With hopes of participating in the 2yo Magic Millions Classic race to be held early next month, eleven colts and geldings line up in the Phelan Ready Stakes in an attempt to secure their position in the final field of the feature race. Vienna Royale, who registered a most impressive debut, clearly heads the market here with only Eljetem the only other runner under double figures.
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Phelan Ready Stakes Form Guide
1. VIENNA ROYALE – M Cahill (11)
After winning a barrier trial by 7 ½ lengths, the Tony Gollan trained runner started odds on favourite when making his debut in October. From an inside gate he led and ran his eight competitors off their legs, winning by 5 ½ lengths. The son of Falvelon has drawn the widest gate here but has shown well above average ability in his two appearances on a public tracks.
2. ELJETEM – J Byrne (6)
The half brother to Elmantosh – who ran third in last week’s Listed Recognition Stakes, made his debut on a heavy track three weeks ago. Initially it appeared the Bruce Hill trained runner was struggling in the conditions as he settled a few lengths of the second last horse but leaving the 600 mark, he commenced a wide run and finished well to run second ( ¾ length) to Celestial Dragon. Impressive last start and with the natural improvement and the chances of a better surface this weekend, he has to be given serious thought.
3. WAFFLE – (10)
Well bred son of Jet Spur who raced greenly on debut at the Gold Coast late last month. A scamper over 900m, he only held his ground in the run home and finished fourth of six (3 ½ lengths) behind All The Angels. The experience served him well and from the front, he raced more genuinely when scoring a head win in a Kilcoy Maiden last Sunday. Showed good improvement last start but this is a much tougher assignment.
4. GROOMED FOR GLORY – G Goold (9)
From the first crop to race by All American out of the well performed Redoute’s Choice mare Lodore Falls, the colt produced a very solid performance on debut a fortnight ago. He sat second in the run and boxed on very well in the heavy conditions, running fourth (1.1 lengths) behind Celestial Dragon and Eljetem. Went about his work in a professional manner on debut and could only be better for the experience.
5. BASSILLIQUE – R McMahon (2)
The first of five debutants in this race, this colt represents the very much in-form Toby Edmonds’ stables. By I Am Invincible out of the city winning mare Sacred Hill – who has had four to race for three winners, he has had two trails in readiness for here. Ric McMahon was aboard in the most recent of those trails which saw him run fourth of eight earlier this week. Draw should help on debut and has been kept relatively safe in the market at $13.00.
6. BOOM BOX – R Thompson (3)
Made his debut for trainer Bette Anne Harden a fortnight ago in a 850m scamper on the Sunshine Coast. The gelding by Domesday drew well but was disappointing late running second to last in the field of six. Off that run, hard to see him providing too much competition here.
7. GENERATOR GEORGE – L Cassidy (8)
After two promising barrier trials in the month leading up to his debut last fortnight, the son of Choisir started a well respected 8/1 in the 2yo Open handicap. He failed miserably to handle the heavy conditions and tailed of to run last of ten, over twenty lengths from the winner. Cassidy, who rode him in a winning trial and on debut, sticks with him here but that’s about the only lead that can be taken out of his debut effort.
8. GOLUANA – T Harrison (1)
A gelding by Haradasun, he makes his debut for Gold Coast trainer Paul Balzen who is also listed as part-owner. By the Canny Lad mare Mayneda – who has produced two winners from three to have raced, he finished a long neck second in his only barrier trial late last month. Drawn the inside gate which always helps the young horses.
9. SPEEDSHOW – C Munce (4)
First time we’ll see this son of Jet Spur in public given that he hasn’t trialled but the combination of Jockey – Munce, trainer – Neil Doyle and a favourable draw, means that he should be respected. He is the first foal of Sequalo mare Show Biz Miss who won four of her twenty-three starts – all on the Toowoomba track.
10. FLYING LUCKY – B Stewart (7)
A grey gelding by Lucky Owners out of the unraced Darley mare Kiteflyer, he won a Gatton trial just over a week ago. Comes from the David Pfieffer Toowoomba stables and happy to see what he can offer first up.
11. LACADA RAIN – T Bell (5)
First starter by Manhattan Rain out of a mare call Lacada Point whose racing career consisted of one start for David Hayes. She has had two horses to the races but yet to produce a winner. Haven’t seen this colt at any trials but hard to have him on what available information is available.
RACE OVERVIEW
On limited exposed form here but should pay to stick with it. Vienna Royale was put away with the Magic Millions firmly in mind after his debut and he’ll be ready to go here. Eljetem and Groomed For Glory both made their debut in the same race and there was plenty to like about their respective performances. Allowing for natural improvement, they both should figure prominently here. Out of the debutants, Bassillique and Goluana appeal the most.
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- VIENNA ROYALE
- GROOMED FOR GLORY
- ELJETEM
