Before we head to Moonee Valley for the Cox Plate, the Geelong Cup takes centre stage this Wednesday. With the Geelong Classic also featuring on the bumper program and with a cracking meeting at Kensington for Sydney locals, find out who our experts are expecting to take home the cash!
gEELONG Race 5
#3 Dulcet
Dulcet looks to have one hoof on the till. The Eminent gelding has turned heads early in his career and looks to have plenty of upside. His last-start win at Sale was brilliant, and he strips fitter here. From the middle gate, he will drift back and watch the race unfold, and when James McDonald gives him a slap with the persuader, it will be all over, bar the shouting. Big watch!
Kosgei looks dangerous jumping from an inside barrier. His best form reads well for this event, and I suspect he is ready to explode fourth-up from a spell. The Autumn Sun gelding has shown plenty of potential early doors, and I expect him to become a serious prospect moving forward. It may pay dividends to watch for any significant market moves.
Served Cold is the lone filly in the race. Her form leading into this event is rock-solid, and the flood of early money indicates another bold performance. The Shamus Award three-year-old has been screaming out for the longer trip all preparation, and she is drawn to receive the run of the race.
Suggested Bet: Dulcet @ $2.25
Geelong RACE 7
#2 Ashrun
Ashrun is ready to win. Both runs this preparation have been good without threatening, and I suspect this event has been the long-range target. The Authorized gelding finished on the winner’s heels at Flemington, and he looks well placed in this company. From barrier one, he can occupy the box seat, and if the gaps appear as the field run for the doctor, the forever young eight-year-old can figure in the finish. He has a sense of timing.
First Immortal will have plenty of supporters after narrowly being beaten in a hot-form race at Flemington. The Churchill gelding comes in exceptionally well at the weights, and the 2400m looks ideal at this stage of his preparation. From the wide gate, he will roll forward and lead the field a merry dance, and if he can pinch some cheap sectionals in transit, the race will be over at the top of the final furlong. The class rise is the primary concern.
King Frankel was back to his brilliant best at his latest outing. The Frankel gelding finds his pet distance on Wednesday, and I suspect he has the fitness edge on the majority of his rivals. The Annabel Neasham camp is training winners for fun at present, and the services of Jamie Mott is advantageous. His recent winning record is the biggest deterrent.
Suggested Bet: Ashrun @ $7.00
Kensington Race 4
#1 Sweet Baby Boom
Sweet Baby Boom is flying. The Spirit Of Boom mare was denied a hat trick after chasing home a smart one at her latest outing, and she simply doesn’t know how to run a bad race. The 2kg apprentice claim is advantageous, and she looks well-placed meeting easier opposition. From the middle gate, she will ping the lids and pilot the field, and if she can run out a strong 1400m, she will greet the judge first. Hard to toss!
Galaxy Belle will have supporters after turning heads at a recent barrier trial. The Redwood mare was good without winning at her latest outing, and she deserves her chance at this level. Her record second-up is too good to ignore, and I suspect she will get the dream run in transit from the perfect inside draw. The inform Dylan Gibbons could ride a broomstick to victory at present, and the Kris Lees factor should never be underestimated. Over the odds.
The Seven Seas was an impressive last-start winner at Newcastle. The Merchant Navy mare circled the field midrace, and she put her rivals away in a matter of bounds. The talented four-year-old has plenty of upside and is racing too consistently to be dismissed. Her racing pattern and style will always require an element of luck.
Suggested Bet: Sweet Baby Boom @ $2.35
Kensington Race 5
#3 The Englishman
The Englishman is ready to peak. Both runs this campaign have been ominous, and he has been screaming out for the 1800m all preparation. The Tavistock gelding strips fitter and there has been a flood of money for the big boy in early betting. He deserves his shot in town, and with even luck in running, he will make his presence felt in the shadows.
Frankie’s Me Dad can bounce back after a disappointing fresh run. The Frankel mare has performed well second-up previously and looks well placed at Benchmark 64 level. The step out in distance is advantageous, and I expect her to hit the line hard. She may need another run under her belt before producing a peak performance. One for broader multiples and exotics.
Knights Armour has been ultra-consistent in this preparation on the country and provincial circuits. The Casino Prince gelding will appreciate the longer trip, and the 3kg apprentice claim could prove a masterstroke. From barrier six, he will sit midfield with cover, and if he isn’t too far off the leading group as they run for the judge, he can figure in the finish. The step up in grade is the primary concern.
Suggested Bet: The Englishman @ $4.60
