Here’s a look at the big ones in Sydney.
DONCASTER MILE- 1600 G1
Always one of the best races of the year. A handful of overseas horses and they are the query, I usually back them but I am personally just going to have to risk them here. Lots of talk about MOIERA , so respect any more money for it. ANISETTE is the other and like the fact it’s had official trial and although it ran last, it was a pass mark.
Main lead up race was the one GRINGOTTS won. He is tactically versatile and from gate 6 he gets just about the perfect run in transit. The way that race was run, I feel TOM KITTEN was potentially the best run in the race. He is airborne at the moment. Group 1 winner two runs back and best L200m splits in that race and the last start effort. My only concern is gate 1, needs a good steer from there.
ANOTHER WILL is just one who keeps getting better. Can make a case he should have beaten TOM KITTEN in the All-Star Mile after nearly falling in the straight. Set to peak here, handles all ground and is a chance of finding the back on Royal Patronage early and getting across behind leaders/midfield with cover.
Like what we have seen with LINEBACKER and the 49kg is a positive off a G1 win. Had to do the chasing last start and still too good for a great field. Should be positive with no weight and land in first 5-6 and get every chance.
SELECTIONS:
1-ANOTHER WIL + 3-TOM KITTEN
20-LINEBACKER
2-GRINGOTTS
9-ANISETTE
T.J. SMITH 1200m Group 1
They didn’t run along in the Canterbury stakes and the runs on SUNSHINE IN PARIS and MAGIC TIME were both very good. They have proven themselves at this level and both should be better for the run. Neither of their gates are ideal but both in the race.
BRIASA is the one on the way up. Don’t think the Galaxy is the best formline but his run was brilliant. Best L600-400-200m and you can’t do any better than that. Sky is still the limit with him.
JOLIESTAR isn’t one of mine but she has great ability on her day. JIMMYSSTAR is one of mine, just not sure if he is better suited Melbourne way. He has been in excellent form recently.
TRAFFIC WARDEN a potential blowout back to Sydney.
*DON’T REALLY WANT TO SPLIT THESE>
————————-
SIRES – Group 1 – 3yr old 1400m
WODETON looks the obvious from the Slipper. Got the splits but just didn’t let rip as expected. Looked more like a 1400m horse there and this looks to be a good set up with Ryan Moore on top.
RIVELLINO was nearly every bit as good as that horse in the Slipper. Not the clearest path and similar late splits. Can be hard to beat here.
VINROCK is 2/2 in Victoria and has trialled well in Sydney since arriving. He was sensational at Flemington last start and might well push forward and steal a break on the rise here. If son the different form line might actually be the right one.
Easy to make a case for others and not much would surprise.
SELECTIONS:
3-VINROCK
2-WODETON
1-RIVELLINO
AJC DERBY 2400m Group1 3yr old
Huge fan of AELIANA, hasn’t put a foot wrong and has nothing but upside. 2400m is a genuine query but she comes out of high quality races and hasn’t shirked the task in them. Hard to beat but surprised she is so short.
WILLYDOIT is a ripper from NZ. He is a big strider and the mid range barrier should be ideal. Handles all ground and just travels sweetly in his races. If he brings his very best he will be the one they have to run down. You know he runs the trip and has a great overall record.
THEDOCTOROFLOVE has won or placed in 5 of 6 and was runner up to the horse above in the NX Derby. Was a G2 winner over there before that race and is another genuine stayer. Hard to peak them a couple of times over the ditch but has great credentials.
SHANWAH comes through easier races that suited but gets Shinn on board and maps to lead or sit on leaders back and get every possible chance. 2400m a slight query but has a heap of upside and in the best stable around.
SELECTIONS:
1-WILLYDOIT
18-AELIANA
3-THEDOCTOROFLOVE
4-SHANWAH
