Race 7 – Russell Balding Stakes (1300m)
1. Briasa – $5.50 win / $2.10 place
The proven weight-for-age star returns to the scene of his T J Smith triumph, and while the Everest run looked plain on paper, it was a brutal tempo and he was never in rhythm out wide. Prior to that, he outgunned Jimmysstar in the G2 Premiere and was strong late in The Shorts. Barrier 6 allows Schiller to park midfield with cover and launch late. On his best, he’s the one to beat.
2. Jimmysstar (NZ) – $2.60 win / $1.50 place
Mr Consistency. He was superb in The Everest, splitting elite types despite covering ground. His All Aged win over 1400m earlier this prep was dominant and he’s freshened back to 1300m here. Maps beautifully from gate 4 and should stalk the speed. This is his race to lose if the tempo is even.
4. Private Eye – $8.50 win / $2.70 place
The veteran’s form this prep is excellent. Won the G2 Lawrence and G3 Moonga Stakes either side of a brave Tramway second. Draws wide but has early speed and Rawiller is flying. The worry is this being a lead-up to bigger targets, but he’s classy enough to be in the finish regardless.
9. Golden Mile – $61 win / $13 place
Backmarker who mixes form but rarely runs a bad race when on song. Was solid in the Victory Stakes and the K-Smith Cup, but hasn’t really fired since. Blinkers may spark improvement, but others appeal more on current form.
Race 8 – Golden Eagle (1500m)
1. Evaporate (NZ) – $10 win / $3.30 place
Super consistent galloper with elite formlines. His G3 Sandown win two back was brave and the Toorak second was arguably better. Nash takes over and the wide draw actually suits his pattern. Will be in the firing line late and offers real value in a strong field.
3. Linebacker (NZ) – $6.00 win / $2.00 place
Progressive 4YO who was dominant in the Silver Eagle and just missed in the Randwick Guineas earlier this year. He’s got a serious turn of foot and gate 5 allows Lloyd to ride him wherever he’s comfortable. This is the target race and he’s primed.
4. Sepals – $21 win / $5.50 place
The Ruper Clarke winner was flat in the Toorak but had excuses. Boasts a big engine and is capable of a booming finish when given room. A dry track suits and Ethan Brown will be keen to bounce back. Knockout chance.
14. Autumn Glow – $1.90 win / $1.30 place
Unbeaten and utterly untapped. She swept through the G2 Tea Rose, G2 Theo Marks, and G1 Epsom with devastating acceleration. Drawn ideally in 9, gets J-Mac, and maps to stalk the lead. Hard to see her beaten if she gets clear running.
Race 9 – Rosehill Gold Cup (2000m)
2. Bois d’Argent (GB) – $18 win / $4.80 place
The old warrior keeps turning up. Forget the Craven Plate – he never looked happy. Prior to that, he wasn’t far off in the Q22 and Doomben Cup. Soft ground helps. Could surprise if allowed to roll forward and dictate.
4. Maison Louis (NZ) – $3.90 win / $1.80 place
QLD Derby winner who continues to progress. Third in the Hill Stakes last start was enormous. Dylan Gibbons knows him well and from gate 2 he’ll likely box seat. This race sets up beautifully for him.
6. Wootton Verni (FR) – $2.80 win / $1.30 place
Dominant in the Coongy and looks perfectly placed here. McDonald rides, Waller trains, and everything maps to plan. Could well make a mid-race move to control proceedings. The one they all need to get past.
10. Imperialist (NZ) – $10 win / $3.10 place
Taree Cup winner who’s stepping up. Huge form leap here but he’s in career-best form and Waller wouldn’t throw him in the deep end without confidence. Expect him to be running on.
Race 10 – TAB Handicap (1300m)
1. Money Team – $11 win / $3.40 place
Talented galloper with tactical speed. Comes through strong provincial finals and last start was dominant at Warwick Farm. Faces a stiffer class rise but gets in well with the apprentice claim and can push forward early.
5. Bojangles – $17 win / $5.00 place
Classy galloper who hit the line hard in the BM78 last start. Has the form to compete, but may get caught wide from the draw. If Alysha Collett can slot in early, he’s one for exotics.
7. Golden Straand – $6.50 win / $2.10 place
Up-and-comer with a big motor. Strong form over the 1200m and steps up to 1300m now. Should be peaking here and maps to sit midfield with cover. A big showing is expected.
8. Polyglot – $3.70 win / $1.50 place
Godolphin gelding who just keeps improving. Thirds in strong BM78s this prep suggest he’s ready to win. McDonald hops back aboard and barrier 2 means he’ll do no work. The one they’ll all be chasing late.
The Professor’s Plays
Best Bet: Autumn Glow (Race 8)
Best Each Way: Maison Louis (Race 9)
Best Value: Briasa (Race 7)
Quaddie (Races 7–10):
R7: 1, 2, 4, 9
R8: 1, 3, 4, 14
R9: 2, 4, 6, 10
R10: 1, 5, 7, 8
