Gr 1 – William Reid Stakes

Gr 1 racing in Melbourne is at The Valley with the running of the time-honoured William Reid Stakes. Ric Chapman looks at every runner.

1. Jimmysstar (2)

J: E Brown T: C Maher

Outstanding sprinter who is getting better with racing and his confidence is high. Got back yet powered late to win the Gr 1 1100m Oakleigh Plate from She’s Bulletproof. Loves racing fresh and is 2nd up here. Looks hardest to beat again.

PB Rating 9
Last 5 120x1
Win $3.00 Place $1.40
  • Ready to Fire

2. Maharba (1)

J: J Childs T: G Begg

Was just weighted out of it in the fast run Gr 1 Newmarket last start when 2nd up. Much better suited here and the rails draw brings him right into the frame has won here before.

PB Rating 8.5
Last 5 31240
Win $19.00 Place $4.20
  • Ready to Fire

3. Rey Magnerio (4)

J: J Mcneil T: R Griffiths

Ridden upside down under big weight in the fast-run Gr 1 Newmarket at Flemington last start. Is much better when allowed to sit off the speed which he should do here. The WFA scale suits better also and expect a better showing than his last start 11th.

PB Rating 8.3
Last 5 12130
Win $13.00 Place $3.20
  • Likes Dry Track

4. Schwarz (5)

J: J Mott T: J O'Shea & T Charlton

Is a quality speedster on his day as his stunning first-up win suggests but he has been known to throw in some poor ones as we saw last start when leading before wilting to last in the 1400m Gr 1 CF Orr. Sprinting is more his go and should run a lot better here.

PB Rating 8
Last 5 1x710
Win $9.00 Place $2.50
  • Likes Dry Track

5. Benedetta (6)

J: D Stackhouse T: J Warren

Carried the most weight and got back to last mid-stages before rallying late and beaten 6 lengths in the Gr 1 Newmarket. WFA scale here means she is back to being well-treated and as a result we will see a far better run. Loves this trip and is ready to pounce.

PB Rating 9
Last 5 18x30
Win $6.00 Place $1.90
  • Ready to Fire

6. Stretan Angel (9)

Best Bet
J: L Neindorf T: P Stokes

Super sprinter who has won over a million in stakes but only 2 races from 15 starts. That’s a worrying stat but she is so honest and keeps putting in. Made ground late, really good ground to grab 3rd in the Gr 1 Newmarket. Does like it soft which she gets here and looms as the one to beat.

PB Rating 9.5
Last 5 84x23
Win $11.00 Place $2.90
  • Good on Soft

7. She's Bulletproof (8)

J: C Williams T: C Littlefield

Very classy mare who gets better every start. Stormed home from near last when 2nd to Jimmysstar in the 1100m Gr 1 Oakleigh Plate last run. Is very consistent and extra 100m should suit.

PB Rating 8.4
Last 5 12212
Win $5.50 Place $1.85
  • In Form

8. Reserve Bank (3)

J: L Currie T: M Price & M (Jnr)

Good young speedster but Gr 1 at this stage of his career looks a bridge too far.

PB Rating 6.2
Last 5 125x6
Win $18.00 Place $4.00
  • Good on Soft

9. Arabian Summer (7)

J: H Coffey T: Tony & C Mcevoy

Quality filly. Sat wide yet hit the front with no weight in the Gr 1 Oakleigfh Plate only to be grabbed late in the piece. If she finds cover here she is a real player because she is tough.

PB Rating 8.4
Last 5 x1315
Win $9.50 Place $2.50
  • In Form

First 4

1. Stretan Angel, 2. Maharba, 3. Benedetta, 4. Jimmysstar

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On This Race

* PB rating based on form analysts’ opinion.