Navigational expertise, so relevant at the recent Golden Slipper meeting, centres around Damian Lane on the filly, Aeliana, in the ATC Australian Derby at Royal Randwick on Saturday.
Sure, Group ones are won by good and great rides but Rosehill two weeks back emphasised with such equal fields, majors ending in centimetres, the edge comes from the saddle.
Such was the situation with Lane on Marhoona in the Golden Slipper, scoring by a rapidly diminishing head leaving the betting ring awash with tears from those who backed the beaten Wodeton and Tempted.
Earlier Gringotts given dream assistance by Tom Berry hung on to take the George Ryder by a nose from Fangirl, who covered far more ground, while another Group One, the Rosehill Guineas, was taken by Broadsiding by a short half head from Aeliana (Jason Collett) following a bump in the straight that cost her the race.
Lane takes over from Collett on Aeliana on Saturday in a packed field with again the possibility of traffic problems, especially from the two gate.
Top jockeys as well as horses compliment the outstanding Derby – Doncaster program, perhaps best placed on Easter Saturday as formerly, but still exceptional.
Yes, James McDonald, currently the world’s best hoop, is absent but Ryan Moore, regarded by many as the top gun, Zac Purton, probably better than Moore in Australia, and Hugh Bowman, who contributed so much to the champion Winx, against a vintage crop of locals adds attraction.
Of course the Australian Derby is the Classic if not the best race. Chris Waller’s Aeliana gets the vote on Racing.com from the knowledgeable Wolfden panel, who doubt the strength of the New Zealand Derby taken by Willydoit, regarded in the betting as the major rival for the filly.
Given the breaks or a Lane pearl Aeliana, only $3 yesterday, should score but because of the odds I am selecting Plymouth ($14).
From the three gate Plymouth should get the run of the race from Mark Zahra, who lacks the international pizzaz of others but has the eye of the tiger: a Mick Dittman approach to winning.
Plymouth was solid behind Aeliana in the Rosehill Guineas (2000 metres) but the extra Randwick 2400 metres could make a difference. That’s the gamble.
Lane is also in the hot seat on Joliestar for Chris Waller in the T.J.Smith, assessed by some as the best sprint so far this year.
Joliestar, under Lane, romped away with the Flemington Newmarket last start but this assignment is more demanding against seasoned topliners like Overpass, Jimmysstar, Sunshine in Paris, and Magic Time plus an emerging talent, Briasa making a giant leap to weight-for-age fancied to beat them.
Jimmysstar, a member of the Ciaron Maher army, was the victim of a terrible Moonee Valley track last start as well as a bad break at the gates but he’s got me.
Still Switzerland, a stablemate of Joliestar, gets blinkers for the first time to spark a disappointing preparation.
Moore will be out to trigger Switzerland while Bowman attempts to launch the stubborn Rivellino out of the gates in Sires Produce.
Bowman handled him in the Golden Slipper and after a tardy start Rivellino surged strong at the end to finish fourth indicating the 1400 metres at Randwick will be more beneficial.
Alas the Golden Slipper this year is rated below average. Wodeton, with Moore, abroad is favourite from an awkward nine start and the Sires at Flemington this year, with winner Vinrock, is getting more consideration than usual and has the assistance of Zahra. Vinrock, an upfront type, should be able to adapt to the tempo anticipated from to the Gai Waterhouse – Adrian Bott youngster Bellazaine who is expected to make the pace.
Maher also has a strong hand in the Doncaster headed by Another Wil and Gringotts while Waller has his normal mass representation with stable insiders tipping his best as Firestorm.
But the most attractive is Moira from the United States where she scored at the elite Group one level last start. Purton has been booked for her. Moira drew 21. A wide gate has never beaten a good thing over the Randwick metric mile. But can she bring that Delmar ability to headquarters?
Gringotts scored in the Ryder at Rosehill last start receiving what was regarded by most as a major advantage to be on or near the rail. I don’t agree but you could put that down to aged eyes, not as perceptive eyes as they once were.
Anyway they did note that Stefi Magnetica’s appearance before the Ryder: written in my “Best Bets” as having a coat like a “hairy goat”. She was beaten under two lengths. If her appearance improves as I anticipate she will be ready for bold showing. At her only start over the 1600 metres Stefi Magnetica, developed by Bjorn Baker, was unplaced at Flemington: downed just over a length in the Group one Cantala Stakes, a weight-for-age event, behind Mr Brightside, a handy credential.
With Collett aboard from the five barrier, Stefi Magnetica suits me. Perhaps Collett was beaten on Aeliana in the Rosehill Guineas but he gets better than a seal of approval. Collett can always carry my money.
Not only does the quality of the first day of The Championships at Randwick strike a high but promises to be the second day in 12 years to provide an official GOOD track.
Bad weather influenced Best Bets to describe the others as “superbowls of slush”.
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Thanks Mighty Max Good Luck Tomorrow Mate