Blamey Stakes – 2021

Track: Good   Weather: Fine

Eleven runners have accepted for the $200,000 Group 2 Blamey Stakes.  Four of these come through an open handicap won by Regardsmaree here on February 13 while three others had their last start in the Carlyon Cup which was held at Caulfield on February 6.  Only one horse in the race is first up.  The early favourite with the bookmakers is Buffalo River who finished runner up in the Group 1 Toorak Handicap in October.  He looks primed to run well here second up with Jamie Kah in the saddle.  The second favourite is Best Of Days.  He was perfectly ridden by Damian Oliver to win the Carlyon Cup by 1.75 lengths and is a former Group 1 winner.

Damian Lane picks up the ride on Star Of The Seas who fought on well to finish fourth at Rosehill when resuming.  Mystic Journey is a terrific mare but she has been struggling for form of late.  She has been beaten as a short priced favourite in Tasmania at her last two starts.  Fifty Stars finished seventh first up in Sydney but it would not surprise to see him improve sharply here.  The remaining runners are longer than $20-1.

1. Fifty Stars

Group 1 winner trained by Hayes and Dabernig.  He was run off his feet first up in the Apollo Stakes in Sydney but finished off the race okay.  He is much more suited here stepping up to 1600m with fitness under his belt.

2. Mirage Dancer

Resumes.  Is capable of running well fresh and is drawn to get a soft run from barrier 2 for jockey Michael Dee.

3. Neufbosc

Won the Group 2 Perth Cup on January 2.  Never got warm here 2 weeks ago.  Needs further.

4. Irish Flame

This son of Zed won 3 in a row at the back end of the spring including the Listed Ballarat Cup.  He was strong late first up and it wouldn’t shock to see him in the finish at a big price.

5. Best Of Days

Heavily backed first up at Caulfield and scored easily thanks to a quality ride from Damian Oliver.  He dictated terms from the front.  Doesn’t look to get the same control here but he is in the mix.

6. Mystic Journey

Former Group 1 winner who is really struggling to find her best form.  She has had two runs back from a spell in Tasmania and been beaten as a short price favourite in both.  Hard to recommend off what she has done recently.

7. Star Of The Seas

Talented gelding who ran second in 2 Group 1’s last preparation – the Winx Stakes and the George Main Stakes.  He was a solid enough effort first up in the Group 2 Expressway Stakes at Rosehill.  One of the each way chances.

8. Funstar – Scratched

9. Mahamedeis

Got going late in the piece first up and tends to be a big improver second up.  Bar plates off is another tick.

10. Vassilator

Honest gelding who loves racing at Flemington.   All 4 of his career wins have come here, however he has struggled over 1600m in the past and looks outclassed against this company.

11. Buffalo River

Ran second in the Group 1 Toorak Handicap over this distance in the spring and his run first up run was excellent when only collared late by the inform Regardsmaree.  Jamie Kah should be able to control this from the front.  He is the one they have to beat.

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

Jo’s Tips	Lewis’ Tips
5. Best Of Days	11. Buffalo River
11. Buffalo River	7. Star Of The Seas
7. Star Of The Seas	4. Irish Flame
6. Mystic Journey	9. Mahamedeis

Group 1 Australian Guineas 2021 (Flemington 1600m)