington for the first time.
Odds: $2.40
5. BASS STRAIGHT – (8) G Boss
He returned to racing from a six month spell with a win in a Seymour Maiden and then came to town in a RST 72 (1600m) and made it back to back win with a half length win over Beaumaris. This is a massive rise in ground here and although looks to be a developing type, will find this too strong.
Odds: $21.00
6. FORCE COMMAND – (7) D Dunn
A son of Commands, trained by Greg Eurell, who is still searching for his Maiden victory at this his, fifth race start. He resumed from a spell in the Listed Manfred Stakes and, despite being beaten over four lengths when second to Royal Haunt, chased valiantly however, can’t see him turning the tables.
Odds: $13.00
7. HOSTING – (3) C Symons
Sat behind Royal Haunt when resuming from a twenty-one week spell but simply couldn’t match the winner in the straight and finished third, beaten close to five lengths. From three, expect him to be right behind Royal Haunt again but on their most recent clash, can’t see a five length turn-around.
Odds: $9.00
8. HIGH ESTEEM – (1)
Redoute’s Choice colt and stable-mate to the Royal Haunt who make is return to racing here since finishing down the track in the Listed UCI Stakes behind Philippi in the Spring. He is likely to need this hit-out and a longer trip before we see the best of him.
Odds: $26.00
9. SHEER TALENT – (9) S Baster
Another well bred son of Redoute’s Choice, this bloke from the Mark Kavanagh yard. Won a Seymore Maiden in July last year at his second start before running a cheeky race at 60/1, finishing just over a length from Lady Of Harrods in the G3 McNeil Stakes and being spelled. Returned to racing, also in the Listed Manfred stakes behind Royal Haunt, finishing fourth (beaten 5.8 lengths).
Odds: $17.00
10. GERONTIUS – (10) N Hall
Won an Albury Maiden at his second start for trainer David Hayes and followed that up with placings at Warwick Farm (BM 68) and Geelong (RST 62) before trying his hand in the Listed Myer Fashion (1800m) at Flemington on Oaks Day and finishing third to last of sixteen runners. Resumes here and would prefer to see in something easier.
Odds: $101.00
11. PINS OF PELE – (5) V Duric
Bolted in at his third start to record a seven length victory in a Kilmore Maiden before finishing 3 ¾ lengths behind Philippi in the Listed UCI Stakes (1800m) on Oaks Day last year and being spelled. Had a barrier trial early Feb in readiness for his return but suspect he’s another that will need this hit-out and a longer trip.
Odds: $51.00
12. PRAKTICAILTY – (4) C Newitt
Has had three starts, all of them at Ballarat and winning the second of those starts – a Maiden and then finishing a length behind Obligation last week at his most recent outing. Not here.
Odds: $201.00
OVERVIEW
A wide draw at the 1400m start of Flemington has been the undoing of many horses, but doubt it’ll stop Royal Haunt. He should be able to cross relatively easy to lead and with a majority of these, commencing their campaigns and looking for something longer, doubt any of them will pressure him greatly in front. If he can display the kick which he did at his last start, he’ll be near impossible for some of the back-makers to run down. Philippi might be ridden a bit more forward from the inside gate, is above average and a forward showing first up would not surprise. Expecting a better effort from Albrecht, who should follow Royal Haunt across from the wide gate.
