The final Group One of the season this weekend, with the Tatts Tiara attracting a capacity field of high quality fillies and mares in a fitting finale to a great carnival. Away from Eagle Farm, we’ll be searching for horses that enjoy the give in the ground at Randwick, Caulfield and even Belmont in Perth.
Mick Price Pays to Follow
Vic Husslers trainer Mick Price was much happier before the barrier draw for the Group One Tatts Tiara was released. Price has the extremely talented filly Odeum primed for a peak performance in the final big one of the season, but was left deflated after drawing barrier 15. If there’s anything to be happy about, champion jockey James McDonald has the ride and will have to work his magic from the bad gate. Mick also has a couple of key runners at Caulfield, in particular I’m Thunderstruck (Race 5) with Mark Zahra a key booking. I’m Thunderstruck won on return on a heavy track at Sale with Price confirming the horse has improved and will be “extremely hard to beat”.
BET: Odeum – Each Way (Eagle Farm)
BET: I’m Thunderstruck – Win (Caulfield)
CAVANOUGH TO TOWN
It always pays to take note when Scone based NSW Tycoons trainer Brett Cavanough brings one to town. Patino Baby (Race 1) was unplaced last start at Randwick but the run was much better than it appears on paper. She was drawn wide, trapped wide, but still ran on well to record some pretty impressive sections. Patino Baby gets through the ground with 2 wins from 4 starts on a slow surface and is worth the gamble at good odds.
BET: Patino Baby – Each Way (Randwick)
ULYSSES READY TO POUNCE
The Freedman Brothers have no doubt Ulysses (Race 8) will strip much fitter for his first-up third a fortnight ago at Randwick when he reeled off the second fastest 200m of the day. Ulysses has already been well supported in early markets and boasts two wins from three attempts second-up…he’s ready.
BET: Ulysses – Each Way (Randwick)
HAYES LOOKING FOR BRIGHT START
With cousin Tom Dabernig now pursuing his own interests, Ben Hayes and younger brother JD have joined forces at Lindsay Park. Fundraiser (Race 8) is a good chance for the new training duo, he was slowly away at Swan Hill but did storm home and did win second-up last preparation. The pair have three horses in the last race with Excelida (Race 9) looking the best chance, she has Michael Dee in the saddle and a good second-up record.
BET: Fundraiser – Eachway
BET: Excelida – Eachway
BELMONT GUINEAS
There’s an Adam Durrant runner at Belmont on Saturday that looks to be over the odds in Strickland Stakes (Race 8). Come Play With Me, had two minor placings this prep before finding the Group 3 company a little slick last start. He’s currently a $23 chance and maybe worth a dollar.
BET: Come Play With Me – Each Way (small) Belmont
