Tulloch Stakes – 2021

Track: Good Weather: Fine

Twelve three year-old colts/geldings have accepted for the Group 2 Tulloch Stakes.  There are some quality animals up towards the top of the weights here but the race does look to have quite a long tail.  Two of these come through the Group 2 Alister Clark Stakes at Moonee Valley while two others last ran in a benchmark 64 at Hawkesbury.  The early favourite in the betting is Cherry Tortoni.  He ran second in the Australian Guineas two starts ago, then finished fourth in the Alister Clark Stakes last start.  The second favourite is Favreau trained by John Sargent.  He comes here on the back of back to back provincial wins and looks well above average.

The Frontman ran third in the New Zealand Derby at Ellerslie last start and is only having his fifth start in a race.  Young Werther hit the line well in the Alister Clark and has been improving with each run this preparation.  Yaletown rode a fast speed in the Phar Lap Stakes and stuck on okay to ran fourth, while Fields Of Honour is fit and racing well.  The remaining runners are longer than $20-1.

1. Cherry Tortoni

This talented three year old was beaten as an odds on favourite in the Alister Clark, however attempted to make the wide sweeping run that proved impossible on the day, so it may pay to forgive.  Prior he was very good in the Australian Guinea’s coming from last to run second.  One of the main chances.

2. The Frontman

Kiwi visitor.  He ran third in the New Zealand Derby over 2400m on March 7.  Drying conditions and coming back to 2000m are queries.

3. Young Werther

Ran an improved race last time in the Alister Clark Stakes at Moonee Valley.  He is now fourth up so should be getting close to peak fitness.  I like the booking of Tom Marquand, he is a strong rider that will suit this horse.

4. Yaletown

Lightly raced gelding trained by Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott.  He enters this race third up after running second first up at Canberra and fourth last start in the Phar Lap Stakes.  In the mix.

5. Fields Of Honour

Has won two of his last three but they were in maiden and Class 1 Grade.  Consider for multiples.

6. Favreau

Impressive coming from worse than midfield in a Benchmark 64 at Kembla Grange on March 12.  He was only getting stronger the last bit which suggests he will eat up 2000m.  John Sargent is a master at training three year-old stayers and James McDonald hops aboard.  He has got a great chance.

7. Just A Jedi

Seventh up first preparation and first try in town.  Happy to risk.

8. Prompt Prodigy

Another who has been up for a long time.  He has won just one of nine.  Again, happy to risk.

9. Rondino

This son of Shamus Award has won two of his five career starts.  He is up in class here but has drawn well and gets Brenton Avdulla.  Consider for multiples.

10. Bob

Finished tenth at Kembla Grange first up.  Not likely.

11. Bahamut

Won an Ipswich maiden over 1680 m two starts ago, then finished down the track at Eagle Farm.  Surely not the right form for this.

12. Zakspeed

Another that is coming from NSW provincial racing.  He started $20-1 at Gosford last time and ran sixth.  Not for me.

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

Jo’s Tips	Lewis’ Tips
1. Cherry Tortoni	6. Favreau
6. Favreau	1. Cherry Tortoni
3. Young Werther	3. Young Werther
2. The Frontman	2. The Frontman

Group 1 Tancred Stakes 2021 (Rosehill 2400m)

Group 1 Vinery Stud Stakes 2021 (Rosehill 2000m)

Group 2 Emancipation Stakes 2021 (Rosehill 1500m)

Group 3 Easter Cup 2021 (Caulfield 2000m)