Fred Best Classic – 2021

Track: Good Weather: Fine

Twelve have accepted for the Fred Best Classic and there will be plenty tuning in for this one with boom colt Ayrton set to line up for start number four.  The unbeaten three year old trained by Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr has been ultra impressive at all three starts and is the current favourite for next months Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap.  The second favourite here is Exoboom.  He kept finding last time at Rosehill off a wide run, prior he won the Group 3 Hawkesbury Guineas.

Apache Chase was only collared late by the smart Private Eye here on May 1.  Midland is unbeaten this preparation and will likely roll forward from barrier nine.  Count De Rupee is one of four last start winners in the race, while Amish Boy has been placed at all three of his starts over the 1400m.  The remaining runners are longer than $20-1.

1. Aim

Has won a barrier trial since finishing midfield in the Hawkesbury Guineas.  Gets James McDonald again who won the Magic Millions 3 year old on him in convincing fashion in January.  He likes to get back and run on in his races so the big track at Eagle Farm and barrier 7 looks to suit.

2. Amish Boy

Was Group 1 placed against the older horses in the Newmarket Handicap at Flemington going back three runs.  That run reads well for this.  With Hugh Bowman going back a board it would not surprise to see him run into the placings.

3. Apache Chase

Comes back to 1400m after a good second over the mile in the Queensland Guineas.  Prior he bolted in here at listed level.  Doubt he can beat Ayrton but is certainly in the mix for multiples.

4. Simply Fly

Strung four in a row together to start this campaign.  Has had some excuses in more recent runs.  Gets Craig Williams on here and maybe able to do something at decent odds.

5. Holyfield

Plain first two runs back then improved to run second at Doomben last time.  Is a two time Group 3 winner.

6. Midland

Trained by Kris Lees at Warwick Farm.  He bounced off a benchmark 64 win at Warwick Farm to win the $300,00 Inglis Guineas at Rosehill last time.  Keeps improving.

7. Exoboom

Won the Hawkesbury Guineas then had no luck at all when wide all the way in the Inglis Guineas.  He fought on really well there and should be rock hard fit fourth up into this.

8. Count De Rupee

Justified the short quote to win a benchmark 78 at Rosehill last time.  She is very consistent having finished in the first three at eight of her nine starts.  Rough hope.

9. Ayrton

Arguably the best three year old in Australia.  He impressed on debut at Bendigo, then was an outstanding Caulfield winner before being sent for a spell.  He returned with another terrific effort at Caulfield and steps back to 1400m here which should be even more to his liking.  Hard to see him being beaten from a perfect draw with Jamie Kah in the saddle.

10. Not An Option

Kiwi having his second stint in Australia.  He finished fourth first up at Doomben and should take improvement from that.

11. Palladas

Finished third at Doomben last time.  Blinkers go back on and she looks set to peak third up back onto her home track.

12. Glitters Strip

This daughter of Street Boss sprinted home over the top of them to win at Doomben last time.  Needs to improve on that to feature here though.

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

Jo’s Tips	Lewis’ Tips
9. Ayrton	9. Ayrton
7. Exoboom	3. Apache Chase
6. Midland	7. Exoboom
3. Apache Chase	6. Midland

Group 1 Kingsford-Smith Cup 2021 (Eagle Farm 1300m)

Group 1 Queensland Derby 2021 (Eagle Farm 2400m)

Group 2 BRC Sires Produce 2021 (Eagle Farm 1400m)