Feature of the day at Flemington is the Standish Handicap with great interest here the Australian debut of former Hong Kong champion, Good Ba Ba. He’ll have to be near the top of his game though should he be capable of toppling dominate favourite – Catapulted who, after a super impressive win first up is quoted at $2.15 in Sportsbet’s early markets.
1. GOOD BA BA
A former Hong Kong champion who, now has an eleven year old, calls the stable of Rick Hore-Lacy home. His last win was the G1 Hong Kong Mile back in December 2009. He’s had two barrier trials in readiness for his Austrlian debut, comfortably winning the first and with Callow aboard in the second trial – more to get a feel for the horse. Hope the old boy runs well.
Odds: $16.00
2. CATAPULTED
The 7yo returned from a seven month spell in spectacular style, winning the Listed Doveton Stakes (1000m) at Caulfield under 60.5kgs. That run was a little over three weeks ago and hard to imagine that he hasn’t improved in the interim. Drawn to have options in gate six and has won three from five up the straight.
Odds: $2.25
3. OUTLANDISH LAD
A good effort first up in the G2 Yellowglen Stakes behind Fontelina on Derby Day was followed up by an equally good effort when winning a Caulfield a little over a month ago. Enjoying having his run spaced and has the services of Boss for today. Fancy the old fella (he’s a 7yo) is going as well as he every has and is a genuine each-way chance.
Odds: $9.50
4. ELUSIVE TOUCH
Won well first up in a Geelong Open back in October before a month off and drifting from 6’s out to 12’s and running accordingly in a Ballarat Open (1200m). Been close to six weeks now since that run and has struggled his last two starts up the Flemington straight. Happy to bet around him.
Odds: $34.00
5. BONNIE MAC
Kicked off her career in New Zealand before coming across to Australia and winning three of her five starts, including the Listed Proud Miss Stakes in Adelaide. She hasn’t been to the races since her disappointing last in the G1 Tatt’s Tiara at Eagle Farm in July. Has obvious ability but a race like this first up would be no mean feat.
Odds: $12.00
6. TOP DROP
Resumed from a seven month spell with a fifth of sixteen behind Rescue Mission in a Ballarat Open late November. Hasn’t raced since and would expect that on his first up effort, he’d have to improve too much to be winning here. He does have a second in the Listed MSS Security Stakes to Facile Tigre up the Flemington Straight to his record.
Odds: $61.00
7. ADAMANTIUM
He was ridden more aggressively last start and it paid dividends with a two length win in Open company of Big Buddie. From gate three, expect he’ll be ridden out again and Newitt sticks with him. He ran third in the G1 Futurity behind King Mufhasa in February so definitely a capable gallope
Odds: $5.50
8. ADAMON
7yo from the Nathan McPherson yard who has struggled at each of his three runs in this prep, the latest of which was a 4.5 length tenth of thirteen to Adamantium. Meets them better at the weights but that won’t be enough for mine.
Odds: $61.00
9. HOTHAM HEIGHTS
Ultra consistent galloper who resumed with a third to Catapult in the Listed Doveton before a neck second to Beltrios over the 1000m here at Flemington. Hasn’t missed a place in his last ten starts and although drawn poorly in fourteen, might be worth including in multiples at the $17.00 mark.
Odds: $17.00
10. VERDASCO
Comfortably held when resuming behind Outlandish Lad at Caulfield two starts back before just holding his ground when eighth of thirteen behind Adamantium (beaten 3.5 lengths) Only won the one from eight this track and would be surprised if he registered his second win a this race.
Odds: $81.00
11. DEVILS FORCE
6yo from Mark Riley’s yard who resumed from a seven month spell with a pleasing three length fifth to Adamantium. Expecting him to be better for that run but from the widest gate, he’ll have his work cut out for him to win a race of this quality second up.
Odds: $41.00
12. BIG BUDDIE
Well supported last start and started at 15/4 but wasn’t able to haul in Adamantium and finished second, two lengths away. That was his first look at the straight course and he should be improved for the experience. Gets barrier one here and that can as much as an advantage as it could be a disadvantage.
Odds: $18.00
13. LANGRIDGE STREET
Elvstroem gelding who has picked a pretty slick race to make his return to racing in. Last start he was second to Silent Surround in a RST 94 race in Adelaide over 1950m. Whilst he hasn’t missed a place in three first up runs previously, he should be well and truly safely held here.
Odds: $126.00
14. FLYING ICON
Made good ground late two runs back when seventh of twelve behind Shout Out Loud (since average in the Villiers) in Open company before settling at the rear and making little impression for a twelfth of fifteen behind British General over 1410m in a RST 89. Drops back to 1200m and down to 54kgs from 56kgs but can’t see him winning this on recent efforts.
Odds: $31.00
15. GOLDSTONE
5yo from Bart Cummings stable who has only had three runs since May 2011, the latest of which was a good first up effort behind Big Bear Rock in a RST 82 (1000m). That being his first run for six months, can only be better for it and did win this track/trip in June. When compared to Big Bear Rock, think he’s overs.
Odds: $34.00
16. BIG BEAR ROCK
Won at Fannie Bay back in July and brought that form with him when resuming with a comfortable 1 ¼ win in a RST 82 (1000m) here at Flemington a little over a fortnight ago. Hit the line well on that occasion and a repeat effort should see him figure in the first half a dozen positions here.
Odds: $15.00
SUMMARY
As he proved with is first up win, Catapult can carry the big weight with ease and despite there being a good number of entrants in this race, the class isn’t deep. The black figure odds are good enough to take and think he’ll be very hard to beat. Outlandish Lad is going well and see him as the only danger to the favourite.
