Form analyst, RIC CHAPMAN, looks at every runner in Saturday’s Group 1 $1million George Ryder with horse racing tips for the first four. Read on to see how he maps – he has included the potential for a damp track in his thoughts. Good luck!
Rosehill R7 – $1million Gr 1 George Ryder 1500m
1. ANAMOE (11) 9x11114x11
T;James Cummings / J:James McDonald (59kg)
Champion who is in supreme touch this time up. Has won 6 of his past 7 starts and has won a total of 8 x Gr 1 races with 4 x Gr 1 placings. Awkward draw here but no doubt Jay Mac slots in toward the rear and he will come wide with his powerful burst as always.
2. ARTORIUS (1) 3x66x336x1
T: Team Freedman/ J: Mark Zahra (59kg)
One of only a handful of horses who have beaten Anamoe. Did that in the Gr 1 Blue Diamond as a 2YO but has since been placed as a 3YO behind him in the Gr 1 Caulfield Guineas. Both are superstars. Both charge late and the way this bloke reacted when called upon last start to win the Gr 1 Canterbury Stakes over 1300m was breathtaking. Drawn the fence here so needs luck getting out but seems back better than ever.
3. KIRWIN’S LANE (5) 43x44131x6
T: John O’Shea / J: Brenton Avdulla (59kg)
Not all that far away when resuming this grade last start. Better known as a handicapper with very rough place claims.
4. CONVERGE (6) 120x6900x7
T: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott / J: Tim Clark (59kg)
Just doesn’t seem up to this level anymore although last start when 7th after travelling wide all the way and beaten just over 2 lengths by Artorius was encouraging. Does run this journey out better.
5. LION’S ROAR (3) 8036x0025x
T: John O’Shea / J: Chad Schofield (59kg)
Is smart on his day but over longer trips.
6. FANGIRL (7) 10x2562x32
T: Chris Waller / J: Kerrin McEvoy (57kg)
Brilliant mare in great form. Past three runs have been in super strong races but has placed in all 3 behind stars Anamoe and I Wish I Win. Is very fit, hits the line hard and is ready now. Railed up impressively for 2nd to Anamoe last start. Big show.
7. LEVANTE (10) 2114×43131
T: Team Kelso /J: Micky Dee (57kg)
Star Kiwi mare who has raced in Gr 1 races at past 5 starts and has won 2 of them. Deserves a crack at this with game win last start in New Zealand over a mile at Gr 1 level. This is harder but she is very smart and has form around Imperatriz.
8. ELECTRIC GIRL (2) 9x82524x13
T: Team Hawkes /J: Jye McNeil (57kg)
Tough mare who is very fit and drawn well. Looks the speed in the race too and if left alone in front who knows. Run down final stages when 3rd to Artorius in the Gr 1 Canterbury Stakes last start over 1300m. Has never won past 1400m.
9. GOLDEN MILE (8) 1x21411x24
T; James Cummings / J: Hugh Bowman (56kg)
Outstanding galloper who will nearly win this. Is 3rd up here and this is his pet trip. Ran fast time when 2nd first up over 1200m in Gr 2 then worked home hard, looking the winner with 200m to go when 4th to Artorius in the Gr 1 Canterbury Stakes. Fitter now. Stablemate to Anamoe and significantly, gets Hughie back on top. He flies for Bowman.
10. COMMUNIST (4) 114122×371
T: Michael Freedman/ J: Damian Lane (56kg)
Under rated galloper who has some impressive efforts on his resume including an easy Gr 1 win last start over a mile in 3YO grade winning the Randwick Guineas. This is harder but last year was beaten a head by Golden Mile over a mile at Randwick. Place show.
11. OSIPENKO (9) 12x73x51
T: Chris Waller/ J: Nash Rawiller (56kg)
Exciting 3YO who has shown outstanding potential throughout his short 6-start career. Was 3rd in the Gr 1 Caulfield Guineas over 1600m behind Golden Mile, and last start finished hard in good time to claim the 1400m Hobartville at Gr 2 level. This is harder but is on home track and runs home hard.
Tips:
1. ARTORIUS, 2. Anamoe, 3. Golden Mile, 4. Communist
