Breeders Stakes – 2021

Track: Good Weather: Fine

Eleven 2 year-olds are set to line up in the $127,000 Group 3 Breeders Stakes.  Most of them are having just their second or third start.   Four of them had their last run in the Dequettville Stakes while two others come via the Redoutes Choice Stakes which was run at Caulfield on April 3.  The favourite in a wide open betting race is the Richard & Chantelle Jolly trained Karacasu.  He lengthened strongly to win a 2 year old handicap on this track at the end of March and looks a progressive type.  Next in the betting is the Godolphin filly Cloudy.  She has won two of her last three starts including the Dequettville Stakes here last time.  Isles Of Avalon is another that comes via the Dequettville Stakes.  She was heavily backed in that race and closed strongly from off the pace to run third.

He’s Xceptional has finished in the top two placings at his last three starts and is one of six Victorian trained horses in this years race.  Knightstown finished intently to win here in February.  I Am Enchanting was luckless first up at Caulfield and draws perfectly in barrier five for Damian Lane.   From Pantherland comes through the same race as I Am Enchanting and was an eye catcher out wide on the track, while Princess Raffles will be attempting to win her first race at start six.  The remaining runners are longer than $20-1.

1. He’s Xceptional

Broke his maiden first up on his home track at Cranbourne.   Has since produced back to back seconds at Moonee Valley and Caulfield.  He is fit and racing well and is one of the each way chances.

2. Karacasu

Luckless on debut but still attacked the line strongly.  At latest he drifted back to last but produced an excellent turn of foot to reel them in down the outside.  1200m should suit.

3. Knightstown

Visually impressive debut win over 1000m back in February and gets blinkers for the first time.  His recent trial was good and he looks one of the chances here.

4. From Pantherland

Closed off well out wide at his Caulfield debut.  Third placed horse has since won.  Michael Dee should give him every chance from barrier six.

5. Pocket Change

Weaved through the field late to finish sixth on debut at Bendigo.  Consider for multiples.

6. Cloudy

Finished fourth in the Vobis Gold Rush at Bendigo, then did a good job to win last time after riding a hot speed.  In the mix but first try at 1200m is a query for me.

7. Champagne Dreams

Was well fancied first up in Dequetteville Stakes but never came into it.  Hard to recommend off that.

8. I Am Enchanting

Finished third on debut at Flemington, then resumed off a short break with a luckless fifth in the Redoute’s Choice at Caulfield.  Must respect the O’Brien/Lane combination.

9. Isles Of Avalon

This filly trained by Andrew Noblett was heavily backed on debut, settled midfield and kept coming to be beaten less than half a length.  Out to 1200m with natural improvement should hold her in good stead here.

10. Valentigra

Unbeaten.  She did a good job to pick up the leader at Port Lincoln but this is harder.  Nine weeks off and no trial?  Market?

11. Princess Raffles

Still a maiden but caught the eye hitting the line strongly in the Dequetteville.  Look for her late.

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

Jo’s Tips	Lewis’ Tips
6. Cloudy	8. I Am Enchanting
2. Karacasu	2. Karacasu
9. Isles Of Avalon	3. Knightstown
1. He’s Xceptional	9. Isles Of Avalon

Group 1 All Aged Stakes 2021 (Randwick 1400m)

Group 1 Champagne Stakes 2021 (Randwick 1600m)