The highlight of Doomben’s meeting is the running of the G1 Doomben Cup. Peter Moody pair Lights of Heaven and Manighar ran second and third in this race last year and are among the fourteen entrants in this year’s race. According to early markets, Lights of Heaven will be able to go one better than she did in 2012 and is the $3.70 favouite, just in advance of Foreteller at $3.80
Luxbet Free BetSportsbet Free BetBookmaker Free Bet
1. MANIGHAR – B Rawiller (9)
His effort in this race last year, where he finished third behind Mawingo, rounded out a very successful campaign. Since then though, the rising 8yo has struggled to recapture that form. From his four starts this prep, the pick of his runs was his fourth behind Pierro in the G1 George Ryder two starts back.
2. DANLEIGH – (6)
This 9, so to be 10yo, lines up for start number 63 here and despite not having won any of his six starts this preparation, has lost no admirers with his efforts. Raced beyond a mile for the first time in his career last start when, from a wide gate and the tail of the field, he closed well for a sixth (beaten 1 ¼ lengths) behind Lights of Heaven in the G2 Hollindale Stakes. From a better draw, has to be given a place a chance.
3. GINGA DUDE – L Cassidy (3)
He was second up in the G2 Hollindale Stakes on the Gold Coast a fortnight back and led the field in the run. As you’d expect second up over 1800m, he felt the pinch late and finished eighth (beaten 2¼) Expect him to lead the way again from his good draw and be fitter for last outing but, he has competed twice in G1 company previously in Australia and been well accounted for on each occasion.
4. FORETELLER – J Cassidy (4)
Was in good form during the Sydney Autumn Carnival and claimed the G1 Ranvet Stakes (2000m) before running a close fifth (beaten 1.4 lengths) to Fiveandahalfstar in the G1 The BMW. He was given a freshen up after that run of four weeks before stepping out in the G2 Hollindale Stakes where, from a poor gate he was caught wide in the run but closed as well as anything to miss Lights of Heaven by a long neck. Fitter again, better draw and in very good form.
5. LAMASERY – G Colless (14)
Had three trials before resuming from a twenty week spell in the G2 Ajax Stakes (1500m) where he finished tenth but only 4 ¼ lengths from winner Havana Rey. That was on the 30th March and we didn’t see him race again until last fortnight in the Hollindale Stakes. Given a nice run in transit by Brenton Avdulla, the 6yo by Commands ran fourth, less than a length from the winner. Has to be fitter again and won the G2 Hill Stakes (2000m) third up last prep but will need luck from a horror draw and a dry track.
6. ZABEELIONAIRE – S Baster (7)
Kyneton trainer Leon Corstens brings this four year old to Queensland for his third run up this prep. He ran 4.2 lengths third last start at Flemington in an Open Handicap (2000m) under 59.5 behind Whisper Downs and whilst he’ll be fitter again, he has attempted WFA races in the past with little success.
7. LIGHTINTHENITE – N Hall (13)
A lightly raced 5yo from John O’Shea’s yard who, when racing under WFA conditions for the first time last start in the Hollindale Stakes, gave a great account of himself finishing fifth, 1 length behind Lights of Heaven. Had a nice run in transit in the Hollindale but won’t be afforded, you would think, the same luxury from thirteen and this race is no easier.
8. BEATEN UP – (1)
European galloper by Beat Hollow who made is Australian debut for trainer Chris Waller with an eye-catching effort in the G2 Ajax Stakes (1500m) back in March. He’s backed that up with two more starts the latest of which he was beaten by Mouro (races Scone Cup Friday) in the Listed Rowley Mile (1600m). Step up to 2000m is a plus and does show his fair share of ability. Was scratched from Friday’s Scone Cup for this.
9. LIGHTS OF HEAVEN – L Nolen (5)
A Zabeel mare who enjoys racing in Queensland as evident by her record of three wins (all at G2 level) and two second (one in G1 and one in G2) from five starts in the Sunshine State. She was too good for her opposition in the G3 Neville Sellwood Stakes (2000m) at Rosehill in early April before claiming the G2 Hollindale Stakes last fortnight. Can’t knock her form, drawn to get a good run again here and is capable on all surfaces.
10. SECRET ADMIRER – M Rodd (12)
The daughter of Dubawi gets behind a mile for only the fifth time in her 27 start career and whilst each of those attempts have been at G1 level, she’s only recorded the one placing. She ran eighth in the Doncaster behind Sacred Falls before finding no answer to the likes of Reliable Man and It’s A Dundeel when fifth (beaten 5 lengths) in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m). Will get back from her wide draw but over this trip under WFA, can’t see her running them down.
11. FIBRILLATION – S Arnold (8)
Diatribe mare trained by Tim Martin who ran fifth in this race last year. Had good form in the lead up to last year’s race and again this year, has produced good runs in each of her lead up races. The first was a tough on-pace effort in the Epona Stakes (1900m) behind Aliyana Tilde and then second was a second to Kelinni in the JRA Plate (2000m). Any rain would increase her chances but still yet to prove herself in the top grade.
12. ZURELLA – J Riddell (10)
NZ mare who second up in the G1 Coolmore Classic, ran a cracking race to finish within a length of Appearance before, and surprisingly, being taken back to NZ to compete in the G1 Easter Handicap. She failed in that race and upon her return to Australia ran sixth behind Reliable Man in the G1 Queen Elizabeth (2000m). Racking up the frequent flyer miles but on her last two starts, couldn’t include her here.
13. PIMMS TIME – D Browne (11)
New Zealand mare by Pins who makes her Australian debut supporting a record of five wins from twelve starts including her two most recent outings. Got back but finished too well for them last start in the Travis Stakes (2000m) to win by a long neck – Quintessential third – on a slow track where she’s three from three. Seems to be genuinely improving mare and the form reference to Quintessential would give her some chance of running a race, despite the significant jump in grade.
14. HIPPOPUS – C Munce (2)
Chris Munce jumps aboard this 3yo colt by High Chaparral who won the VRC St. Leger (2800m) at his most recent start. Jockey and Trainer (Gai Waterhouse) have a good strike rate together and would expect this bloke to lead or at least ensure a genuine tempo. 3yo’s have been dominant this season but can’t see him holding of runners of this calibre.
OVERVIEW
Hippopus and Ginga Dude lead with possibly, Lightinthenite and Fibrillation going forward from wider gates. Sticking with the Hollindale and obvious form (last three Doomben Cup winners have won or been placed in the Hollindale) but reversing the positions of that race and putting Foreteller on top from Lights of Heaven. As was the case with Lights Of Heaven, the Hollindale was Foreteller’s first run in a month but dropping back from 2400m of The BMW, I liked the way he hit the line. The step up to 2000m and the likelihood of a much better run in transit, should see him very hard to beat. Lamasery loomed up to win last start but being on his second run in this campaigned, felt the pinch late. He’ll be improved by that run and given he’ll get back, don’t be put off by the poor draw. He’ll be finishing hard.
