Gr 1 – Australian Guineas

Ric Chapman looks at the Gr 1 Australian Guineas, feels he has a handle on how it will pan out. Finds the top 4 home.

1. Observer (6)

Best Bet
J: Ethan Brown T: Ciaron Maher

Looks a superstar in the making and I think he wins this with his head on his chest. Hopes he gets out to $3. I’ll have a lash then.

PB Rating 9.8
Last 5 311x1
Win $2.30 Place $1.17
  • Proven Winner

2. Planet Red (9)

J: Jamie Melham T: Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr

Is very good and getting better with every run. Resumed and came from the clouds in 1400m Gr 2 Autumn Stakes last start running time when 2nd to Observer. Has beaten Observer over a mile previously so must be strongly fancied.

PB Rating 9
Last 5 432x2
Win $5.00 Place $1.55
  • Ready to Fire

3. West Of Swindon (3)

J: Ben Allen T: Ciaron Maher

Only saluted once from 9 starts but that was in a Gr 2 race. Likes to be on pace. Last start when resuming, was always well back behind Sixties over 1400m. Did make ground and is fitter now. Place show.

PB Rating 8
Last 5 194x6
Win $18.00 Place $3.10
  • Ready to Fire

4. Sixties (10)

J: Damian Lane T: Chris Waller

Showed he had something last prep when he led all the way to beat the subsequent Gr 1 winner Autumn Boy home in the Gr 3 Ming Dynasty. Since then, has raced twice since resuming and won both times very impressively, latest in good time here at Gr 3 level over 1400m. Yet to win at a mile but races like it will suit.

PB Rating 9
Last 5 15x11
Win $3.00 Place $1.25
  • Proven Winner

5. Bingi (2)

J: Luke Cartwright (A) T: Peter Moody & Kat Coleman

Has ability which he showed winning a 3Yo race at the Valley last prep but hasn’t run a place when 3 times sent to stakes races. Not keen.

PB Rating 7
Last 5 177x9
Win $101.00 Place $12.00
  • Good on Soft

6. Officiate (4)

J: Ben Melham T: Chris Waller

Winner once from 6 starts and this looks hard. Was placed at Listed level last prep. Since resuming was 5th, beaten comfortably by stablemate Sixties, last start. Place at very best.

PB Rating 7.3
Last 5 130x5
Win $51.00 Place $7.00
  • Good on Soft

7. Romantic Encounter (5)

J: Daniel Stackhouse T: Team Hayes

Has a sneaky shot at running a place here. Is 3rd up from a spell and did race on pace before hanging on for 4th to Sixties over 1400m in good time. Was Gr 2 placed this trip last prep.

PB Rating 8.1
Last 5 20x94
Win $31.00 Place $4.40
  • Ready to Fire

8. Victorious Spirit (7)

Best Value
J: Zac Spain T: Pete Moody & Kat Coleman

May be one to watch. Only raced 4 times but has improved a couple of lengths every run, culminating in a terrific career-best effort to place behind Observer last start over 1400m at Caulfield. Made up many lengths that day. Place show.

PB Rating 8.3
Last 5 231x3
Win $20.00 Place $3.30
  • Ready to Fire

9. Onavuitton (8)

J: Thomas Stockdale T: Simon Zahra

Won a Cranbourne maiden over 1200m in January, then at next start was doing best work late when 4th to Observer in Gr 2 Stutt Stakes over 1400m. Not raced this trip yet but runs like he can handle it. Class here is a concern.

PB Rating 8
Last 5 63x14
Win $31.00 Place $4.40
  • Likes Dry Track

10. Express Class (1)

J: Patrick Moloney T: Gerard Moloney

Handicapper who looks out of his depth at level weights.

PB Rating 5.7
Last 5 6x967
Win $61.00 Place $8.00
  • Good on Soft

First 4

1. Observer, 2. Planet Red, 3. Sixties, 4. Victorious Spirit

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On This Race

* PB rating based on form analysts’ opinion.