First of nine big races at Randwick on Derby Day is for the 2yo’s and the Kindergarten Stakes. Early markets would suggest it to be a match race between Darley runner Safeguard ($2.70) and Peter Moody’s Il Cavallo ($1.80).
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Kindergarten Stakes Form Guide
1. ICONIC – C Williams (9)
A son of Bel Esprit that won a Ballarat Maiden resuming from a spell in February, before netting connections the $150k winner’s cheque with narrow victory in the VOBIS Gold race at Bendigo. Whilst his record can’t be knocked, he does face some slick/promising ones here and has to do so from the widest gate.
2. SAFEGUARD – K McEvoy (8)
The winner of a Flemington 2yo race back in December and was once, a leading contender for the Golden Slipper. We haven’t seen this son of Exceed and Excel since but he did look the goods in a recent Rosehill barrier trial. From the yard that churns out good 2yo after good 2yo.
3. DIAMOND OASIS – J McDonald (4)
Finished well to narrowly win a Gosford Maiden on debut on the 11th of March and his trainer John O’Shea, immediately threw the Lonhro colt into the G2 Pago Pago Stakes and he applied himself well. Settling on a good speed, he held on well for fourth (beaten 3.9 lengths) behind Sidestep and Dothraki. Gets a good run again and better for his latest outing.
4. DIVINE CALLING – N Rawiller (2)
Well bred son of Golden Slipper winner Stratum out of Rubicall who won the G3 Sweet Embrace, and is under the care of Gai Waterhouse. Pipped by Diamond Oasis in – what has turned out to be, a smart Gosford Maiden on debut before winning a Restricted race at Canterbury last week. Like she did last start, gets a good run in transit and has already been backed in from an opening price of $26.00 into $13.00.
5. ZABA ZABA DOO – J Collett (7)
Snitzel colt with Gerald Ryan – obviously – who stepped out on debut in a Randwick Maiden on Easter Monday as 15/8 Favourite and didn’t let punters down, recording a head victory. Camped on speed and toughed it out well but won’t get that luxury from his gate today.
6. Il CAVALLO – L Nolen (1)
Well bred son of Choisir who was an emergency for last week’s Golden Slipper and, according to some including Trainer Peter Moody, would’ve given it a shake had he secured a start. Only has the one outing to date – a comprehensive 3 ¾ win at Sandown. Drawn to get the favours and has exciting wraps on him.
7. EVERAGE – N Berry (3)
Can’t really knock the form of this Zizou filly who, among her four starts to date, has two wins (both on Heavys track and one of them over Twilight Royale) and a second placing to Overreach in the Listed Widden Stakes. Won a trial at Randwick last week and will be prominent throughout from a good draw but would be hoping for rain.
8. MADAME FLY – (5)
Won her second race start (at 25/1) a Warwick Farm maiden before being safely held by Dothraki at Canterbury late December. Resumed in the G2 Magic Night Stakes as a 100/1 shot and ran accordingly, finishing last of thirteen.
9. CONSOMME – (6)
Debuted in December of last year at Warwick Farm in a 2yo Open race and was beaten 12.4 lengths behind I’m All The Talk and two weeks later, was beaten by 19.4 lengths by Champagne Cath at Rosehill. Resumed in a Newcastle Maiden a fortnight back but again was safely held and will be so again here.
OVERVIEW
With Il Cavallo drawing the inside, think he’ll have to go forward and keen not to let him too far out of sight, expect Safeguard to go forward from his gate (8) as well. Betting suggests these two will fight it out but behind them, Divine Calling and Diamond Oasis, who met on debut with little between them, get good runs in behind the speed and are capable types.