Gr 1 – Doomben Cup

Whenever Blake Shinn jumps on board this bloke, he runs 10 lengths better than usually. And Shinn is back on today. Last start they combined to easily win the Hollindale Cup over 1800m on a heavy track thrashing Fawkner Park and Kovalica. Likely to be in the mix to do it all again.

After an autumn carnival where he won about half a million in stakes and was one of the stars, he came north and didn’t find the front at any stage in the Hollindale. That’s not like him at all. Was beaten 12 lengths. Is better than that but he may be ready for a spell.

Top class at this trip and can run very fast time. Track probably will be damp and he handles that too. Last start was 2nd to Antino in the Hollindale on a heavy track. Ridden forward that day. If he settles just off speed…big show. Fit, in form and ready to pounce.

Solid, honest grey who will be up on speed from gate rise. Is very fit now too. Led all the way to easily win the Gr 3 JRA Plate on soft track at Randwick before being on speed and running a handy 6th to Antino. Probably can’t lead here if Pride Of Jenny runs but will box away gamely.

Hadn’t shown a thing in 3 starts since being gelded then he came north, ran in the Gr 2 Hollindale and was an eye-catching 5th after being 11th for home on a heavy track. Gets a soft surface here and that run suggests he might be finding his best form. If so, place hope.

Good on his day and may be approaching that form again. Carried big weight and made good ground late from the back when 3rd to Punch Line in the much easier Hawkesbury Cup last start over 1600m on a heavy. Should be running on but needs to lift a little more.

What a horse. Has raced in the Cox Plate, Melbourne Cup, George Ryder, Doncaster all Gr 1 races at past 4 starts. So must have loved dropping back to Gr 2 level last start in the Hollindale. And he did, running home hard from 12th on the bend for 3rd to Antino. Trip is no worry here. Jay Mac on top and is hitting his straps at the right time. Big show.

Was a star in the spring but failed to fire a shot when resuming in the Hollindale, beaten 20 lengths. Too much improvement needed to be considered here.

Good, honest Gr 3 type who is in form. Won January Cup this trip at Rosehill and last start was running on gamely when 2nd to Punch Line in the Hawkesbury Cup. This may be a length or 2 superior though.

English import who was a good Gr 3 type over there. Has had one Aussie start, when beaten 8 lengths by Bois D’argent in April. This is much harder.

What can I say? If the best Pride Of Jenny turns up, she wins by many lengths. Has won 2 of past 3 runs but they have been in much easier events. Handles it wet. I’m on her because she is so good when she is on song.

This is a pretty good local mare who is very honest. She likes this journey. Was 4th to Antino last start when making ground over 1800m. Could sneak a place at big odds.