Bletchingly Stakes – 2021

Track: Soft-Heavy Weather: Showers

Thirteen geldings have accepted for the time honoured Bletchingly Stakes.  Godolphin have a strong hand here with two single figure chances in early markets.  The main lead up race is the Sir John Monash Stakes which was run here a fortnight ago.  Six of the eleven that ran in that race are in the field here.  Two others come via the All Victorian Sprint Final while four are first up.  The early favourite in the betting is the former Western Australian gelding Red Can Man.  He won the Sir John Monash Stakes second up and is trained by the informed David Brideoake stable.  The second favourite is Viridine who had excuses last start and looks suited with a lot of speed on paper.

The Astrologist has won two in a row and maps to get a lovely run.  Isaurian ran on okay first up at Flemington and gets Jamie Kah aboard.  Streets Of Avalon is some query in wet conditions but is the only Group 1 winner in the race and has trialed well leading in.  Order Of Command never came into it after being back and wide first up, while Sansom is a talented sprinter who is resuming.  The remaining runners are long than $20-1.

1. Streets Of Avalon

Two time Group 1 winner resuming.  Both Group 1’s have come at this track including the C F Orr Stakes in February.  He has trialled up well and is a leading contender here with the only query being a wet track.

2. Viridine

A good winner of this race last year thanks to a genius ride from Damian Oliver who will partner with him again.  He was heavily backed in the Sir John Monash Stakes a fortnight ago however a tardy start left him with too much to do in an on pacers race.  He is unbeaten at the track/distance and is capable of making it back to back wins in this race.

3. Order Of Command

Quality sprinter who ran second in the Group 1 Galaxy at Rosehill in March.  He didn’t put his best foot forward in the Sir John Monash Stakes first up but soft ground suits.  He is capable of bouncing back.

4. Brave Song

Resumer for team Snowden.  He goes well around Caulfield and has trialed up well in Sydney for this.  He is another who doens’t want it too wet.

5. Red Can Man

A good winner of the Sir John Monash Stakes a fortnight ago when he really knuckled down the last 100m to reel in Malkovich.  Did fail the start before at Flemington on soft ground which he is likely to face again here but he should get another gun run in transit.

6. Secret Blaze

Stayer resuming.  Look for him over further in the coming months.

7. Isaurian

Godolphin runner also nominated for the July Sprint at Rosehill on Saturday.  He finished fifth behind The Astrologist at Flemington first up.  Should get a gun run here for Kah.

8. William Thomas

Never got warm here last start but ran well at Flemington prior.  Another who should get a good run in transit.  Consider for multiples.

9. The Astrologist

Comes here off back to back wins at his home track, Flemington.  Latest he would not be denied when fending off Banquo.  Rock hard fit, in form and handles soft going are all big ticks for him.

10. Inn Keeper

Seven year old gelding who won the Wangoom Handicap on his home track at Warrnambool in May.  He started $101 in the Sir John Monash Stakes but ran really well to finish sixth.  Back onto a rain affected track suits.  Knock out chance!

11. I am Someone

Hit the line well against the pattern of the day at Sandown first up on heavy ground.  Consider for multiples.

12. Sansom

The winkers go on for the resuming Sansom.  He was a Group 3 winner last preparation and has always show some good ability.  Each way chance here.

13. Dexelation – SCR

Absolutely flying this preparation and very unlucky not to have won a race.  He ran a good fourth in the Sir John Monash Stakes and is proven on rain affected going.  If they over do it in front look for him winding up down the outside.  Roughie with a chance.

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

Jo’s Tips	Lewis’ Tips
5. Red Can Man	2. Viridine
2. Viridine	3. Order Of Command
9. The Astrologist	5. Red Can Man
1. Streets Of Avalon	1. Streets Of Avalon

Listed Winter Challenge 2021 (Rosehill 1500m)