BEST BET
R4 #6 Stampe
Have to stick with Stampe after his first-up win in the G2 Victory Stakes. He went straight in the blackbook off that effort last week when he arguably should’ve won the race. This is a drop back in grade and looks the perfect race for him – after barely seeing clear air last start he should handle to back-up with ease. Gate 11 is a little tricky but he does get the services of gun hoop Craig Williams. The map doesn’t look great on paper, but I’m putting faith in Craig getting it right. If he can find any kind of cover, I’m confident he’ll be right in the finish. He is nominated for the top grade G1 sprint races in the Brisbane winter and he should be going very close if he’s a genuine contender in those better affairs.
NEXT BEST
R1 #13 Olympic Class
Olympic Class is lightly raced type but is building a promising record with two wins from four starts. All four career runs have been full of merit, even in defeat. Whilst he will need to take a step up, he looks to be a horse on the improve and from barrier one, the stable rider will have many options. He could lead them up or get a prime spot off the leaders if something elects to cross. I just feel he’s a horse with lots of improvement while much of this field have already found their level. He also goes well on the soft ground and gets in with the low weight – plenty of boxes ticked.
BEST EACH-WAY
R5 #5 Debussy
This is a huge test for Debussy who won on debut to justify a decent boom around the expensive colt. He was sent out at $1.75 and it was a painless watch despite winning by less a length at the finish. He will obviously need to improve, but there’s been early money for him in the markets. The stable would have some kind of line through Baby Wong who wasn’t far off its own talented youngster Alpine Edge. I’m sure the stable has had this race in mind long before he won on debut so the 1200m should be no problem despite the three-week break. He can lead this field and if he can keep his mind on the job will be mighty hard to run down.