Small but select field taking part in the Group 3 Scahill Stakes over 1400m.

A.J. Scahill Stakes Form Guide

1. WARATAH’S SECRET – J Brown (3)

He was first up since finishing last in the G1 Newmarket Handicap when third (beaten 4.8 lengths) in the G3 Colonel Reeves behind Barakey under 61kgs. He then lined up in the G1 WFA Winterbottom but just held his position and finished five lengths from the winner. Might’ve just been a bit flattened by the first up run off a long spell last start. Hasn’t missed a place when competing over this track and distance and can expect some improvement.

Odds: $12.00

2. WESTRIVER KEVYDONN – J Whiting (7)

He led all the way three starts back when he won the G3 Asian Beau (1400m) before finishing fifth (beaten 3.3 lengths) behind Luckygray in the Waroa-Lee Stakes. Last start, he camped on the speed but found the 1600m of the G1 Railway Stakes beyond him and he weakened late to finish 4.3 lengths behind Mr. Moet. The drop back in distance is a positive and is three out of four over this track/distance.

Odds: $8.00

3. NIBLICK – G Smith (1)

Former Williams’ galloper who has now had four starts for local Trainer, Trevor Andrews. Two starts back he was ridden on speed and stuck on well to finish second to Maschino in the G3 RJ Peters (1500m) before finding the company of the G1 Railway Stakes, too rich. Back to his right grade and expecting him to settle handy to the speed from gate one.

Odds: $10.00

4. CONSERVATORIUM – S Parham (5)

Returned to racing with two racing in Adelaide before coming across to have a tilt at G1 Winterbottom Stakes (1200m). It was a credible effort by a 60/1 shot and he finished fifth (beaten 2.3 lengths) behind Barakey. He’s only ventured past 1200m once in his career and that was at his third start.

Odds: $8.00

5. POWER PRINCESS – P Harvey (4)

A 6yo mare whose claim to fame is a third placing behind champion mare Black Caviar in the G1 Robert Sangster back in April. Resumed this campaign with a solid victory in the G3 Prince of Wales over Luke’s Wish and Playing God and backed that up with a last start second in the G1 Winterbottom Stakes when closing strongly from the tail of the field. Off last start, the 1400m of today’s race looks ideal and she’ll be very hard to beat.

Odds: $2.15

6. BITES THE DUST – S O’Donnell (6)

7yo mare who has had her four runs this time in spaced since resuming in August. She was well held, when in early October, she finished fifth of seven in the Listed Birthday Stakes but produced a much better effort some six weeks later when she had little luck in finishing within two lengths of Peggie’s Dream. She can produce a finish and the step up to the 1400m is a positive but the query on her is the WFA conditions of the race.

Odds: $16.00

7. LUKE’S LUCK – S McGruddy (2)

Won the G2 Karrakatta Plate and G3 Sires Produce last season as a 2yo and has come back for three starts and acquitted himself well taking on the older the horses. Two starts back he finished third behind Luckygray and God Has Spoken in the Waroa-Lee Stakes before stepping at has favourite last start in the WA Guineas and finishing fifth (beaten 2 lengths) to Academus. Drew poorly last start and got too far back. Won’t be today and a replicate of his Waroa-Lee run will see him go mighty close.

Odds: $4.20

SUMMARY

Not many of these without some hope. I’m going with Power Princess after her good effort last start and that I think the 1400m will suit her to a tee. Luke’s Luck the danger but Harvey will ensure he remains on his inside throughout the race I would image. Niblick should get a lovely trail behind likely leader, Westriver Kevydonn and is capable of a good run.