Simon Marshall's Stakes Day preview
The Autumn Carnival comes to an end with a bumper day of racing at Randwick, with two Group 1 and two Group 3 races. Coverage begins at 2:00pm (AEST).
Saturday also marks the anniversary of Black Caviar making her debut in 2009 to the day, so for racing fans, this one is extra special.
Starting off with the Champagne Stakes, there isn’t a Group 1 winner in the field with Vancouver and Pride of Dubai out of action, leaving the remaining field of nine with a great chance to claim their first Group 1 win.
No. 8 Pasadena Girl from Peter Moody’s stable looks the goods out of the two fillies in the field. She finished behind Pride of Dubai a couple of weeks back. She’s in great form with two wins from her last three starts and has proven that the 1600m distance won’t be an issue, with some good runs over 1400m.
Gai Waterhouse, who has had an outstanding carnival, will have her sights on the win with Street Rapper, who will be better suited to the mile run.
Keep an eye on the Gary Moore trained Takedown, who will be hungry to seize the opportunity to win his first Group 1 race in Australia.
Following the Champagne Stakes is the All Aged Stakes, which boasts nine Group 1 winners out of the 13-strong field.
I’m leaning towards the favourite Chautauqua after winning the TJ Smith Stakes. The winner of the TJ Smith Stakes has been victorious in four of the past 10 All Aged Stakes races and after drawing barrier 1 is the horse to beat.
Dissident is the most intriguing runner in the field as a multiple Group 1 winner over 1400m. He was poor last start but is a good chance to bounce back if the track isn’t too wet.
Lucky Hussler is the danger horse in the field. He won a Group 1 over 1200m in his last start, so this race is the natural progression.
Three-year-old Scissor Kick has the ability and potential, but needs to put it all together on race day, something that hasn’t proven easy in the past.
This race also may just define who will win Horse of the Year, with multiple horses in contention.
Dissident, Chautauqua, Brazen Beau and Hallowed Crown are all in with a great chance for the award. If Brazen Beau happens to win at Royal Ascot later this year, I would have to think the award would go his way.
It’s unbelievably close with some of these horses. If Terravista wins, I think he will nudge just ahead of Chautauqua.
Caulfield will also boast a huge day of racing, especially for the owners, with hundreds of thousands of dollars on the line, so get ready for what is sure to be an entertaining day around the country.
Joining us on Saturday’s coverage will be Edward Cummings, the son of trainer Anthony Cummings. We also have a special feature story on Clare Cunningham, the Sydney forewoman for Peter Moody.
Plus we will also have an amazing look at Craig Williams‘ helmet-cam from his win on Criterion in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes.