The runner-by-runner preview for the Underwood Stakes at Sandown.
Zaaki is overwhelming favourite to register victory on his way to the Cox Plate.
Who can challenge him?
#1 Fifty Stars
Ben & J D Hayes
He is a multiple Group One winner and worthy of respect.
However, he is yet to win a race since his Australia Cup triumph back in March 2020.
A second-last finish in the Memsie Stakes was followed up by running last in the Makybe Diva Stakes at Flemington, which does attract us to him.
Want to see him return to form before having anything on him.
Odds: $26 the win & $6 the place
Finishing position: Last
#2 Zaaki
Annabel Neasham
Arguably the best horse in Australia after successful winter carnival at weight-for-age level has led him to sky-rocket into Cox Plate favouritism.
His preparation for the Cox Plate tilt has been faultless thus far with his resuming run being a one-and-a-half length victory over 1400 metres in the Tramway Stakes at Randwick.
He has scared off all his rivals here and looks to steal a Group 1 and its prize money for fun.
Trainer Annabel Neasham sent him around for a spin at Sandown with Craig Williams in order to get him use to the surface and use to his surroundings.
He looked to travel beautifully in his light bit of work and is set to make it another win.
Odds: $1.28 the win.
Finishing position: First
#3 The Chosen One
Murray Baker & Andrew Forsman
A veteran stayer who is building towards another crack the Caulfield Cup and Melbourne.
He resumed with a slashing run in the Feehan Stakes behind Superstorm and Elephant.
The form out of that race has been strong with Sierra Sue taking home the Group 1 Sir Rupert Clarke last week.
Highly doubt he is anywhere the ability to get within five lengths of Zaaki, but keep an eye on him late in the race.
Odds: $18 the win and $4.6 the place.
Finishing position: Fourth
#4 Superstorm
Danny O'brien
Was on the receiving end of a Damien Oliver masterclass when winning the Feehan Stakes a fortnight ago.
He hit the line with great vigour to nose out Elephant by a deadset whisker at Moonee Valley and will now use this race as a platform towards the Cox Plate – for which he is already qualified.
Doubt Oliver will give him too hard a time of it and expect this to be a jiggy-jog around the track without getting too close to Zaaki.
Odds: $11 the win and $2.8 the place.
Finishing position: Third
#5 Probabeel
Jamie Richards
She rarely puts in a bad race this mare.
The five-year-old mare drew poorly in the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes last start with the inside being off as the runners fanned off the fence into superior ground.
She was left strung up behind horses and having to duck back to the inferior ground, but still did a fantastic job to run fifth.
Clearly the main danger toe Zaaki should he be off his game, but she is less dynamic getting out in distance past the mile.
Odds: $5 the win
Finishing position: Second
