Carlyon Stakes – 2020

Track: Good   Weather: Fine

10 runners are set to line up in the Listed Carlyon Stakes.  Meteorite is an early scratching.  Three of these come through the Doveton Stakes which was run at Sandown two weeks ago.  The Godolphin gelding Coruscate is the early favourite in the betting.  He is looking to win his 3rd race this preparation.  Prezado is resuming here, he won 3 of his last 4 races before spelling and has jumped out well.  Seemingly Discreet is lightly raced and has been impressive winning races in easier grade, she gets her chance here at listed level.

Prophet’s Thumb has a sharp turn of foot but will need luck from barrier 2.  Grandview Avenue is another having a fantastic preparation, he was the winner of a 955m race here in quick time last start.  Sartorial Splendor has good gate speed and will be trying to lead from barrier 3.  Human Nature is yet to miss a place in 3 Moonee Valley starts and arguably should of won here 2 starts ago.  Royal Witness comes down from Sydney for trainer Joe Pride and is first up.  Runson has had some time off since his last run and is a specialist over this trip.  Condo’s Express is the outsider at $26-1.

1. Sartorial Splendor

The blinkers come off the son of Brazen Beau.  He lead all the way to score here first up and is yet to miss a place in three attempts at Moonee Valley.

2. Coruscate

Began this preparation with two Caulfield wins.  He is yet to place in two attempts at Moonee Valley and a wide gate may work against him here.

3. Runson

Runson has had a 6 week break between runs.  He has good gate speed and a very good record over the 1000m.  He was able to run Diamond Effort to .2 of a length in August and if he can find that form he will go close here.

4. Condo’s Express

Condo’s Express’ two wins have both come at Moonee Valley.  He has two seconds here as well so clearly has a liking to the track.  This is a step up in grade but he draws well in 8 and will get last crack at them.

5. Prezado

Last preparation was his best of his career.  It featured 3 wins in a row at Flemington.  He has jumped out very well in preparation for this and if he can have some luck from barrier 1 he is going to be right in the finish here.

6. Royal Witness

The Sydney sider has won 2 barrier trials ahead of this first up assignment.  He doesn’t have a strong first up record and a wide barrier makes things tough over the short course but we have seen Sydney horses dominate in Melbourne this spring.

7. Grandview Avenue

Grandview Avenue is flying this preparation.  Last start at Moonee Valley he was able to sit outside the well backed Meteorite and was far too good for him.  He has an each way chance here.

8. Human Nature

Another who likes racing here.  She arguably should of won two starts ago and then wasn’t disgraced at Sandown.

9. Meteorite – SCRATCHED

10. Prophet’s Thumb

This horse has a short sharp sprint.  She has had her races spaced this preparation and found the line well after being held up at Sandown.  Will need luck but if she gets it has an outside chance.

11. Seemingly Discreet

The Phillip Stokes trained runner has won two benchmark 78’s this preparation.  Her latest effort at Cranbourne was very impressive sitting outside the lead and booting away to win well.  This is a big step up in a grade but she is still lightly raced and improving with every run.

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

Jo’s Tips	Lewis’ Tips
2. Coruscate	5. Prezado
5. Prezado	3. Runson
11. Seemingly Discreet	8. Human Nature
10. Prophet’s Thumb	2. Coruscate

Group 1 Winterbottom Stakes 2020 (Ascot 1200m)

Listed McKenzie Stakes 2020 (Moonee Valley 1200m)

The track was rated as Good 3.

Scratchings were 9. Meteorite.

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	7. Grandview Avenue
2nd	10. Prophet’s Thumb	1.8 lengths
3rd	5. Prezado	3.3 lengths
4th	11. Seemingly Discreet	4.2 lengths