Aurie’s Star Handicap – 2021

Track: Good–Soft Weather: Shower or two

Fifteen runners have accepted for a very competitive edition of the Group 3 Aurie’s Star Handicap.  Four of them last met in the Bletchingly Stakes at Caulfield and four of them are first up.  Danny O’Brien is the only trainer who saddles up multiple runners.  The early favourite in the betting is The Astrologist.  He has won his last two starts at this track and will again be ridden by Damian Thornton.  Next in the betting is Aysar.  He ran a slashing race in last years Caulfield Guineas and is capable of sprinting fresh here with the winkers going back on.

Banquo is one of the two Danny O’Brien runners in the race and looks set to peak third up.  Order Of Command was Group 1 placed last preparation and didn’t have the best of luck in the Bletchingly last start.  Sirius Suspect is first up.  Too Good Too Hard has won her last two starts in South Australia.  King Of Hastings is one of eight runners racing on their home track.  Regardsmaree is an improving type while Great Again is still racing well at nine years of age.  The remaining runners are longer than $20-1.

1. Johnny Get Angry

Last years Victoria Derby winner resuming.  Looks a pipe opener with races over further in mind later in the spring.

2. Order Of Command

It is no surprise to see some early money for this seven year old gelding after a luckless run last start.  He has missed a place just once from five goes this track and trip and Craig Williams sticks.  Each way chance.

3. Aysar

The new Lindsey Park partnership of Ben and JD Hayes are looking for their first group winner here with Aysar.  This entire was good enough to run second in last years Caulfield Guineas and gets Jamie Kah first up which is a big tick.  Another with an each way chance.

4. Romancer

Surprise winner of The Straight Six here first up at a huge price.  Never came into it behind The Astrologist last time.  Prefer others here.

5. The Astrologist

Returns to the track where both of his wins this preparation have come.  Conditions were against him last start in the Bletchingly but he fought on well to run third.  Can win again.

6. Great Again

Thought his run at Caulfield last start was enormous and he has shown a liking to straight racing.  Up in grade but it wouldn’t shock to see him in the finish.

7. Tactical Advantage

Gets the inform “Froggy” Newitt but appears to be racing below his best.  Hard to recommend off recent form.

8. Banquo

Danny O’Brien and Damian Lane team up with Banquo who should be ready to peak here third up with the blinkers going on.  He was only half a length off The Astrologist last start and gets a 2.5kg swing on him.  Go well.

9. King Of Hastings

Returns to Victoria after a stint in Queensland.  He is a last start Sunshine Coast winner over 1400m.  Back to 1200m here which shouldn’t cause him too many concerns.  Maps well.

10. Secret Blaze

Flew home from the back first up in the Bletchingly.  He’s got a nice race in him this preparation but might be looking for 1400m now.  Consider for multiples.

11. Sirius Suspect

Resumes here.  He’s another who loves racing at this track & distance however he is yet to win in five previous first up attempts.

12. Regardsmaree

From the quality Nick Ryan stable.  She won three races last preparation and may be capable of going to another level this time in.  Her recent jump outs have been good and she gets in here on the minimum weight.  In the mix.

13. I Am Someone

Wasn’t beaten far at a huge price in the Bletchingly and the wide draw could be advantageous if they are getting away from the inside.  Knock out chance.

14. Too Good Too Hard

In form mare who has a huge finish on her – she has stormed home to win her last two at Murray Bridge.  Gets in here with a light weight and looks well suited from barrier 10.  Can win.

15. Irish Songs

His two runs up the straight have been pretty solid.  Not sure he’s good enough to win but it wouldn’t shock to see him run into the top four.

The following are the top 4 selections for this years race.

Jo’s Tips	Lewis’ Tips
5. The Astrologist	2. Order Of Command
3. Aysar	8. Banquo
8. Banquo	5. The Astrologist
14. Too Good Too Hard	12. Regardsmaree

Group 2 Missile Stakes 2021 (Randwick 1200m)