Doomben with the rail true and the weather is anyone’s guess. One way or the other it will be a wet track. If we get the expected rain raceday we might be in some grief.
1- ZAAKI– Clearly the one they all have to beat. May be better on top of the ground but he can win on anything. Win the All-star mile before a brave 2nd in the QE. Won the Hollindale in dominating fashion last start. He was very fresh there and has had the work put into him since. He might improve a couple of lengths of it. Look out if he does.
2-THE CHOSEN ONE– I’ve always liked this bloke and he is a very consistent horse too. Pretty much only runs in G1-2’s these days and the only issue for me is that he’s 5x better on good ground. Rain on the day would not suit.
3- KOLDING– Duffer on the wet.
4-KUKERACHA– Has enjoyed the slight drop in grade from Sydney and has been great his last two start. A listed win backed up with a 3rd in the Hollidale. Can be considered in exotics.
5-GREAT HOUSE– Can’t help but feel 2200+ would be more suitable on a bigger track but I don’t want to say ‘no’.
6-HUETOR– Gee I reckon they’d love to see an improving track. He’s been really good at each run this prep, all of them on heavy tracks. Comes here 3rd up ready to peak for one of the best stables in the land. Respecting.
7-MAXIMAL– Needs to improve.
8-ESTI FENY– Hasn’t been going bad but this is harder and looks outclassed.
9-POLLY GREY– The best wet tracker in the field. She’d love it to rain leading into it. Raced extremely well in Syd and then attacked the line late in the Hollindale when 2nd to Zaaki. Can push forward or take a sit. Reckon she runs very well again and sure to be around the money.
10-COVENTINA BAY– No knock on the GC run at all. I just can’t help but think she’s a superior horse in NZ and might not be as good in Australia. Wouldn’t surprise if she was able to land in wide first 4’s maybe.
*Nothing worth writing home about in these selections. Pretty straight forward.
ZAAKI on top to beat POLLY GREY.
