P.B. Lawrence Stakes – 2021

Track: Good Weather: Fine

There is a field of ten for the first Group 2 of the Victorian racing season – the $300,000 P.B. Lawrence Stakes.  The key lead up is the Bletchingly Stakes which was run here three weeks ago.  Three of them ran in that race while five of the remaining seven are first up.  The early favourite in the betting is the seven year old gelding Streets Of Avalon.  He ran a slashing race first up in the Bletchingly and is a dual Group 1 winner this course and distance.  The second favourite is Superstorm.  He is now with the Danny O’Brien stable and will be ridden by Damian Oliver.

Sansom won the Bletchingly first up and should run well again here.  Best Of Days gets Jamie Kah in the saddle for this first up assignment and has been met with good support in early betting markets.  Red Can Man is on the quick back and will be suited by a firming track.  Sierra Sue let down strongly to win the Mildura Cup last start and loves the distance, while Nonconformist is a talented five year old being set for the cups later in the spring.  The remaining runners are longer than $20-1.

1. Best Of Days

Eight year old gelding trained by James Cummings.  He has only won one from seven first up but is capable of running a race fresh and gets Jamie Kah in the saddle.  Each way chance.

2. Streets Of Avalon

Streets Of Avalon ran a cracking race against the pattern of the day first up in the Bletchingly and is a dual Group 1 winner this track and distance.  Strips fitter here and maps well.  The one they have to beat.

3. Angel Of Truth

One of the two Hawkes runners in the race.  He ran a good fifth in the Australian Cup over 2000m last preparation but I’d suggest this is just a pipe opener first up.  Place chance at best.

4. Superstorm

Former WA trained gelding now under the care of Danny O’Brien at Barwon Heads.  He’s arguably the most talented horse in the race and his recent jump outs suggest he is going well.  If the speed is on, he is capable of getting home over the top of them.

5. Archedemus

The second of the Hawkes runners.  He won the Hawksbury Gold Cup over 1600m in May and The Gong last November.  Expecting Fred Kersley to roll forward and put him into the race from barrier nine.  Consider for multiples.

6. Red Can Man

Red Can Man is on the quick back up after finishing third at Flemington last week.  Wasn’t beaten far in the Bletchingly prior and is suited by a firming track.  In the mix.

7. Sansom

Was given a lovely ride by Ben Allen to win the Bletchingly first up.  Drawn inside of horses this time which may not be as favourable but he should get an economical run again.  One of the each way chances.

8. Nonconformist

Another one of the resumers in the race.  He is better over further but does go well on his home track.  Wouldn’t shock to see him run into the minor money.

9. Do You Reckon

Has finished last in both runs this preparation.  Unlikely here.

10. Sierra Sue

Sierra Sue stormed home from the back to win the Mildura Cup at her last start.  Is up in grade here but is drawn well and this is her pet distance.

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

Jo’s Tips	Lewis’ Tips
2. Streets Of Avalon	2. Streets Of Avalon
7. Sansom	4. Superstorm
1. Best Of Days	1. Best Of Days
6. Red Can Man	8. Nonconformist

Group 3 Vain Stakes 2021 (Caulfield 1100m)

Group 3 Up and Coming Stakes 2021 (Kembla Grange 1300m)

Group 3 Spring Stakes 2021 (Morphettville 1200m)