Only two oppose Anders
G3 Catanach’s Blue Sapphire S., $400,000, 1200m
There’s a healthy purse on offer here, but not one enticing enough to attract more than just three contenders.
It features the return of the explosive Anders (Not A Single Doubt), who is unbeaten in his last four starts for trainers Ciaron Maher and David Eustace and he should take some catching.
His form is franked at the highest level as he beat subsequent dual Group 1 winner Ole Kirk (Written Tycoon) in the Listed Rosebud and in the G3 San Domenico S. accounted for G2 Stan Fox S. winner Peltzer (So You Think {NZ}).
Anders
Ranting (NZ) (Zoustar) has yet to win, but has proved himself a talented colt with three stakes placings from five outings. Most recently, he came from well back in the field to finish third in the G2 Danehill S. so for obvious reasons he’s going to be a lot closer to the action in this.
Hanseatic (Street Boss {USA}) displayed impressive 2-year-old form last season and started his current campaign with a sound fourth in the G3 McEwen S. He hasn’t raced since he was unplaced in the G1 Moir S. against the older horses so he’ll be more comfortable against his own age group, albeit only two of them.
Winning role to continue
G3 Neds Coongy H., $200,000, 2000m
Al Galayel (Ire) (Zoffany {Ire}) has been in outstanding touch this preparation and completed a hat-trick of victories with success in the G3 JRA Cup at The Valley. He was also a course and distance winner here two runs back so his form line speaks for itself.
Harlem (GB) (Champs Elysees {GB}) should be more comfortable here, despite his topweight of 61kg. He has been keeping Group 1 company in his last three appearances and was only 2.2l off the winner most recently when eighth in the Turnbull S.
Harlem (GB) (red cap)
Noncomformist (Rebel Raider) has had two preparatory outings and he can be expected to be at the top of his game for this. He can make good use of a handy pull in the weights, as can Princess Jenni (NZ) (High Chaparral {Ire}), an improved fifth in the G2 Stocks S.
Django Freeman (Ger) (Campanologist {USA}) is also back in grade from the Turnbull and his prior form was sound while Captain Cook (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) is a capable stayer and should be sharper for one run back from a lengthy break.
Chaillot a talent
G3 Catanach’s Jewellers Ladies’ Day Vase, $200,000, 1600m
Chaillot (Testa Rossa) is a mare who has had her issues, but she’s got abundant talent and numbers a Listed win among her three unbeaten outings. She’s drawn close to the fence and it’s hard to ignore her claims.
Danny O’Brien has two strong contenders in Paradee (Epaulette), who is unbeaten in two starts at the distance, and Fabric (NZ) (Ocean Park {NZ}), who comes here off a sound last-start effort for fifth in the G2 Blazer S.
They may be better chances than another stablemate in Sovereign Award (Shamus Award) as she has yet to tackle a field of this class.
Missile Mantra
Affair To Remember (Toronado {Ire}) was Group 1 placed last preparation in the Schweppes Oaks, but is sharp enough to give a strong account at 1600 metres, as she did when successful at Flemington last month.
Missile Mantra (Smart Missile) was third in the Blazer and little improvement would be needed for her to be in the frame again and likewise Spanish Reef (Lope De Vega {Ire}). She was fourth in the G2 Stocks S., and now she’s third-up should be at peak fitness.
Count on Coruscate
Listed Neds Village S., $175,000, 1200m
Coruscate (Exceed And Excel) has a good winning strike rate with seven wins from 21 appearances and posted the latest of them in the Listed Testa Rossa S. That was over the course and trip and from the inside alley should get every chance to repeat.
The Velvet King (Universal Ruler) will make his first start for Peter Moody and has strong Western Australian Group form to consider. William Thomas (Nicconi) was a solid first-up third and any improvement puts him into the thick of things.
The Velvet King (yellow silks)
Bravo Tango (Congrats {USA}) is another likely improver off the back of a resuming run while Sansom (NZ}) (Charm Spirit {Ire}) is effective when fresh, a state she has twice previously won in. Despatch (Al Maher) is a smart sprinter on his day and he makes each way appeal.
