Cantala Stakes- 2021

Track: Good Weather: Fine

There is a full field of sixteen for the final Group 1 on the card, the $2,000,000 Cantala Stakes.  Twelve are geldings, three are mares and one is an entire.  Three had their last start in the Epsom Handicap, three ran in the Moonga Stakes, three ran in the Toorak Handicap and two back after a run in last weeks Crystal Mile.  Mr Brightside is the early favourite in the betting.  The progressive son of Bullbars won the Seymour Cup last start and is attempting to win his seventh race in a row here.

Chris Wallers Aramayo has placed at all three runs this preparation and looks primed for this fourth up assignment.  Chaillot is a lightly raced mare with a huge finish and is well drawn in barrier 12.  Superstorm is very consistent and has only missed a place once in six previous attempts at this distance.  Riodini maps to come across and race outside Buffalo River which should ensure they run along at a genuine tempo here.  Icebath is on the back up after winning The Invitation at Randwick last Saturday.  Cascadian was second in this race last year, while Quantum Mechanic was an eye catcher in the Toorak last start.  The remaining runners are longer than $20-1.

1. Zoutori

Won the Group 1 Newmarket over 1200m here earlier in the year.  Has been racing solidly with out winning this prep.  But has to be a query at 1600m with the big weight.

2. Cascadian

Godolphin galloper who finished a narrow second in this race last year.  Won the Group 1 Doncaster over this distance in April and was good from the back last start in the Epsom Handicap.  Gets McDonald for this.  Has a chance.

3. Superstorm

Won the Feehan over 1600m in early September and was a good third in the Toorak last start.  Back to Flemington suits.  Each way chance.

4. Riodini

Put in two very strong performances behind Think It Over and Verry Elleegant at Randwick in September, then weakened out in the Epsom when heavily fancied.  Has trialled well in between runs.  In the mix.

5. Buffalo River

Noted front runner who gets Linda Meech in the saddle for this.  He dictated and won the Group 3 Moonga Stakes at Caulfield last start.  This is harder though and he has never won on a good track.

6. Aramayo

Chris Waller runner who has returned in super order.  Was second in the Tramway, third in the Bill Ritchie, then a narrow second in the Epsom.  Has four wins from seven starts this distance.  Easy to make a case for him.

7. Icebath

Talented mare who won the $2,000,000 Invitation at Randwick last week.  Ran out of room in the Epsom prior but still hit the line well.  One the chances here.

8. Lunar Fox

Won the Group 1 Australian Guineas at a huge price this track & distance earlier in the year but needs to improve on what he has been doing recently.

9. Kahma

Four year old mare trained by Jamie Richards.  She is a Group 1 winner in New Zealand and improved significantly second up to take out the Weekend Hussler at Caulfield last start.  Will need some luck from barrier one.

10. Quantum Mechanic

Talented mare who has been building nicely this preparation.  Latest she was blocked for a run, then charged to the line in the Toorak Handicap to finish fourth.  Looks set to peak here fourth up and has drawn well.  Is over the odds.

11. Chaillot

Interesting runner.  Unleashed a huge turn of foot fresh to win the Testa Rossa on September 25.  All her best form is first up so she has been given five weeks between runs into this.  Has three wins from five starts at Flemington.  If she finds her best she will be hard to hold out.

12. Just Folk

On the quick back up after wining the Group 2 Crystal Mile at Moonee Valley last week.  That race didn’t rate overly strongly and I prefer him on a wet track.

13. Romancer

Blinkers go back on.  He was safely held in last weeks Crystal Mile.  Needs to improve.

14. Mr Brightside

Very progressive four year old trained by team Hayes.  He has won his last six including the listed Seymour Cup last start by 2.25 lengths.  Deserves his shot at Group 1 level here and is drawn perfectly in barrier six with just 52kg on his back.  Rates highly.

15. King Magnus

Is racing in terrific form.  Latest, was second behind Buffalo River in the Moonga Stakes.  1600m a query.

16. Flash Aah

Six year old gelding trained by Matt Kropp at Toowoomba.  Has been competitive at listed level in the past but this looks a big throw at the stumps.  Looking elsewhere.

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

Jo’s Tips	Lewis’ Tips
14. Mr Brightside	14. Mr Brightside
11. Chaillot	10. Quantum Mechanic
6. Aramayo	11. Chaillot
7. Icebath	2. Cascadian

Group 1 Victoria Derby 2021 (Flemington (2500m)

Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes 2021 (Flemington 1200m)

Group 3 Lexus Hotham Handicap 2021 (Flemington 2500m)

The Golden Eagle 2021 (Rosehill 1500m)