The Herbert Power is one of the last chances for Melbourne Cup hopefuls, including some international runners we’ll see for the first time, to qualify for the big race in four weeks
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1. PRECEDENCE
He finally, after almost two years, cracked it for his seventh career win with a good effort at his favourite track – Moonee Valley, in an Open Handicap race two starts back. Not as pleasing was his effort last start in the JRA Cup finishing tenth of fourteen behind Bianmick. Capable on his day but only the one win from sixteen starts at this track.
Odds: $9.00
2. GATEWOOD
International runner who hasn’t raced since finishing second in the G2 Deauville (2500m) in France. He has won four from eight, and been placed a further three times and has been attracting good money in the early markets, firming from $5.00 into $4.00.
Odds: $3.70
3. IRONSTEIN
He has had three starts since a brief let up after a Brisbane Winter Carnival campaign that saw him place in the G3 Chairman’s Hcp and G3 Premier’s Cup. Last start made good ground late in the JRA Cup (2040m) at Moonee Valley – as was the case at both runs prior. Drawn well and should be thereabouts.
Odds: $15.00
4. SHAHWARDI
The second of the international runners also from France and, also boasting a solid record in Listed and Group Company. His last start was eight week ago over the 3000m of the G2 Prix Kergorlay where he finished second (beaten 1.2 lengths) behind Joshua Tree. Never far away in his races back at home but bookies offering $17.00 about this import and betting the best guide.
Odds: $15.00
5. BIANMICK
He is in career best form winning five of his last eight including, at his most recent start, a fantastic win the G3 JRA Cup at Moonee Valley. Sat wide on that occasion and took off for home at the 700m mark and simply outstayed them. May have to produce that effort or better again given his wide draw here.
Odds: $15.00
6. DANCE WITH HER
Very consistent mare who has finish in the top two in twenty one of her fourty-two starts including a second placing last start in the JRA Cup behind Bianmick. That was only her second run this prep and didn’t shirk her task in chasing the winner home. She’ll be fitter again and at an early quote of $11.00, appeals on an each-way basis.
Odds: $11.00
7. REUBEN PERCIVAL
Gai Waterhouse trained stayer who has had two runs back from a spell. The latest was last week when he chased home the current Caulfield Cup favourite, Glencadam Gold in the G1 Metropolitan Handicap. Can only be fitter and will be in a forward position throughout – with the Waterhouse stable firing, will have his share of admirers.
Odds: $15.00
8. EXCEPTIONALLY
She, or his trainer to be more precise, caused a stir when scratched from last week’s Flemington meeting because the track was too firm. She has been installed as the equal $5.00 favourite here after her big finishing effort in the Naturalism Stakes behind Folding Gear (2000m), beaten 3/4. Drawn wide, will get back and be finishing hard.
Odds: $5.50
9. EXCLUDED
A gelding by High Chaparral from the very much in-form Robert Hickmott stable who was sent out a short priced favourite in the JRA Cup at his last start, after two good wins in Open Class, but finished eighth beaten 4.6 lengths Still yet to prove himself this class and after his last run, thought the $7.50 was a little on the short side.
Odds: $8.00
10. MR. O’CEIRIN
He led the field and was only grabbed inside the last 50 metres by a track specialist at his last start when running second in the G3 Naturalism Stakes. Fancy he’ll be the leading again here, will be fitter and any edge out of the track will be a bonus. $7.00 about him in early markets should be closely looked at.
Odds: $7.50
11. SILENT SURROND
A 6yo mare from Adelaide who got a long way back and made steady ground in the Naturalism Stakes (2000m) at her last start. Last time she raced over this trip was back in her 3yo days in the VRC Oaks in 2009.
Odds: $61.00
12. I’M JAKE
Last start ran second to Dame Claire – who ran third last week in the Listed Bart Cummings last week – beaten ½ length. A slight case may be made for him off of that run but is probably the right price at $41.00
Odds: $41.00
13. BUDAI
Form import whose best effort from seven Australian runs for trainer David Hayes, has been a second (at 40/1) on a Heavy track here at Caulfield over 2000m. Not here.
Odds: $151.00
14. GUNS AT FIVE
Former NZ now with Peter Moody who caught the eye at his second run this prep over 1600m at Moonee Valley behind Precedence but expected much more from him at his latest start, where he dropped out from midfield to finish eleventh of fourteen (beaten 8.3) behind Bianmick. Not on that last run.
Odds: $41.00
15. RED EYE SPECIAL
Ran second in the G3 Colin Stephenson and fifth in the G1 Metropolitan this time last year but has struggled to reproduce that form this year. Well beaten (sixth, beaten 9.2) last start in the Listed Ansett Stakes at Mornington behind Dame Claire. Will struggle here.
Odds: $51.00
16. AULD BURNS
Yet another import but he has failed to register a place from six starts in Australia. Probably under the odds at $201.00.
Odds: $101.00
OVERVIEW
Wide open affair and given that Exceptionally will get a long way back, I’ll be looking for more than the $5.00 on offer about her. Thought Reuben Percival was great last week and a replica of that run sees him well and truly in the mix here – and at good each-way value @ $11.00. Dance With Her, also at $11.00, looks in good order for this race after her most recent effort and was good at her only try this trip when second behind Lights Of Heaven in the G2 Brisbane Cup during the Winter Carnival. The amount of money for the international runner Gatewood can’t be ignored.
