Hero to rise again
Randwick, G1 Moet & Chandon Spring Champion S., $1,000,000, 2000m
Shadow Hero (Pierro) has enjoyed a perfect preparation and will strip at the peak of his staying powers with two runs under his belt.
He got home powerfully for third when returning to business in the Listed Dulcify S. and then thumped his rivals in the G3 Gloaming S. There’s a winning sense of timing about him again as he moves up in distance.
Quick Thinker (So You Think {NZ}) was a surprise winner of the G3 Ming Dynasty over a distance considered too short and he followed up with a good run for third in the Gloaming. He looks sure to be a player again.
Shadow Hero
Castelvecchio (Dundeel {NZ}) showed any amount of ability last term, but was disappointing in the G1 Golden Rose. He’s more than worth another chance though on his 2-year-old form.
Just Thinkin’ (So You Think {NZ}) put two strong front-running wins together before he was fourth in the Gloaming and had every chance. He will need to find a few lengths on his conquerors there to be a winning chance.
The prospect of an upset looks highly unlikely, but a value place hope could be Rhaegar (Pluck {USA}), and if he gets cover from an awkward gate might be one to boost multiples.
Microphone switched on
Randwick, G2 Polytrack Roman Consul S., $300,000, 1200m
The reappearance of one of last season’s top 2-year-olds in Microphone (Exceed And Excel) will be of major interest.
He won the G1 Sires’ Produce S. and finished runner-up in the G1 Golden Slipper S. so there’s no denying his quality. He has been given a quiet trial and should prove extremely competitive on his return.
Microphone
Standout (Exceed And Excel) looked good in winning his first two starts and confirmed his rich potential when he won the Listed Heritage S. The colt faces his biggest test here, but more than looks up to the challenge.
True Detective (Shamus Award) failed to run the trip in the Listed Dulcify S. and should make more of an impact here while both Cosmic Force (Deep Field) and Accession (Brazen Beau) will be sharper for their resuming runs.
Colt to stretch winning run
Randwick, G2 Yulong Stan Fox S., $250,000, 1500m
Bottega (Snitzel) has won both of his starts and the well-related colt now looks ready to make his mark in stakes company for trainer Gerald Ryan.
Famous (Medaglia d’Oro {USA}) is another well-bred 3-year-old progressing through the grades and a step up in distance is looking ideal for him.
By contrast, Fasano (Lonhro) is coming back in trip after failing in the G3 Gloaming S, so this is an easier assignment while Kooweerup (More Than Ready {USA}) is already a Group 3 winner from a stable with a good strike rate in Sydney.
Brandenburg (NZ) (Burgundy {NZ}) posted an overdue maiden win at his last outing and that should have boosted his confidence. He was successful over 1400 metres and a bit further will hold no fears for him.
Nettoyer a top chance
Randwick, G3 Bentley Angst S., $160,000, 1600m
Nettoyer (Sebring) is a gifted mare who has performed with credit in far stronger fields than this.
She was third in the G3 Cameron H. two runs back before she took on the G1 Epsom H. and the 6-year-old came from last to finish a close sixth.
Noire (Foxwedge) should be at peak after two outings and as the highest rated in the field is well-placed to make an impression.
Organza (Street Cry {Ire}) doesn’t help herself by getting back, but a clear run gives her a shot at a share of the prize and Amangiri (All Too Hard) should improve with her resuming run for fourth at Rosehill.
Magazine’s form reads well
Morphettville, Listed Hill Smith S., $100,000, 1800m
A maiden contest at Bendigo may be an unlikely guide to a black type race, but it could hold the key here.
Magazine (NZ) (Savabeel) beat Balaabel (Not A Single Doubt) and could be most prominent again in what is not a strong line-up.
Silent Sovereign (Dalakhani {Ire}) was fourth in the Listed Morphettville Guineas so she’s in with a strong chance while Raptures (Fastnet Rock) won well enough at Geelong to pose a threat.
Defending champ favoured
Hawera, G3 Rich Hill Stud Taranaki Breeders, NZ$75,000, 1400m
Group 1 winner Nicoletta (NZ) (Savabeel) won this race last year and she’s had three trials to fit her for her defence.
Darscape Princess (NZ) (Darci Brahma {NZ}) is a capable mare and she’s tackling this fresh with the benefit of trial outings as is Queen Of Diamonds (NZ) (Savabeel), last season’s joint New Zealand Bloodstock Filly of the Year.
Nicoletta (NZ)
Art Deco (NZ) (Road To Rock) is a seasoned candidate who has starred in similar fields in the past while Lupelani (NZ) (Nom du Jeu {NZ}) is in career best form and would relish a rain-affected track.
Mare to turn luck around
Matamata, Listed Team Wealleans Matamata Cup, NZ$50,000, 1600m
Hinerangi (Fastnet Rock) is a talented mare who won the Listed Rangitikei Gold Cup last preparation and kicked off her current campaign with an unlucky sixth in the Listed Karaka Classic.
Hinerangi
The wetter the better for the G3 Winter Cup winner Dez (NZ) (Zed {NZ}) and there will be interest in the performance of Vin De Dance (NZ) (Nom du Jeu {NZ}). He is first-up, but the class act of the field.
Concert Hall (NZ) (Savabeel) is a progressive type and all the better for two recent runs, while Polly Grey (NZ) (Azamour {Ire}) has won her last two and is a chance if she gets luck from a wide gate.