Holding the aces
The Valley, G2 Alister Clark S., $200,000, 2040m
Adelaide Ace (NZ) (Savabeel) is right at the top of his game and was a dominant last-start winner of the G2 Autumn Classic.
He is putting together a tidy record and the step up to a middle distance looks ideal and his on-pace style should be seen to a winning advantage around the tight course.
Miami Bound (NZ)
Miami Bound (NZ) (Reliable Man {GB}) wasn’t sighted in the Classic in her first appearance since her emphatic victory in the G1 VRC Oaks. She is unbeaten second-up so sharp improvement can be expected from the filly.
Stablemate Skiddaw (Hinchinbrook) was sound on his return and he too should be all the better for the outing.
Nonconformist (Rebel Raider) was a comfortable winner at Caulfield before he chased Adelaide Ace home last time out. He is lightly-tried so should be open to further improvement and it’s hard to see him not playing a hand in the finish.
Legion Of Merit (NZ) (Alamosa {NZ}) has a similar profile and a recent trial outing will have kept him up to the mark while Diasonic (Reset) has been patiently handled and has some appeal at longer odds.
Faatinah to fly
The Valley, Listed Ranvet Abell S., $140,000, 1200m
Faatinah (Nicconi) is a quality sprinter and while he was unplaced last time out in the G1 Oakleigh Plate, he was less than 6l off the winner.
The Lindsay Park representative will find this a much more comfortable assignment and from an inside gate with Damien Oliver in the saddle will get every chance. He is also a two-time winner on the course.
Faatinah
Mystyko (NZ) (Sakhee’s Secret {GB}) was in consistent form before he too found the going too tough in the Oakleigh so back in grade has to be taken seriously.
Gift Of Power (NZ) (Power {GB}) was a last-start fourth in the Listed Boy Hoysted S. off a break and has proved effective when produced second-up in the past. The only query on her is running a strong 1200 metres, but a decent chance nevertheless for some of the action.
Cliff’s Edge (Canford Cliffs {Ire}) has won fresh-up before and he has had a trial outing to get him ready. He also has a good record at The Valley where he has won twice from four visits.
Subpoenaed in top form
Kembla Grange, G3 Carlton Draught Kembla Grange Classic, $200,000, 1600m
Subpoenaed (NZ) (Rip Van Winkle {Ire}) looks ready to make her mark at stakes level after a tidy win at Randwick two runs back and followed up with a solid finish from well back for second at Rosehill. A step up in distance can only boost her prospects.
Missile Mantra (Smart Missile), runner-up in the G1 Thousand Guineas last preparation, found the line well for fifth in the G1 Surround S. and with the drop back in class she looms as a royal chance.
Missile Mantra (outside, red cap)
Asiago (Medaglia D’Oro {USA}) won the G3 Spring S. in November and was third on her return and back to 1600 metres makes her a threat while Akari (Snitzel) has been fair in stronger races and should be more competitive in this company.
Game Of Thorns (Animal Kingdom {USA}) was runner-up in the Spring S. and looked good in winning at Newcastle on her return.
All Saints’ Eve (NZ) (Sacred Falls {NZ}) faces the toughest test of her brief career, but she was impressive when winning first-up over a mile last time out and any improvement gives her an outside chance.
