Racing Preview – Sat 7 Feb

CF Orr Stakes – Caulfield
There is a quality field of 12 runners in the weight-for-age Group 1 $400,000 Sportingbet Orr Stakes over 1400 metres. Ten of them are having them first start after a spell and ten of them will carry 59kg. The mare Zarita will carry 57kg and the three-year-old Von Costa De Hero will carry 55.5kg.

The $3.20 favourite in the early market is the beautiful grey Light Fantastic who finished a head behind Lucky Secret at his first start from a spell on 23 January. Next is the Mackinnon winner Theseo at $6, Cox Plate winner Maldivian at $6.50 then Von Costa De Hero and Niconero both at $8. El Segundo ($10) has a good record at this distance with 4 wins from 5 starts, and has won 4 of his 9 starts at the track. 

Jo’s tips: 1. Light Fantastic, 2. El Segundo, 3. Zarita

Blue Diamond Prelude – Caulfield
The Group 3 Arrowfield Stud Blue Diamond Prelude over 1100 metres for two-year-olds has two races each worth $125,000. The fillies run first and there is a field of 8 runners. Three of the runners have had 2 starts for 2 wins, but the odds-on favourite is Rostova at $1.40 followed by Exceedingly French at $6 then Quick Blush and Corsaire both at $9. The rest of the field is at double figure odds.

The colts and geldings race has 10 runners. The betting is more open than the fillies race, with early favourite Real Saga at $3.20, Starspangledbanner at $4.50, Reward For Effort at $5 and Killian at $9.

Jo’s tips:
Fillies – 1. Rostova, 2. Quick Blush, 3. Exceedingly French
C & G – 1. Reward For Effort, 2. Real Saga, 3. Starspangledbanner

Expressway Stakes – Rosehill
The Group 2 $200,000 Expressway Stakes over 1200 metres is a weight-for-age race for three-year-olds and upwards, and there are 8 starters. The early favourite at $2.50 is Burdekin Blues. This Brisbane speed machine has won 6 of 10 starts and won his last start by 6 lengths at Eagle Farm on 24 January.

Next in the market is Raheeb at $4.80, Gallant Tess at $5, Gold Trail at $6 and Mentality at $8. Gold Trail has won all three of his starts in January, while Gallant Tess is returning from a spell but has won 3 of her 6 first-up starts.

Jo’s tips: 1. Gold Trail, 2. Burdekin Blues, 3. Gallant Tess

Don’t forget the Hobart Cup is on Monday 9 February.