Gr 1 – Toorak Hcp

Looks like a classic Gr 1 Toorak this year. Ric Chapman looks at the race from all angles and finds the top 4.

1. Desert Lightning (7)

J: L Nolen T: P Moody & K Coleman

Does look the testing material. Has come back to racing in terrific form and after knocking over the Gr 1 winning mare Moira at the Valley, he ran a great 4th to Sir Delius at WFA in the Gr 1 Underwood. Very fit and will be on speed all the way.

PB Rating 9.1
Last 5 24215
Win $17.00 Place $4.40
  • In Form

2. Pinstriped (2)

J: J Mott T: E Jusufovic

Will be good odds and is weighted to win this. Made ground when 5th to Sepals last start beaten 2 lengths over 1400m. Is a Gr 1 winner and meets Sepals 3.5kg better. Have in your numbers.

PB Rating 8.5
Last 5 7x795
Win $26.00 Place $6.00
  • Good on Soft

3. Evaporate (6)

J: B Shinn T: B, W & J Hayes

Good solid Gr 2 type who is in form and is very honest. Drawn to lead these and will take catching. Led last start under 59kg and hung on to beat the handy Transatlantic by a nose over 1500m. Super fit. Big show.

PB Rating 8.8
Last 5 21x51
Win $6.50 Place $2.20
  • Proven Winner

4. Feroce (8)

J: B Egan T: D Sutton

Keep this bloke very safe and in your numbers. Is 3rd up here. Is a Gr 1 winner over a mile and last start caught the eye flashing home from a mile back here in the Gr 1 Rupert Clarke over 1400m when 3rd to Sepals. Was beaten a length that day and meets Sepals 3kg better. Big, big threat.

PB Rating 9
Last 5 16x63
Win $13.00 Place $3.50
  • Ready to Fire

5. Sepals (4)

J: E Brown T: C Brown

Was 2nd up when on pace and ran fast time to win the Gr 1 Rupert Clarke over 1400m here carrying 52kg. Big weight rise here but is a winner having won 5 of his 7 starts to date. Drawn perfectly, sits in top 4 all the way, and will be in this finish.

PB Rating 9
Last 5 14x11
Win $3.80 Place $1.55
  • Proven Winner

6. Transatlantic (9)

J: M Zahra T: T Gollan

Is perfectly fitted for this and is 3rd up after two great runs. Was beaten a head by Cafe Millenium at Flemington over 1400m, then last start in the Gr 3 Sandown Stakes, again beaten a head this time by Evaporate when carrying 58.5kg after racing wide. Meets Evaporate 1kg better.

PB Rating 8.6
Last 5 19x22
Win $7.00 Place $2.30
  • Ready to Fire

7. Lazzura (5)

J: J Mcdonald T: C Waller

Classy mare who is well and truly up to this and has the perfect draw. Won both races this time up, latest in the Gr 2 Lets Elope over 1400m. Can run a strong 1500m and sure to be in the fray here too.

PB Rating 8.9
Last 5 24x11
Win $6.50 Place $2.20
  • Proven Winner

8. Willydoit (11)

J: B Melham T: C Maher

Is a Gr 1 winner and is 2nd up here. May find it a tad short but he has class and is fresh so could come hard late.

PB Rating 8
Last 5 014x8
Win $18.00 Place $4.60
  • Likes Dry Track

9. Leica Lucy (10)

Best Value
J: D Lane T: C Waller

Similar form lines to Willydoit in the sense that she is a staying Gr 1 winner with enormous talent and is 2nd up here after a great first up run. Hers was into 4th spot behind Lazzura over 1400m in handy time. Caught the eye that day and trainer Chris Waller rates her extremely highly. That in itself is a strong push.

PB Rating 9
Last 5 114x4
Win $8.50 Place $2.60
  • Ready to Fire

10. Damask Rose (3)

J: J Melham T: M Walker

Strong Kiwi mare who has put in a couple of solid runs to get her ready for this since arriving in Australia. Last start was 7th, beaten 2 lengths by Sepals over 1400m. Seems to want this trip too.

PB Rating 8
Last 5 11x57
Win $13.00 Place $3.50
  • Place Performer

11. Athanatos (1)

J: C Williams T: P Stokes

Lightweight hope here. Is very fit and did run home strongly for 3rd to Evaporate and Transatlantic last start. Meets the winner 2kg better. Has the rails draw so should get an economical run throughout.

PB Rating 8.4
Last 5 1x363
Win $17.00 Place $4.40
  • Place Performer

First 4

1. Feroce, 2. Desert Lightning, 3. Leica Lucy, 4. Pinstriped

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* PB rating based on form analysts’ opinion.