Track: Soft   Weather: Possible showers

Following the early scratchings of Coastwatch and Minsk Moment, 12 runners remain for the $200,000 Hawkesbury Guineas. There are four colts, four geldings and four fillies, and John O’Shea is the only trainer with two runners. Three of the runners had their last start in the Listed South Pacific Stakes over 1400m at Randwick on 9 April, and two in the Group 3 James H B Carr Stakes over 1400m at Randwick on 16 April while the rest all came through different races. Two runners are sired by Snitzel and two by Flying Artie.

The early favourite is  Mr Mozart who has won his last two starts at Newcastle and Rosehill Gardens and has four wins from 11 starts. Second favourite is Loch Eagle who has had three starts this campaign for two wins then 2nd in the South Pacific Stakes. Third favourite is Vilana who won the South Pacific and has three wins and a 2nd from four starts.

Flying Crazy is well-travelled having won the Listed Canberra Guineas in March and the Listed Daybreak Lover 3YO Plate at Eagle Farm at his most recent start.  I Am Lethal is one of the John O’Shea runners and has three wins from eight starts. Party For One placed last start at Randwick and gets the blinkers on for the first time, while Devil’s Throat has won his last two starts at Canterbury and Hawkesbury. All other runners are currently 20 to 1 or longer.

1. Mr Mozart

This Snitzel colt from Team Hawkes has won his last two starts at Newcastle and Rosehill Gardens and has four wins from 11 starts. Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes won this race with Chautauqua in 2014 and John Hawkes also won with Hire in 2000 and Pearly Kings in 2003. Jockey William Pike has steered Mr Mozart to victory at his last two runs and he should be hard to beat.

2. Coastwatch  – SCRATCHED

3. Subterranean

Last campaign this Rebel Dane gelding from the Matthew Dunn stable was disappointing in all three runs. Resumes here from a 10 week let-up and others have better chances.

4. Flying Crazy

I rather like this Flying Artie gelding trained by Gerald Ryan & Sterling Alexiou. Gerald won this race with Spill The Beans in 2016. Flying Crazy is well-travelled having won the Listed Canberra Guineas on 14 March, running 6th in the Group 3 Carbine Club Stakes at Randwick on 2 April then winning the Listed Daybreak Lover 3YO Plate at Eagle Farm on 16 April. Has won on soft going and is a place chance.

5. Vilana

Nicely bred colt trained by James Cummings that has three wins and a 2nd from four starts. Won by 0.4 length over 1200m at Warwick Farm on 23 March then won the South Pacific Stakes by 0.8 length on 9 April. Jockey Sam Clipperton rode him for both those wins and he won this race last year on Exoboom. Should fight out the finish.

6. Loch Eagle

This Lonhro colt trained by Kris Lees has had three starts this campaign for two wins then 2nd in the South Pacific Stakes.Has been running well this campaign and rates highly with Hugh Bowman riding. One of the main chances.

7. I Am Lethal

One of the John O’Shea runners, this I Am Invincible colt has three wins from eight starts. Second-up and could place.

8. Cotehele

The other John O’Shea runner. Made ground late last start at Randwick on a heavy track and should run fitter for two previous outings. Not the worst.

9. Minsk Moment  – SCRATCHED

10. Devil’s Throat

A Snitzel gelding who has won his last two starts at Canterbury and Hawkesbury. Trained by Peter & Paul Snowden who won this race last year with Exoboom and in 2019 with Military Zone. Paul also won this race with Limes in 2013 and Free Wheeling in 2012. Jockey Joshua Parr has also tasted success in this race aboard Sanbro in 2018. He is the only runner who has already had a win at this track. He has the inside barrier and has to be counted as one of the chances.

11. Party For One

She placed last start at Randwick and gets the blinkers on for the first time, Prefer others.

12. Anagain

First up after 27 weeks. Prefer to watch.

13. Sebranco

This Sebring filly has drawn the outside barrier, This looks too tough.

14. Dalchini

Not here.

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

Jo’s Tips
1 Mr Mozart
5 Vilana
6 Loch Eagle
4 Flying Crazy