Listed Jim Moloney S., $160,000, 1400m
No surprise that the unbeaten Zouzarella (Zoustar) is favourite here, Anthony and Sam Freedman-trained filly so impressive winning her first two in such smart fashion; measuring right up to stakes class easily taking out the Listed Atlantic Jewel S. last time out.
Zouzarella
A few of those behind her that day again tackle her, Biscayne Bay (Sebring) a likely second-up improver, Mac 'N' Cheese (Sebring) excellent off a slow start, recording good late splits, Literary Magnate (Written Tycoon) a game third having struck trouble in running and Queen Of Dubai (Pride Of Dubai) tiring only late after making the pace on a track not really playing to the leaders.
The lightly raced Fortunate Kiss (Divine Prophet) looks likely to measure up whilst Picarones (Shooting To Win) has not been far away at her two runs this time in.
G3 Sandown S., $200,000, 1500m
Excuse the pun but Elephant (NZ) (Shocking) did create a BIG impression saluting at Caulfield at his Australian debut, losing no fans with a gutsy G2 Feehan S. second splitting the more seasoned performers Superstorm (Sebring) and The Chosen One (NZ) (Savabeel).
Elephant (NZ) (purple and yellow silks)
Racing in the familiar Tait family red colours, Cherry Tortoni (Night Of Thunder {Ire}) was terrific fresh and he is yet to finish out of the quinella in three second-up attempts. His conqueror at Flemington last time out, Harbour Views (Fr) (Le Havre {Ire}) again lines up and what a great effort it was by him to win the Listed Tontonan S. at his first run since last November.
Romancer (NZ) (Redwood {GB}) did not have much luck in the G1 Sir Rupert Clarke S. last start but was in consistent form prior whilst the G1 Australian Guineas winner Lunar Fox (Foxwedge) was solid when resuming at big odds in the G3 Bobbie Lewis S.
G1 Underwood S., $1,000,000, 1800m
What a great race this has been over the years, won by the likes of Heroic, Phar Lap (NZ), Hall Mark, Ajax, Aquanita, Bonecrusher (NZ), Rubiton, Octagonal (NZ), So You Think (NZ) and Dundeel (NZ). Just a small field this year, but one packed with interest nevertheless.
The exciting Zaaki (GB) (Leroidesanimaux {Brz}) dominates discussion, the odds-on favourite going from strength to strength over the Brisbane winter carnival before racing away to an easy first-up victory in the G2 Tramway S.
Zaaki (GB)
Probabeel (NZ) (Savabeel) was on the heels of the placegetters in the G1 Sir Rupert Clarke S. and being a granddaughter of Zabeel (NZ) looks natural for the 1800 metres. The G2 Feehan S. victory recorded by Superstorm (Sebring) can't be overlooked and The Chosen One (NZ) (Savabeel) was a strong finishing third in that same race.
Listed Testa Rossa S., $160,000, 1300m
How apt it would be to see Chaillot (Testa Rossa) win the race named after her sire and her excellent first-up form (three from three) makes her a big chance. Successful at Group 3 level last spring and in the thick of things in Group 1 company, she has been given plenty of time.
Chaillot (red and white silks)
Tasmanian Newhart (Fighting Sun) has been trialling well leading into his resumption and what great form he was in last time in, winning three in a row (two at Listed level) before his break.
King Of Hastings (Ilovethiscity) raced too keenly down the Flemington straight last start but has to be worth another chance on his good Queensland form whilst Ironclad (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) is another likely improver having pulled up lame from his first-up Adelaide run.
Crowd favourite So Si Bon (So You Think {NZ}) will have his usual supporters whilst also resuming is Lord Vladivostok (NZ) (Tavistock {NZ}) who has been in such great form this year. Hightail (Written Tycoon) was slowly away last time out but his previous run in the G2 Missile S. contained merit. Begood Toya Mother (Myboycharlie {Ire}) beat only a couple home when resuming but his sectionals were okay.
