Coolmore Stud Stakes – 2021

Track: Good Weather: Fine

Sixteen colts and one filly have accepted for the $1,500,000 Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes.  Three had their las run in the Danehill Stakes, three ran in the Roman Consul and two ran in the Group 3 Blue Sapphire Stakes at Caulfield.  There are several trainers with very strong hands in this.  Chris Waller has four runners, James Cummings has three, while the Bjorn Baker, Anthony & Sam Freedman and Ciaron Maher & David Eustace stables all have two runners entered.

The early favourite in a very competitive betting market is Extreme Warrior.  The son of Extreme Choice bolted into win the Blue Sapphire by 3.75 lengths last start over this distance.  Next in the betting is In The Congo.  He has had a freshen up since winning the Golden Rose on September 25 and will be partnered by Craig Williams in this.

Paulele is one of six last start winners in the race.  Artorius comes back 400m in trip after running third in the Caulfield Guineas at his last start.  Home Affairs was ninth in The Everest last start while Kallos won the Group 2 Danehill Stakes which is one of the traditional lead ups to this event.  The remaining runners are longer than $20-1.

1. Shaquero

First of the Waller runners.  Hasn’t done enough in his two runs back from the spelling paddock to suggest he could be winning this.

2. Artorius

High pressure beast who won the Group 1 Blue Diamond earlier in the year.  He was fourth in the Golden Rose on September 25, then ran home strongly into third in the Caulfield Guineas.  Comes back 400m in distance here but he is a quality animal and it won’t surprise to see him charging at them late.

3. Ingratiating

Godolphin colt who is on the quick back up after finishing third in last weeks Manikato Stakes at Moonee Valley.  Draws middle of the line.

4. In The Congo

Is five weeks between runs since winning the Golden Rose in late September.  Was a narrow second to Anamoe at Kembla Grange the start prior.  Blinkers go on for this and is perfectly drawn.  Major player.

5. Home Affairs

Quality colt trained by Chris Waller.  He won the Heritage first up, then faded after sitting up on speed in The Everest.  Back to his own age group and gets James McDonald in the saddle.  Each way chance.

6. Pauele

Son of Dawn Approach who doesn’t know how to run a bad race.  Latest, capitalised on the right run to win the Group 2 Roman Consul by 1.44l lengths.  Expect him to run well.

7. Kallos

Resumed with an easy victory in a Hawkesbury maiden, then won the Group 2 Danehill Stakes by two lengths here last start.  Flying!

8. Ranch Hand

Impressive win here first up in the Poseidon, then safely held in the Danehill last start.  Not sure where he is at.

9. Extreme Warrior

Was dominant winning an Echuca maiden by 4.25 lengths first up, then came to town and blew his rivals away by 3.75 lengths in the Group 3 Blue Sapphire.  That’s very strong form for this.  A deserved favorite.

10. Extreme Flight

Is unbeaten since the blinkers went on three starts ago.  Up in grade but it wouldn’t shock to see him run well in this.

11. Sword Of State

New Zealand trained colt who was fifth in the Roman Consul last start.  Needs to improve.

12. Bruckner

Won the McNeil two back then was third in the Danehill.  Not sure barrier one suits.

13. Overpass

Another coming via the Roman Consul.  His fourth in that is unlikely to be good enough to be winning this.

14. Marine One

On the quick back up after a victory at Moonee Valley last week which had plenty of merit.  He is a long way up in grade here but is racing well.  Consider for multiples.

15. Minsk Moment

Struck trouble at Moonee Valley first up but still managed to win really impressively, then played up before the start in the Blue Sapphire where he finished seven lengths behind Extreme Warrior.  Needs to improve.

16. Battleton

Second of the Bjorn Baker runners.  He has two wins and a second from his three career starts but they were against much weaker opposition.  Prefer others.

17. Gimmie Par

Lone filly in the field.  Was heavily backed to win the Quezette first up at Caulfield and she did so impressively by .5 of a length. Then had six weeks between runs into the Danehill where she was fourth when racing in the inferior ground.  Fitter for that and is one at a big price that I think has a top four chance.

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

Jo’s Tips	Lewis’ Tips
4. In The Congo	9. Extreme Warrior
9. Extreme Warrior	4. In The Congo
2. Artorius	2. Artorius
6. Paulele	6. Paulele

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Group 1 Cantala Stakes 2021 (Flemington 1600m)

Group 3 Lexus Hotham Handicap 2021 (Flemington 2500m)

The Golden Eagle 2021 (Rosehill 1500m)