CF Orr Stakes – 2021

Track: Good-Soft Weather: Fine

A terrific field of ten runners are set to line up for the first Group 1 of the Melbourne Spring.  Five of these are former Group 1 winners whilst three are having their first start in a Group 1. There is one three year old and one mare in the race.  The 2020 Cox Plate winner Sir Dragonet is the early favourite.  He is resuming here and has trialed up strongly ahead of his first up run.  The three year old Crosshaven is second favourite.  He too has trialed well leading into this and will attempt to give Sir Dragonet something to catch with his light weight.

Imaging is on the next line of betting and races well first up.  He has had two trials so should be fit enough to put himself in the race here.  Fifty Stars ran second in the group one Mackinnon Stakes before spelling and is a proven performer at this level.  Streets Of Avalon won the Australia Stakes a fortnight ago and makes his own luck from the front.  Sovereign Award is a very consistent mare who finished off her last preparation with three wins in a row and Blazejowski was able to take advantage of a lovely ride from Jye McNeil last start to win at Caulfield.  The remaining runners are longer than $20-1.

1. Humidor

Humidor put in a great effort to win the Feehan Stakes first up in the spring – that was over 1600m.  May find these a little nippy over 1400m.

2. Sir Dragonet

The 2020 Cox Plate winner resumes off a 93 day spell.  He is a genuine Group 1 horse and clearly the best horse in this race.  The query is the 1400m given he is yet to race over a distance less than 2000m but the he showed good zip in a Geelong trial to lead and should be able to get a nice run in the front half of the field here.  The one they have to beat.

3. Fifty Stars

Resumes.  A winner of 10 races from his 27 starts.  He finished second to Arcadia Queen over 2000m in the Mackinnon at his last run.  This just a pipe opener with the Australian Cup a likely target.

4. Angel Of Truth

Another that is likely to be just using this as a pipe opener.  He has only 1 placing from 4 previous first up attempts.  Doubt he can win here.

5. Streets Of Avalon

Former Group 1 winner who was well ridden to win the Australia Stakes on January 22.  This is harder.

6. Imaging

Classy gelding with a strong record both first up and at the trip.  He has had two trials in Sydney to get ready for this and if Craig Williams can give him a good ride from barrier 9 he has an each way hope here.

7. Blazejowski

Returned to winning form at Caulfield last start.  This is harder.

8. Arcadia Prince

Safely held when finishing fifth in the Australia Stakes.  Happy to see him again second up off a break of more than 2 years.

9. Soverign Award

Quality mare who won 3 in a row to round out her last campaign.  She has a strong first up record and is 1 for 1 over this distance.  Will be up on speed making her own luck.

10. Crosshaven

Talented three year old resuming.  He knows how to win having won 5 from 7 starts including the group 3 Carbine Club.  He recently won a Geelong trial and has drawn well.  He will give them something to catch with his light weight.

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

Jo’s Tips	Lewis’ Tips
10. Crosshaven	2. Sir Dragonet
5. Streets of Avalon	10. Crosshaven
6. Imaging	6. Imaging
1. Humidor	9. Sovereign Award

Group 2 Blue Diamond Prelude (Fillies) 2021 (Caulfield 1100m)

Group 3 Blue Diamond Prelude (C&G) 2021 (Caulfield 1100m)