VRC Winter Championship – 2021

Track: Soft Weather: Overcast

A field of ten geldings have accepted for the $160,000 Winter Championship Final.  Three of these had their last start in an open handicap here a fortnight ago, two others last ran at Sandown, while the top weight Buckhurst had his last start in the Cox Plate.  The early favourite in the betting is the Nick Ryan trained Dice Roll.   He is attempting to make it four wins in a row and should get every chance again from barrier six.  The second favourite is Odeon.  He is a very consistent horse who makes his own luck up on speed.

Kirwan’s Lane is flying this preparation and comes down from Sydney for this assignment fourth up.  Adelaide Ace is one of two Lindsey Smith runners in the race and a last start winner of the Swan Hill Cup.  Buckhurst has plenty of weight to carry but is the highest credentialed runner in the field, while Biometric won his last start at Caulfield.  The remaining runners are longer than $20-1.

1. Buckhurst

Former international now with the Robert Hickmott camp.  He resumes a gelding after midfield finishes in last years Caulfield Cup and Cox Plate’s.   This is short of his best distance but he does have some overseas form over the mile.  The market is likely to be the best guide here.

2. Dice Roll

Dice Roll is unbeaten in three Australian runs since returning from Hong Kong.  He has shown a level of consistency and ability to peel off strong late splits which makes him an attractive betting option.  He should get a great run again from barrier six and is clearly the one to beat again here.

3. Odeon

Has placed with out winning at all three starts this preparation.  Latest, he hit the front 300m from home but was no match for Dice Roll.  Doubt he can turn the tables on that horse but has a great place chance again here.

4. Mongolian Marshal

Has been going well this prep against easier company.  He won here two starts ago but looks outclassed this time around.

5. Salsamor

Salsamor gets a senior rider on here but has been struggling of late.  Can’t recommend.

6. Furrion

Talented galloper now with Lindsey Smith.  He got way too far back first up here behind Dice Roll but hit the line okay I thought.  May need one more run before we look to back him.

7. Galaxy Raider

Eight year old gelding trained by Grahame Begg.  Should get a good run in transit for Michael Dee and is rock hard fit but I doubt he is a winning chance here.  Consider for multiples.

8. Adelaide Ace

Returned with two very solid 1400m runs, then used that platform to win the Swan Hill Cup last time out.  He is back to his best and looks set to run well again here.

9. Biometric

Has been given five weeks between runs since sprinting clear to win in benchmark 84 grade at Caulfield.  Prefer him at 1400m.

10. Kirwan’s Lane

Sydney sider.  He sprinted clear to beat Ellsberg in fast time two starts ago and loves this distance.  Maps in a tricky position worse than midfield on the fence but Craig Williams is flying and if he can pick his way through the field then this gelding is capable of featuring in the finish.

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

Jo’s Tips	Lewis’ Tips
2. Dice Roll	2. Dice Roll
8. Adelaide Ace	3. Odeon
3. Odeon	10. Kirwan’s Lane
10. Kirwan’s Lane	8. Adelaide Ace

Group 3 Winx Guineas 2021 (Sunshine Coast 1600m)

Listed All Victorian Sprint Series Final 2021 (Flemington 1600m)

Listed Taj Rossi Series Final 2021 (Flemington 1600m)

The track was rated as Soft 6.

Scratchings: 1. Buckhurst (IRL).

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	4. Mongolian Marshal
2nd	6. Furrion	0.8 length
3rd	9. Biometric	1.2 lengths
4th	2. Dice Roll	1.3 lengths