The final race on the card of the BRC Carnival for 2013, is the WJ Healy Stakes for the sprinters. Last start winner Howmuchdoyouloveme heads the market of thirteen runners with local Delago Bolt representing good value for mine at $11.00.
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1. HOWMUCHDOYOULOVEME – N Rawiller (13)
After relative poor showings in the G1 The Galaxy and TJ Smith during the Autumn, the son of Written Tycoon was given a freshen up of eight weeks. The break served its purpose and he returned in the Listed Lightning Handicap with a dominant two length win under 59.5kgs. Goes up to 60kgs and drawn the widest gate which may prove a hard combination to combat.
2. SKYTRAIN – (3)
Thought he might be up to his old tricks when he loomed up to win the Listed Hall Mark Stakes but failed to run past stable-mate Rarefied before racing against the bias, under 60kgs, at Scone in the Luskin Star Stakes. Has to be ridden with cover and saved for the one shot at them – should get his chance from this gate.
3. RIVER LAD – E Wilkinson (8)
5yo trained by Natalie McCall who has been in solid form this time in and is out to make it back to back wins in this race. He ran a great second to Famous Seamus in the Listed Prime Minister’s Cup two starts back before a month off and returning with a sixth of seventeen behind Howmuchdoyouloveme in the Lightning Stakes. He was slow away in the Lightning and unable to capitalise on his good draw there, with that run now under his belt and going on his form prior, he’ll give a good account of himself here.
4. RIVA DE LAGO – J Bowman (11)
Chris Waller trained galloper who has ran second at his past three starts – the G3 Liverpool City Cup, G2 Ajax Stakes and the Listed Luskin Star Stakes. All efforts were obviously good and in his most recent outing, the Luskin Star, he made good ground against the bias and ran Fontelina to a length and a half. Will get back but sure to be steaming home.
5. GUNDY SON – R Wiggins (2)
Only won one of his past nineteen starts but he has shown enough in two runs back from a twelve week spell, to suggest that the drought may soon end. First up he was doing his best work late when fifth (beaten 1 ¾) behind Benny’s Buttons before finishing in front of all bar Pentasia in the Listed Chief De Beers last start. Another who will get back and may need a bit of luck to find clear space from his inside draw but only needs half a chance to be competitive.
6. DELAGO BOLT – A Allen (5)
Great ride by Allen when first up from a spell, he guided the 6yo by Delago Brom through the field from last on the turn to score on the line in a BM 90 before, flashing home late again at his next and most recent start, running second to Howmuchdoyouloveme in the Lightning Stakes. Dominant when winning third up last prep and over the 1200m with a solid pace, may not need to get as far back as he has recently. Meets Howmuchdoyouloveme 1.5kgs better at the weights. A lot to like about his chances.
7. FUNTANTES – G Colless (6)
Sat on the speed and well rated when scoring two starts back in an Open Fillies and Mares race at Doomben before taking on the better class of galloper and sticking on well for eighth (beaten 3.4 lengths) behind Detours in the Listed Bright Shadow. Will no doubt go forward again here but as she did last start, may find a few too slick for her.
8. GRIFFON – P Robl (12)
He has flashed home at each of his three runs this preparation with the two most recent efforts resulting in a fourth behind Pentasia in the Chief De Beers and going within a head of claiming the G2 QTC Cup last start behind Galah. Unlucky last start and do not mind him being drawn out wide here as he’ll appreciate the open space. Ran third in this race last year and going just as well this time in.
9. PETTY CURRY – R McMahon (4)
New Zealand galloper whose first start in Australia was a tenacious fourth (beaten ¾ length) behind Detours in the Silk Stocking on the Gold Coast. The Not A Single Doubt mare then competed in the G3 Glenlogan Park Stakes and, after having her chance in the run, weakened to run ninth. On her latest effort, she’ll have to lift.
10. BENNY’S BUTTONS – M Cahill (7)
A very smart trainer effort by Kelso Wood to produce this 5yo first up after nearly two years on the sidelines and claim an Eagle Farm Open class race, defeating Excellantes with Griffon fourth. Second up, got back from a wide gate and never figured behind Pentasia in the Listed Chief de Beers. First up run may have flattened him last start and has been given four weeks off since. Capable of producing the goods based on his return run.
11. LIESELE – C Munce (1)
Won four of five in the second half of last year but has struggled to recapture that form since returning to race this year. The Exceed and Excel mare has had three runs back from an eleven week spell with the best of them, a third placing in an Open fillies and mares race behind Funtantes.
12. ROYAL BENDER – (10)
Ran second to Griffon in the Lightning Stakes last year at only previous start in Queensland so would respect the stable’s decision to come north again for a crack at this race. Beat Classy Chloe two starts back in an Open F&M’s race at Caulfield over 1400m before finding the 58kgs too much late and running a half length second to Draw Forward last week at Moonee Valley. Drops back to 54kgs here, is fit and can produce a finish
13. SHAFEEQ – J Collett (9)
He hasn’t raced since finishing down the track in an Open class race at Eagle Farm back in March. Form prior to then whilst consistent, was in lesser grade than this and expect he would struggle here.
OVERVIEW
Probably a short as you’d want it for Howmuchdoyouloveme ($3.70) given his weight and draw. Have settled on River Lad as the best way to go here eachway. He’s a very consistent galloper who had excuses last start and is much better suited here to the 1200m. He should be able to take a forward position from his gate and give them something to catch on a track where he has won five from fourteen on with a further four placings. Riva De Lago next best, would’ve preferred an extra 100m – he’s only won one from six this trip – but he’s in good form and has found a winnable race. Skytrain (if wet) should get a lovely run from his gate and be in a good position throughout and Delago Bolt – has ran two eye-catching races back from a spell and will be peaking for this are the next best.
