The Myer Classic has proven a real nightmare for a majority of punters over the past few years, with only one winner from the six years, (Red Tracer 2/1 favourite), starting less than 15/1. First Seal, who comes off a good win in the Tristarc Stakes at her most recent run, is the current favourite but with only Don’t Doubt Mamma ($7.00), Danish Twist ($9.00) and Whispering Brook ($7.00) the only other two runners in the field of quality runners, it could prove another tough assignment for punters.
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1. RISING ROMANCE – D Lane (14)
Great effort first up behind Black Heart Bart in the Memsie Stakes (1400m) but her efforts in the Makybe Diva and Stocks Stakes since, where she’s finished seventh and fourth respectively, have been disappointing. A return to Flemington should suit – she generally races well here and does have the class factor against her own sex, but maps as though she’ll be giving them a big start here from the wide gate and not sure she’s going as well as she could be given her last couple.
2. FIRST SEAL – B Shinn (1)
Loomed up to win first up off a break in the Golden Pendant, which has proven to be a very good form race, but weakened late running fifth behind Tycoon Tara. She took benefit from that run and a text book ride from Shinn to score at her next start, the Tristarc Stakes (1400m). Draws to get another good run here, and a touch of luck at the top of the straight, will see her right in the mix.
3. ZANBAGH – M Zahra (5)
Never threatened first up in the Golden Pendant first up – finishing last of ten before only a better effort in the G3 Angst Stakes, finishing fifth (4.2 lengths) behind Dixie Blossom. Won the G3 Emancipation Stakes third up last preparation, after producing stronger lead-up form, and with three of her five career wins coming on slow or heavy ground, think her best chance of success here is if the rain comes.
4. DANISH TWIST – J Moreira (8)
Did well first up to run third in the G2 Premiere Stakes behind Takedown and Our Boy Malachi – both of whom have raced well since, before finishing fifth in the Tristarc Stakes behind First Seal. It was her first go the Melbourne way, and think she’ll take enormous benefit from it. Hit the line really well late and the step up to the mile at Flemington, looks ideal. Must come in for strong consideration.
5. HEAVENS ABOVE – T Angland (15)
Honest mare who always gives her best. She held her ground in the Golden Pendant when sixth (3.5 lengths) behind Tycoon Tara before finishing within two lengths of Hauraki in the G1 Epsom Handicap at her most recent start. Ran second to Azkadellia in the G1 Queen Of The Turf over this trip during the autumn and although she’s drawn wide, with any ounce of luck from the jump, she’ll give a good account of herself at very good price given her form.
6. FRENCH EMOTION – H Bowman (3)
Finished strongly to win the G3 Blazer Stakes two runs back, continuing her strong vein of form, before running sixth behind First Seal in the Tristarc Stakes. She settled a few back on the fence and got into open space in the straight without any drama, holding her ground late to sixth. Gets a good run here from three and was only 1.3 lengths from Don’t Doubt Mamma in the G2 Let’s Elope Stakes three runs back. Similar effort puts her in the mix.
7. DON’T DOUBT MAMMA – D Dunn (13)
Arrived just in time to claim the Let’s Elope Stakes two runs back before finishing strongly in the Stocks Stakes to beat Kaniana – who won the G3 Tesio Stakes at Moonee Valley last week, by a long neck. Real little racehorse this mare and whilst she’ll have to give them a start from gate 13, she’s in top form and will be finishing strongly again.
8. SERENE MAJESTY – K McEvoy (9)
She had her chance last start when fourth in the Ladie’s Day Vase (1600m) but, was hitting the line well and the big spaces of Flemington as opposed to Caulfield, will suit her. Her jockey is in rare form at present and will give her every hope again but this is bar the toughest race she has contested and would be happy to see her prove herself at this level before including her among the better hopes.
9. PEARLS – J McDonald (12)
Has drawn well and enjoyed lovely runs in transit in each of her past two runs – the Golden Pendant and Tristarc Stakes, when finishing third in both events. She hasn’t drawn favourable here though out in twelve, and whilst her form is solid, doubt she’ll be afforded the same opportunities this time around and that’ll make her task of turning the recent beaten margins around, tougher.
10. DIXIE BLOSSOMS – T Clark (4)
Really hitting their straps is this daughter of Street Sense who posted an impressive 1.3 length win in the G3 Angst Stakes at her most recent outing. The start before saw her split Tycoon Tara and First Seal in the Golden Pendant with a determined on-pace effort. Drawn perfectly, form reads as good as it could, and rates very close to the top.
11. DENMAGIC – T Berry (11)
Posted her third consecutive fourth placing from as many starts this campaign when finishing 1.7 lengths behind First Seal in the Tristarc Stakes last start. Competing well in the right lead-up races and maybe the step up to the mile – which saw her run second to Tsaritsa when she last competed over it, is the key for her in finding that extra length or two required.
12. EURO ANGEL – Z Purton (11)
Made them step from Benchmark to Group 3 in sensational style when posting a strong 1.5 length win in the Ladies Day Vase at Caulfield. She settled three wide with cover, midfield, before letting down nicely in the straight to win going away. Obviously on a rapid improvement curve and plenty to stop and think about with the $13 on offer.
13. PURE PRIDE – C Williams (7)
Earned her spot in this field with a fast finishing second (long neck) to French Emotion in the G2 Blazer Stakes at the start of the month. Has had her previous runs spaced by trainer Murray Johnson so no concern about not having another run since, but still on the one win from seven starts to date and no prepared to say her second will come in a Group 1.
14. WHISPERING BROOK – C Parnham (2)
Scratched at the barrier last week which means she hasn’t raced since the 8th October when third to Global Glamour in the G1 1000 Guineas. The Western Australian filly has some big expectations on her and she’ll get her chance to live up to them here from the inside gate, but not so sure about the price – she’s been beaten favourite twice from her three starts in Victorian and this race is top shelf.
15. I AM A STAR – Dean Yendall (10)
Ran second to Global Glamour in the G1 1000 Guineas before looking the winner at the top of the straight in last weekend Fillies Classic at Moonee Valley before being run down late by a fast-finishing Nurse Kitchen and finishing third. Won’t find this any easier – especially from an awkward draw and would be looking to others.
RACE SUMMARY –
Pearls probably crosses with Rising Romance to lead with First Seal and Dixie Blossoms making full advantage of their draw. Going with Danish Twist to be able to get home over the top of them here. Liked her last 100m in the Tristarc Stakes and the mile at Flemington looks ideal. First Seal was back to her best last start and can’t find a reason to doubt here being in the finish here. The concern with Don’t Doubt Mamma is just how far back she gets – how much start she’ll be giving quality opposition. She’ll be taking ground of the strongly late, but needs a few things to fall her way from back there. Euro Angel could be the blowout for mine.
1. DANISH TWIST
2. FIRST SEAL
3. DON’T DOUBT MAMMA
4. EURO ANGEL
