AUSTRALIAN GUINEAS
Onto our G1 feature of the day, the Australian Guineas and it's our Derby hero OBSERVER (1) who looks clearly the horse to beat. He was unlucky not to go close in a Caulfield Guineas in the Spring, atoning with an effortless G2 MV Vase win, too good in the Derby at 2500m. Sharpness was no issue fresh in the G2 Autumn Stakes, setting a strong gallop and proving far too good on speed. He should be ridden similarly here and that will drag the sprint out of his rivals and hopefully lead to victory. SIXTIES (4) is the danger. He was electric fresh against the older horses at 1200m, too good off a wide run here last time. The mile is a bit of a query especially from the wide gate but he can win. PLANET RED (2) got back and ran on for second to Observer fresh. Pace-wise, he was in a good spot that day so turning the tables will be tough. WEST OF SWINDON (3) stuck on well fresh behind Sixties, he's a genuine on-speed hope at the big odds. VICTORIOUS SPIRIT (8) next best.
Visit TAB.COM.AUOnto our G1 feature of the day, the Australian Guineas and it's our Derby hero OBSERVER (1) who looks clearly the horse to beat. He was unlucky not to go close in a Caulfield Guineas in the Spring, atoning with an effortless G2 MV Vase win, too good in the Derby at 2500m. Sharpness was no issue fresh in the G2 Autumn Stakes, setting a strong gallop and proving far too good on speed. He should be ridden similarly here and that will drag the sprint out of his rivals and hopefully lead to victory. SIXTIES (4) is the danger. He was electric fresh against the older horses at 1200m, too good off a wide run here last time. The mile is a bit of a query especially from the wide gate but he can win. PLANET RED (2) got back and ran on for second to Observer fresh. Pace-wise, he was in a good spot that day so turning the tables will be tough. WEST OF SWINDON (3) stuck on well fresh behind Sixties, he's a genuine on-speed hope at the big odds. VICTORIOUS SPIRIT (8) next best.
Second run back. First-up after three months favourite; tracked the speed and boxed on steadily; won by 1.3 len at Caulfield G2 Autumn Stks February 7 over 1400m defeating Planet Red with 59.5kg at $4. Previously second-up 3rd of 15 at Caulfield in the G1 Caul Guineas on October 11 over 1600m, 2.5 len behind Autumn Boy carrying 57kg at $20. Dominated first up and should only improve out to a mile, the one to beat.
Second-up. First-up after four months ran on strongly from last on the turn; 2nd of 12 at Caulfield in the G2 Autumn Stks on February 7 over 1400m, 1.3 len behind Observer with 57kg at $4.40. Previously second-up 4th of 8 at Moonee Valley in the LR Mckenzie on September 6 over 1200m, 2 len behind Rosberg with 56.5kg at $9.50. Strong return and will be running on strongly.
Second-up. First-up after four months 6th of 11 at this track in the G3 Cs Hayes on February 14 over 1400m, 3.5 len behind Sixties carrying 58.5kg at $7.50. Previously second-up made some head-way from midfield; 2nd of 11 at this track in the LR Exford Plate on September 13 over 1400m, 1.75 len behind Vinrock with 57kg at $8.50. Solid return and should set up nicely here.
Third-up today and won third-up in the past. First-up favourite; won by 1.75 len at Rosehill Bm88 January 31 over 1200m defeating Roselyn's Star with 52.5kg at $4.20. Last start favourite; won by 1.3 len at this track G3 Cs Hayes February 14 over 1400m defeating Asakura carrying 58.5kg at $1.60. Huge chance if he runs a strong mile.
Second-up. First-up after five months 9th of 11 at this track in the G3 Cs Hayes on February 14 over 1400m, 4 len behind Sixties with 57kg at $91. Previously second-up 3rd in a small field at Sandown-Lakeside Bm64 on August 13 over 1200m, slow going 1.5 len behind Planet Red with 59.5kg at $7.50. Has a bit to find.
Second run back. First-up after four months 5th of 11 at this track in the G3 Cs Hayes on February 14 over 1400m, 3.5 len behind Sixties carrying 56kg at $51. Previously second-up won by a nose at Canterbury Super Mdn September 10 over 1550m on a rain affected track defeating Koibito carrying 57.5kg at $2.70. Solid return but this will test.
Third-up today. First-up ran last of 9 at Caulfield in the G3 Manfred on January 24 over 1200m, 3 len behind Space Rider carrying 57kg at $13. Last start tracked the speed and boxed on steadily 4th of 11 at this track in the G3 Cs Hayes on February 14 over 1400m, 3 len behind Sixties carrying 56kg at $15. Can improve third up but will need to.
Second-up. First-up after five months 3rd of 12 at Caulfield in the G2 Autumn Stks on February 7 over 1400m, 2 len behind Observer with 57kg at $51. Previously second-up 3rd of 7 at Seymour 3yo Mdn-Sw on August 31 over 1400m, on a wet track; 0.8 len behind Lathlain carrying 58kg at $3. Good return and could be a blowout hope.
Third-up today. First-up ran on from midfield and won by 2 len at Cranbourne Mdn-Sw January 10 over 1200m defeating Prestige Ka Ying carrying 58kg at $2.15. Second run from a spell 4th of 12 at Caulfield in the G2 Autumn Stks on February 7 over 1400m, 2.75 len behind Observer with 57kg at $14. Has a few lengths to find.
At the latest run from last on the turn 7th of 11 at this track in the G3 Cs Hayes on February 14 over 1400m, 3.5 len behind Sixties with 56kg at $21. The start before that got back early 6th of 9 at Caulfield in the G3 Manfred on January 24 over 1200m, 1.75 len behind Space Rider carrying 57kg at $11. Outclassed.