Juveniles face off
Morphettville, G3 Breeders' S., $127,250, 1200m
Karacasu (Headwater) was an impressive winner here over 1100 metres on March 27. The lightly raced juvenile has drawn barrier seven for this feature event and can settle off the speed prior to presenting with a strong late run. His recent trial will bring him on nicely for this high rating event.
The Gordon Richards-trained Knightstown (Valentia) resumes after saluting by 1.3l on debut in February. He’s yet to extend beyond 1000 metres but has the pedigree to appreciate six furlongs. He’s drawn awkwardly in barrier eight and could end up being posted wide on speed.
The James Cummings-trained Cloudy (Frosted {USA}) is the most experienced galloper in the field having had six starts. The dual winner was fantastic at her first South Australian run, winning over 1050 metres. She presents two-weeks between runs and looks ready to appreciate the 1200 metre journey.
Isles Of Avalon (Toronado {Ire}) finished 0.3l behind the aforementioned Cloudy on debut. She will be better for the outing and can break her maiden tag in a Group 3 with luck from barrier two.
Opperman on song
Morphettville, G3 Chairman’s S., $127,250, 2040m
Royal Mile (Danerich) gifted talented apprentice Jacob Opperman his maiden black type success here over 1800 metres last fortnight when prevailing by 2.5l. There he finished the better of Group 1-performed galloper Let’s Karaka Deel (NZ) (Dundeel {NZ}). Yet to miss the quinella from seven starts the progressive 3-year-old can again prove hard to hold out despite drawing barrier 10 of 16.
Victorian raider Deepstrike (Tavistock {NZ}) is another in a rich vein of form, having won his last two consecutively and finishing in the money at four of his five career starts. Leading Victorian-based hoop Michael Dee makes the trip over to ride and can give the Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr-trained gelding every chance third-up.
The Travis Doudle-trained Casino Seventeen (Casino Prince) stuck to the task when placed behind Royal Mile and Let’s Karaka Deel in the Listed Port Adelaide Guineas. He’ll roll forward again from barrier two and give a good sight in the straight.
Nobel Heights (Fiorente {Ire}) was well held by Deepstrike when the pair clashed over 1800 metres at Sandown. However, his trainer Matt Cumani is an astute presenter of stayers and will have this lightly raced colt on song for his biggest test to date.
Victorians square off
Morphettville, G3 Listed H C Nitschke S., $107,250, 1400m
Annavisto (NZ) (Reliable Man {GB}) has dismantled her rivals by a combined margin of 4.1l at her last two starts respectively. Drawn in barrier six she can land in a midfield position with cover and present with another strong run en route to a maiden Group success.
Fellow Victorian hopeful Agreeable (Sebring) gets in 1.5kgs better off at the weights compared to Annavisto. The Anthony and Sam Freedman-trained dual winner looks primed here third-up off the back of an ever-impressive triumph at Caulfield earlier this month.
The Ciaron Maher and David Eustace-trained Incredulous Dream (Press Statement) was well held behind Agreeable when they met at Caulfield on April 3. However, she was only beaten 1.3l when giving the aforementioned filly a 4kg weight advantage. As a result of that defeat, she now meets Agreeable even at the weights.
Local hope Highly Discreet (Street Boss {USA}) promised plenty early doors but has failed to deliver on that promise. This race looms as 'D Day' and will provide a true indication of where she rates.
Freedman’s on fire
Morphettville, G3 Listed Holdfast Insurance City Of Adelaide H., $107,250, 1400m
Dual acceptor Groundswell (Fastnet Rock) is also nominated for Caulfield over this same trip. However, it looks likely that he’ll lineup here under Damien Lane. The expensive yearling purchase has improved in leaps and bounds since being gelded, having saluted second up at Bendigo by 2.8l. He stays at 1400 metres here and can add another victory to his resume rolling forward and holding the one-one behind key danger Morvada (Mossman).
The Peter Jolly-trained galloper will lump the top weight of 60kgs, despite failing to fire last start at Caulfield. Prior to that he accounted for quality opposition at Flemington. He’s remained in work right throughout this year but has had his runs spaced to ensure freshness. Barrier six of 12 is ideal and will allow him to cross and take up the lead on his own accord.
Local hope Territory Titan (Red Element) was fantastic last time out in the Listed Bendigo Mile. There he was forced to work hard early to cross and managed to stick on into fourth, while fellow statesman Sky Punch (NZ) (Alamosa {NZ]) returns after seven-weeks off the scene.
Edmonds galloper flying
Doomben, Listed Brisbane Truck Show Tails S., $125,000, 1630m
Walking Flying (NZ) (Tavistock {NZ}) is undefeated since entering the care of leading Queensland-based trainers Toby and Trent Edmonds. This is a sharp step-up in class, but she’s got the ability to make it three on the trot. She’ll again spot the leaders a start but can reel off the sectionals required to get over the top late.
The Chris Waller-trained Reloaded (Snitzel) has dropped the ball in recent times, failing to place at his last six attempts since finishing a narrow third behind Group 1 winner Dreamforce (Fastnet Rock) and last year’s star 3-year-old’s Castelvecchio and Shadow Hero (Pierro) in the G1 Randwick and G1 Rosehill Guineas. If he can recapture that form back on top of the ground expect him to dismantle this field with ease.
The Candy Man (Casino Prince) hasn’t figured in the money for some time now. However, like Reloaded on class alone he can win a race of this calibre with ease. He presents here third up and will have no excuses returning home to Queensland.
Imported Aquis acquisition Olmedo (Declaration Of War {USA}) has shown little since commencing his Australian career, albeit at Group 1 level. Dropping back to Listed level could see him improve sharply.
Evie eyes picket fence
Doomben, Listed Eureka Stud Princess S., $125,000, 1630m
Tycoon Evie (Written Tycoon) produced with a strong run to roll the high rating Kisukano (Bel Espirit) when they clashed on April 3 at Eagle Farm. There she was 6kgs better off at the weights but was fresh at an unsuitable 1200 metre journey. Stepping back out to a mile will see even more improvement for this high rating 3-year-old.
The smart Tony Gollan-trained Good Soize (Adelaide {Ire}) returns to the track following a fourth month spell. Her recent trial was a decent enough pipe opener, and she can again find the line in preparation for a raid on the upcoming winter carnival.
The Chris Waller-trained Only Words (Sweynesse) attacked the line with intent when winning over 1550 metres at Canterbury earlier this month. This is much tougher task and she will need to improve sharply to be winning.
New Zealand filly Force Of Will (NZ) (Power {GB}) wasn’t disgraced in her Australian debut, finishing sixth in a high rating edition of the G1 Vinery Stud S. She is a Group 3 winner on home soil and can improve with that run under her belt here dropping back to a suitable mile trip.
Lord reigns supreme
Doomben, Listed TAB Mick Dittman Plate, $125,000, 1100m
Lord Olympus (Olympic Glory {Ire}) was only beaten 1l fresh down the Flemington straight. Subsequent to that he finished only 3.3l behind star filly Isotope (Deep Field) in the Listed Darby Munro S. at Rosehill.
The Mark Newnham-trained talent gets in here at even weights and can peak third-up under astute local hoop Michael Cahill.
Kisukano (Bel Esprit) is a classy type that has failed to recapture her peak performances this time in. She’s drawn unfavourably in barrier 16 but gets the services of leading hoop Michael Rodd who can attempt to offset the task at hand.
The James Cummings-trained Andermatt (Snitzel) brings superior form lines into this event having finished 1.5l third behind star colt Wild Ruler (Snitzel) fresh. He wasn’t fair away subsequent to that in the Listed Darby Munro, knocking up into a brave sixth.
Simply Fly (Spirit Of Boom) suffered a narrow defeat here last fortnight when shooting for five consecutive. He’s been in work for a while but can bounce back and return to the winner’s stall bearing he gets clear air in the straight.
Winning roll to continue
Ellerslie, G2 Manco Easter H., NZ$100,000, 1600m
Markus Aurelius (NZ) (Ghibellines) has powered through the grades with four wins on the bounce and in his current touch and a handy gate promises to be hard to handle again.
Demonetization (All Too Hard) is a classy customer at best and will be improved for his resuming run and stablemate Le Castile (NZ) (Dalghar {Fr}) has a similar profile to give trainer Nigel Tiley a decent hand.
Gino Severino (Ire) (Fastnet Rock) has been excellent in his last two appearances and has previously performed well in stronger company than this. Cha Siu Bao (Smart Missile), Marroni (NZ) (Makfi {GB}) and Red Hussar (Husson {Arg}) are all racing well and present as leading lightweight prospects.
Take a shot of Bourbon
Ellerslie, G2 Trelawney Stud Championship S., NZ$100,000, 2100m
All Black Bourbon (NZ) (Highly Recommended) overcame a poor start to finish second last-time out against the older horses and back to age group company can go one better. His previous run for fifth in the G2 Wellington Guineas was also sound.
Joy Alone (NZ) (Roc De Cambes {NZ}) powered home to win the G3 Manawatu Classic and is a serious contender on that effort while Daqiansweet Junior (NZ) (Sweet Orange {USA}) and Milford Sound (NZ) (Ocean Park {NZ}) were placegetters behind her and sure to be ultra-competitive again.
Tony Be (More Than Ready {USA}) made a late charge for fifth in the race and if he can keep closer order in the running is a decent hope. One for longer odds might be Fast Willie (Teofilo {Ire}), who has been taking on older opposition and a better track will help his cause.
Filly favoured runner
Ellerslie, Listed Staphanos By Deep Impact Champagne S., NZ$50,000, 1600m
In an open affair Lady Maroal (NZ) (Power {GB}) might be the way to go after an eye-catching run for fifth in the G1 Manawatu Sires’ Produce S. She made ground well for fifth and the extra distance should assist her.
Atullibigeal (Street Boss {USA}) delivered a sterling performance to win last time out and a serious contender on that while Te Poropiti (Divine Prophet) ran 1300 metres out well at Ruakaka to suggest a mile will suit.
Eagle Tarzan (NZ) (Tavistock {NZ}) is on debut and was a smart trial winner at Taupo while stablemate Samarkand (NZ) (Mongolian Khan) has also looked handy at the trials. Nest Egg (NZ) (Reliable Man {GB}) has handy form credentials and the distance should suit him.
Distance to suit
Riccarton, G3 Coca-Cola Canterbury Gold Cup, NZ$100,000, 2000m
Hypnos (NZ) (Reliable Man {GB}) looks poised to complete a notable double on the track as the reigning G2 Coupland’s Bakeries Mile champion. He was a strong last-start third and the step up in trip is right up his alley.
Beauden (NZ) (Bullbars) was an impressive winner of the G2 Awapuni Gold Cup and is well-suited the conditions of this contest while Shadows Cast (NZ) (Per Incanto {USA}) was back to his best last time out and sure to be in the hunt again.
Lightning Jack (NZ) (Per Incanto {USA}) and Whale Song (NZ) (Ocean Park {NZ}) aren’t suited by weight-for-age, but are in terrific form and Ritani (NZ) (Makfi {GB}) is another in fine touch. Camino Rocoso (NZ) (Shocking) is hard to follow, one of his better efforts makes him a serious contender.
Favourite looks home
Riccarton, Listed NZ Bloodstock Warstep S., NZ$50,000, 2000m
Atishu (NZ) (Savabeel) will start a short-priced favourite in this and following her blazing victory in the Listed NZB Airfreight S. it will be a major surprise if she doesn’t score again.
Exquisite Pearl (NZ) (Power {GB}) was 7l astern of Atishu when they last met and is a top place chance while Town Crier (NZ) (Tavistock {NZ}) is new to stakes company and a last-start third against the older horses is a handy recommendation.
Yolo (NZ) (Zed {NZ}) was fourth in the G3 Manawatu Classic and should be in the finish with a repeat effort while Larpower (NZ) (Power {GB}) got going too late when fourth in the Airfreight and from a good gate might be able to keep closer contact this time.
