Group 2 racing returns to Sydney on Saturday, and the Missile Stakes headlines an outstanding program.
There are ten winners to be found in total, and you can find all of my 2023 Missile Stakes Day Tips below!
Highway Plate (1800m) – 11:30am
Burrandana has opened a $1.75 favourite ahead of the first on Missile Stakes Day, but I think that he is under the odds at that price, and I am happy to take him on.
The one that I am keen on at a price instead is Holstein.
Holstein has made three appearances at the races since resuming back in June, improving noticeably with each, and filling the minors in BM70 company at Doomben last time.
With further improvement, I think he’ll be right in the finish, and we can have an each way play at the price ($9 at publish).
Suggested Bet: No. 1 Holstein
Midway Handicap (1100m) – 12:05pm
Dancing Alone puts her unbeaten record on the line in this week’s Midway Handicap.
The I Am Invincible mare won races in Canberra and Kembla Grange during her debut campaign, and returned this time for a dominant win in BM64 company.
This is another rise in class and she’ll need luck from the draw, but it does appear well within her means, and the booking of James McDonald certainly doesn’t hurt her chances.
Suggested Bet: No. 11 Dancing Alone
Schweppes Handicap (2400m) – 12:40pm
I’m keen to stick with Aristonous in Race 3 on Missile Stakes Day.
The talented import stamped himself as one to watch by winning each of his first two starts for the Annabel Neasham yard, including a mile race at Randwick two back, before returning another credible effort for fourth behind Thorin at Caulfield last time out.
He steps out this week in peak order and does look to be crying out for the mile and a half!
Suggested Bet: No. 5 Aristonous
Vale John Duggan Handicap (1400m) – 1:15pm
Kangaroo Court won a similar race here at Rosehill at his latest and I am happy to keep backing him until he gives us a reason not to!
The Snitzel gelding has won two of thee back this time, but there’s no doubt that his most-recent effort was the best of his career to date.
He looks to be in peak order and the small drop in trip this week shouldn’t be a concern.
Suggested Bet: No. 3 Kangaroo Court
Elite Sand & Soil Handicap (1200m) – 1:50pm
Waverider Buoy hasn’t finished worse than second in three starts back this time, and she strikes another winnable race on Missile Stakes Day.
The Chris Waller-trained mare beat home the likes of Hi Dubai here second start back this time and only denied by a head in a similar race, last time out.
I’m not expecting the wide draw to be too much of concern as she’ll settle off the pace, and with appropriate luck, she’ll be tough to hold out again.
Suggested Bet: No. 2 Waverider Buoy
Jockey Celebration Day Handicap (1350m) – 2:25pm
King Of Naples is chasing a hat-trick this week, and he’s another whose winning claims have been further boosted by the booking of J-Mac.
King Of Naples stripped fitter with a couple of fair efforts at the midweeks first and second up, and returned to winning form in BM72 company two starts back.
Having franked that performance with another eye-catching one at Randwick last time, something like this is the next logical target!
Suggested Bet: No. 4 King Of Naples
NSWJA Jockey Reunion Handicap (1200m) – 3pm
I’m sticking with Legio Ten when he returned to Sydney on Saturday.
The Godolphin gelding won each of his first two starts back this year, including a decent 1100m dash at Flemington back in June, and he has placed in each of his first two runs back from a freshen-up.
Fitter third-up this week, he’s my best bet on the program.
Suggested Bet: No. 5 Legio Ten
Group 2 Missile Stakes (1200m) – 3:40pm
This is the first serious indication of the Sydney Spring Carnival for me every year, and we are set for another outstanding edition of the Missile Stakes!
Big Parade has been transferred to the care of sprint king Joe Pride this time, and I think that this is the perfect race for him.
Big Parade has been a good horse throughout his career and did pick off some nice races for Mark Newnham, but a recent trial at Warwick Farm suggested that perhaps, he’s gone to another level.
He races well fresh, is drawn a peach and gets into this race well at the weights.
Suggested Bet: No. 4 Big Parade
Premier’s Cup Prelude (1800m) – 4:15pm
Fawkner Park has recorded four wins from as many starts back this time and looms as the one to beat again in the Premier’s Cup Prelude.
The Zoffany gelding broke his maiden in his first start aboard, and he is unbeaten in his four starts for Annabel Neash, including a pair of BM78 races here at his last two.
He’s hard fit and ready for something of this quality.
Suggested Bet: No. 11 Fawkner Park
Benchmark 78 Handicap (1500m) – 4:50pm
Aubred Rising Sun makes his eagerly awaited return to the races in the last on Missile Stakes Day and boy, can he run a race fresh!
The Maurice gelding stormed onto the three-year-old scene during his debut prep, winning two of his first three starts before filling the minors in Group 2 company in Victoria.
He’s had the benefit of a couple of trials leading up to Saturday, and it does look a nice kick-off point for him.
Suggested Bet: No. 3 Ausbred Rising Sun
