Gr 1 Futurity Stakes

Superstar and he did the right thing by us last start at $1.90. Came storming home from midfield to win a very similar race at Gr 1 level when resuming. Is fitter now too. Loves this track but, although he is a lot better than these, the way the race will be run, well he may be sitting 3rd on the fence and not be able to quicken sufficiently to land the chocolates. I hope he does as I love to see the best horses win and he is the best by a fair way – but mapping says he is vulnerable this start.

Very smart and well up to winning this. Saying that, he was left flat-footed when they sprinted last start in the 1400m Gr 1 Orr Stakes here when beaten 4 lengths by Mr Brightside in 1.22.27. Raced like a stayer. This will not be as fast so he can be a pair closer in the run and should plug on into a place. Has an exceptional 2nd-up record.

After a splendid, almost mystical storming win in Perth for Damien Oliver’s last ride, he resumed in the Gr 1 Orr and as 7th, beaten nearly 5 lengths. Can lift, we know on his day he can sprint late but place at best as this is a similar field.

Star West Australian Gr 1 winner who ran down the great Zaaki to win over 1800m in Gr 1 last year. Not at his best this trip and has never raced at this track so it may be best to watch him go round this time.

Classy galloper and is potent fresh. Has trialled really well of late leading into this. What’s against him is the fact at his last 4 meetings with Mr Brightside, all at Gr 1 level, he has finished behind that horse. And like Happy Clapper with Winx and Hay Ride with Black Caviar, horses know these things. Place show.

Here’s the dark horse. If he can jump and control the lead then wind it up from the 500m, ping on the bend, they will not catch him. He isn’t as good as Mr Brightside. But, that horse will be 3rd or 4th to the bend, about 2 and half lengths behind this bloke when they turn. If the early sectionals are controlled by this bloke which I think they will be, he can sprint late which means Mr Brightside will need to run sub 33sec to catch him. And, based on this bloke’s courageous 3rd to Mr Brightside when resuming last start, I don’t think the champ can catch him. That was a career-best run when 3rd to Mr Brightside last start in the Gr 1 Orr and he has a better 2nd up record. Upset on the cards.

Classy galloper. At his most recent race, back in October last year, he finished hard from 4th on the bend to claim the Gr 1 Toorak over a mile in average time. Has won first-up and has won at this distance twice. Does get a fair way back but has finishing power.

Four starts back won a Sale maiden. Led and run down late in good time last week when 5th in the Gr 3 CH Hayes this trip at Flemington. Probably will find Buffalo River too fast early, and if he doesn’t do something suicidal like take him on,  he will settle into 2nd behind him and could battle away for a minor placing.