The final day of the carnival kicks off with twelve 2yo’s, five of whom are lining up for their first start, over the 1000m.
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1. CRACK A ROADIE – C Williams (10)
Charge Forward colt, trained by Stephen Theodore who made is debut at Moonee Valley on Cox Plate day. He finished well from the tail of the field to secure a narrow victory over Diva Dee. That race day experience and the natural ability he displayed, makes him a natural selection despite the awkward draw.
Odds: $5.00
2. EXCITES ZELADY – Ms A Herrman (4)
He overcame trouble on debut at Morphettville to score a good win over the Tony McEvoy trained, The Voice. He is by Excites out of Zedative mare – Zelady who has had five to race with four winners and he is drawn to get every chance in the run.
Odds: $31.00
3. SHAMUS AWARD – J Bowman (11)
A Snitzel colt trained by Danny O’Brien who, when on debut, sat just off the speed in the Inglis 2yo at Moonee Valley but was no match for Crack A Roadie late. That start will have given him some confidence but unlike last start, does not have a favourable draw.
Odds: $12.00
4. DIRECT CHARGE – S Arnold (5)
Robbie Laing trains this colt by Charge Forward who has had two starts thus far and although is yet to run a place, has shown some promise by finishing fifth in the Listed Superracing at Flemington on debut and fourth behind Crack A Roadie. Dam is a well bred, unraced Redoute’s Choice mare who has had four to race for three winners including Speed Queen and Direct Charge.
Odds: $26.00
5. CITATIONS – K McEvoy (8)
Redoute’s Choice colt who caught the eye with a strong effort on debut behind Sweet Idea at Randwick three weeks back. Sweet Idea ran second at Rosehill last week. Dam is a half to the well performed Fravashi and respecting the fact that the stable has picked this race out for him.
Odds: $3.40
6. WOULDN’T IT BE NICE – M Rodd (9)
From the Newcastle stables of Paul Perry, this Choisir colt made his debut behind the smart Whittington in the Listed Breeders Plate at Randwick back in early October. He finished fourth on that occasion (beaten 3.7 lengths) behind some 2yos who looked to have their fair share of ability. Not to be overlooked.
Odds: $12.00
7. GRACIOUS PROSPECT – C Schofield (6)
The first of five first-starters is a David Hayes Tale of the Cat colt out of a Redoute’s Choice mare, Lady Gracious. The dam has only had one to the races, which was the Patinack Farm owned, Affable – winner on debut and of the Listed Carmicheal Stakes.
Odds: $26.00
8. IL CAVALLO – (3)
The famous colours of Makybe Diva will be carried in this race by this Peter Moody trained debutant. Had a trial at Cranbourne on the 23 October where he was a comfortable 4 length winner. Given that his dam is a half to champion Starspangledbanner, this bloke has a lot in his favour to say he can make his presence felt here.
Odds: $5.50
9. MAHICAN – (2)
A second runner for Peter Moody, this colt by More Than Ready out of a well performed and G3 placed mare, Eskaw. This is her first foal to the races and it will also be the first time we see him in public. With no trials to go on, best move may be to monitor the betting around him.
Odds: $8.50
10. SCOT FREE – D Oliver (1)
By Strategic, this Mark Riley trained runner will be ridden by Damien Oliver and have the advantage of the inside draw – a big bonus in 2yo races. Riley always seems to have a smart one in his yard and respect the fact that he has chosen a race of this quality for his debut run.
Odds: $9.00
11. DIVA DEE – V Duric (12)
The first of two fillies in the race, she was grabbed right on the line by Crack A Roadie on debut at Moonee Valley. Trainer and Jockey combined successfully on Derby Day with Fontelina and will fancy their chances of repeating that victory here.
Odds: $7.50
12. LA BALLERINE – Scratched
SUMMARY
With limited exposed form, you have to go off what you have seen or, see on the bookies boards. Of those to have had a run, Crack A Roadie and Diva Dee pick themselves but both of them have drawn out wide and interestingly, most of the sprint races on Derby Day where won closer to the fence. I’m opting for Sydney visitors Citations and Wouldn’t It Be Nice. Both ran well on debut and are from good stables. Of the first starters, closely monitor the Moody pair who both have plenty to like about them.
