Form analyst, RIC CHAPMAN, looks at every runner in Saturday’s $1million Gr 1 Doomben Cup with horse racing tips for the first four. Read on to see how he maps his South Aussie classic. Good luck!
Doomben R7 – $51million Doomben Cup (WFA) 2000m
1. ZAAKI (11) 3x13341x21
T; Annabel Neasham/ J: James Mcdonald (59kg)
What a brilliant race horse. Loves it wet and has won this race previously in 2021 and last year was a close up 3rd to Huetor who he meets again here. Came with a swooping run to win his 3rd Hollindale last start beating many of these and is fitter now.
2. NUMERIAN (9) 1x2250x426
T: Annabel Neasham/ J: Jason Collett (59kg)
Always must be considered although not won for a while. On his day he is very smart. Ran 5th in the Gr 1 Caulfield Cup last year so can stay and was a very close 2nd in the Gr 1 Australian Cup this trip in March. Freshened but can run on speed and handles the wet. Is capable.
3. HUETOR (7) 18x8x06532
T: Team Snowden / J; Ryan Maloney (59kg)
Is getting very close to a win and a return to his best form. And that best form knocked over Zaaki at level weights in this very race last year. Speaking of Zaaki he finished half a length behind him in the Hollindale over 1800m last start and was running him down. Is very fit. Keep safe.
4. NO COMPROMISE (6) 536107×204
T: Chris Waller / J:Opie Bosson (59kg)
Steps up in class here but is a chance. Not known as a WFA horse although did run a strong 4th to Zaaki last start over 1800m and this suits more. But what he is known for is a mudlark.L
5. ZEYREK (2) x000x12173
T: Team Hawkes / J: Tim Clark (59kg)
Has talent and is very interesting here. Loves this trip and last start came hard out wide when a closing 3rd to Zaaki and Huetor in the Hollindale. Wet track form is Ok and may well be the knock out horse here as he’s super fit.
T: John O’Shea / J: Josh Parr (59kg)
Isn’t racing with much consistency of late. Did knock over Bankers Choice and Huetor in the mud this trip in April then disappointed in the 2100m Gosford Cup last start. This is harder.
7. NONCONFORMIST (8) x87670x184
T: Grahame Begg / J: Jordan Childs (59kg)
Interesting runner. Won the Gr 2 Blamey first up coming with a powerful dash from the back leaving Bankers Choice in his dust, then failed to run a place in two starts since, latest when 4th in the Mornington Cup over 2400m. Runs this trip better.
8. BANKERS CHOICE (12) 0261×63625
T: Michael Moroney /J: Brodie Loy (59kg)
Is very fit and pretty honest. Made ground late past few for 2nd to Diamil at Randwick then to Zaaki when 5th. Place show.
9. PALMETTO (5) 8x6408x311
T: John Sargent /J: Ben Thompson (59kg)
This bloke is airborne this campaign and his past two wins, albeit in weaker races, have been dominant. Loves it wet and can finish off hard. But, this is a lot harder than the races he has been in.
10. ESTI FENY (3) 3x7808x481
T: Mat Smith / J: Ash Morgan (59kg)
SCRATCHED
11. DUAIS (1) 117x06880x
T: Ed Cummings / J: Sam Clipperton (59kg)
Top mare who could win this at her best but hasn’t done much in past 8 starts and is resuming here. Rough place show.
12. ATISHU (10) 675123×216
T: Chris Waller /J: Nash Rawiller (57kg)
Good honest mare who can finish like a bullet when she puts her mind to it. Pulled to the outside after travelling last to the bend and did make ground but not enough when 6th to Zaaki in the Hollindale. Nash will get the best out of her. And her best can win this.
13. KOVALICA (13) 41111×31
T: Chris Waller /J: James Orman (56.5kg)
Very talented and improving 3YO. Has won 5 of his 7 starts including an impressive Guineas win over a mile last start. This is way harder but is in great form and is continually improving. has claims.
