The feature race in Queensland today is the G3 George Moore Stakes. Adebisi is looking to making successive victories in this race after having accounted for Latin News and Spirit of Boom in last year’s running.
George Moore Stakes Form Guide
1. PHELAN READY – D Browne (4)
His last win was in the Golden Slipper as a 2yo and although that is closing in on four years ago now, he has been competitive in some of the premier sprits in Australia including a fourth in March of this year in the G1 Newmarket Handicap and more recently, a fifth behind Sea Siren in the G1 Doomben 10,000. He tackles this race after producing a good effort first up in a Listed Quality a fortnight ago, closing well to finish second to Steel Zip. Better for that run and second up record good enough for here.
Odds: $6.00
2. ADEBISI – M Cahill (10)
Trainer Desleigh Forster is sticking with a proven formula and presents the son of Shovog second up – as he was when winning this race last year. As he also did last year, he registered a good win first up in Open Company on a Heavy track, beating Seek And Find by three. Drawn wider and has to carry an extra 5.5kgs when compared to last year but no doubt will go forward and give a good account of himself.
Odds: $5.00
3. BELLTONE – C Munce (1)
Won the Listed Eye Liner Stakes and Glasshouse Handicap last time in over the winter carnival and is lining up for this race first up. He was a half length second to Tiger Tees when first up last prep in the G3 BRC Sprint. Draws well in barrier won and Munce has an impressive record of six wins from ten rides on this bloke. Can win.
Odds: $4.00
4. STARTSMEUP – (8)
He ran third in this race when first up, as he is again today, beaten three lengths and finishing fifth. He won three from six last preparation including a first up win over the smart Liesele and Rocker before rounding out the prep in the G2 Warwick Stakes in Sydney behind Pinwheel. Generally gets back and will enjoy the solid tempo and likelihood of a good track on which he has won five of sixteen.
Odds: $8.00
5. CELTIC DANCER – G Cooksley (12)
Drew well and settled handy last start in the Listed Quality here a fortnight ago but his finishing effort was poor and he ended up last, beaten close to ten lengths by Adebisi. That run followed a similar effort when first up behind Morning Captain and Funtantes. Struggling to find his best his time in and the wide gate will only make it harder.
Odds: $101.00
6. EXCELLANTES – R Wiggins (13)
Kicked off this campaign in the G2 Gilgai Stakes and finished within four lengths of the well performed Hallowell Belle and two starts later, put in a strong on-pace effort on Cup Day to finish third in the Listed MSS Security behind Unpretentious and Altar. Last start, again took up a forward position on a good speed before weakening late behind Steel Zip in the Listed Quality. Barrier no help and she’ll have plenty inside her to keep her honest.
Odds: $16.00
7. OLLIE VOLLIE – T Bell (3)
Very good in the Skellatar Sprint (1000m) at Muswellbrook two starts back and bought that form to town to register a good win at Rosehill over Shadows In Sun and Irish Jig (won well last Saturday). Despite being a ten year old, Sue Grills has got him in a solid form and he has been competitive against Too Many Reds and Funtantes in recent months.
Odds: $13.00
8. GUNDY SON – P Hammersley (7)
Didn’t register a win last preparation from seven starts but did produce some good effort in the G3 BRC Sprint and did register a third in the Listed Hinkler Quality. He was first up here a fortnight ago when holding his ground in the run home to finish sixth of eleven behind Steel Zip. Will be better for that run and has won two, placed in two, from seven second up starts.
Odds: $21.00
9. MORNING CAPTAIN – J Byrne (9)
Four year old by Danbird who has won five of his fifteen starts including a solid win two starts back over Funtantes and Theft. Last start however he was beaten as 9/10 on fav in a Quality Handicap. He’s been freshened up since that run a little over a month ago and has a good enough record to forgive that effort. He was luckless behind Mental in the G3 Fred Best Classic over the winter carnival and can bounce back.
Odds: $10.00
10. AUDACIOUS SPIRIT – J Lloyd (6)
He’ll jump straight to the front and lead the field and has only missed a place once in seven starts over this track and trip. He won a Class Six two starts back when resuming before finishing third behind Steel Zip in the Listed Quality. Will be in this for a long way and being in front, doesn’t have to rely on any luck.
Odds: $9.00
11. EASY RUNNING – R McMahon (2)
The second runner for Desleigh Forster and not without some hope after drawing well in gate two. Had his chance last start when fourth behind Steel Zip and he does have a Listed win over handy sprinter Didntcostalot.
Odds: $13.00
12. EMMERTT – M Hellyer (11)
He comes to town after posted a soft win, under 61kgs when first up at Roma. He’s only had a couple of runs in two with the best of them being a third in a BM 85 over 1500m back in July. He’ll need to produce a career best to figure in the finish.
Odds: $21.00
13. JUGAHLATION – (5)
Won two starts back at Eagle Farm in a BM 90 on his preferred Heavy conditions – where his won five of seven starts, before finishing last a fortnight back again, in BM 90. Can’t see him winning here.
Odds: $51.00
SUMMARY
This is a very competitive race with a number of legitimate chances. Speed should be very solid with Adebisi and Excellantes crossing from there wide gates and notable front-running Audacious Spirit, drawn inside them. Each off the above are capable of sticking on – especially if there’s any track favouritism toward leaders (check rail position) but camped right behind them will be Belltone, who has draw the inside gate. He’ll get a lovely run and trust Munce to get him in to clear room and to be finishing hard. The value runners Morning Captain and Ollie Vollie.