The final Group 1 of the VRC Melbourne Cup Carnival won’t disappoint with a crack field of twelve runners to contest. Could this be the breakthrough win at the highest level for Fell Swoop who, at her most previous start, ran a narrow second to Rebel Dane in the Group 1 Manikato Stakes. It was the third time the Matt Dale trained galloper has been runner-up in a Group 1 race after being shaded by Chautauqua and Flamberge in the TJ Smith and Oakleigh Plate respectively. He’s $5.50 in early markets and slight favourite, but as the price would suggest, has a host of challengers threatening him, with a further five runners in single figure odds.
Odds: View the Darley Classic Odds
1.LANKAN RUPEE – C Newitt (7)
Returned to racing after a year’s break with a credible third placing behind Our Boy Malachi in the Caulfield Sprint. From his position just behind the leader, he had to wait for a run at the top of the straight, which opened just has eventual winner was making his run out wider. With some luck, could’ve finished closer to the winner last time out and will only be fitter for the run.
2. TURN ME LOOSE – D Oliver (10)
Settled in the second half of the field in his first up run in the Schilliaci Stakes a month ago, and never threatened from that position, running eighth and 7.1 lengths behind winner Star Turn. Winner of the Futurity Stakes in February but form since in three runs, appears to have tapered right off. First look up the Flemington straight course.
3. THE QUARTERBACK – M Allen (4)
Great win first up in the G2 Gilgai Stakes when producing his customary big finish and then produced a magnificent effort to run fourth in the G1 Manikato Stakes behind Rebel Dane. Moonee Valley doesn’t suit his racing style, yet he made up considerably ground in the run to get within 1.3 lengths of the winner on the line. Flemington does suit his style – his won five here overall and two from three up the straight course including the Newmarket Handicap. Has to go into all selections
4. JAPONISME – G Schofield (4)
Good on-pace effort last start in the G1 Manikato Stakes where he finished alongside of Fell Sweep to cross the line in third spot. It was a welcomed return to form for the Chris Waller trained galloper who had been below par in two runs earlier this campaign, before being given a freshen up. Drawn 2 – the outside part of the track seem to be the more advantageous part of the course in straight races this week and if that’s the case again come Saturday, just might find the challenge to great.
5. FELL SWOOP – J Bowman (3)
Consistent galloper who never runs a bad race it would seem. The head of Rebel Dane denied him his maiden Group 1 win last start in the Manikato Stakes and that backed a good return to racing behind Star Turn when third in the Schillaci Stakes. Only needs half a chance to be right in the mix again here.
6. OUR BOY MALACHI – D Dunn (5)
Surprised most when settling near last in the Caulfield Sprint last start but backers need not have been concerned as the 8yo pulled out to the centre of the track and stormed home over his rivals to win by a comfortable 1.5 lengths. Never been to Flemington previously but would think he’ll handle the straight course well and now that he has proven he doesn’t have to necessarily be in the leading group – it gives jockey Dwayne Dunn plenty of options.
7. MALAGUERRA – B Melham (11)
Couldn’t have done any more in his return effort when second to Star Turn in the Schillaci Stakes first up. The 5yo gelding has been kept fresh since by trainer Peter Gelagotis and drawing eleven might be an advantage given where a majority of the winners in straight races have come from this week. Just went from strength to strength last preparation and his return effort would signal he’s ready for another strong campaign this time in.
8. HOLLER – J McDonald (12)
Thought we’d see a much stronger effort from him first up in the Manikato Stakes and surprised to see him the last crossing the line – 3.6 lengths behind the winner Rebel Dane. He was in fine form earlier this year with a nose second to Flamberge in the William Reid Stakes, and a win over First Seal in the Canterbury Stakes. If he were to re-produce those efforts he’ll be right in this but it’s hard to overlook the first up run.
9. KEEN ARRAY – S Baster (8)
On the back-up from last Saturday where he finished fourth in the tab.com.au Stakes behind Illustrious Lad. As usual, sat on the speed but was a little vulnerable late up the straight course and finished 2 lengths from the winner. Will take up a similar rule here but stepping up to WFA and taking on a better class of field, will see him struggle to figure in the finish.
10. SPEITH – B Rawiller (6)
Started short when resuming from a spell in the Listed Lightning Stakes and punters were worried when he jumped last. A great ride and big effort from the horse, had punters rejoicing only a minute later though as the big chestnut made his way through the field unleashing a big finished. Second in that race Kaepernick, won again on Cup Day at Randwick. Winner of five of his eight starts, he appears to have an enormous amount of ability and think he’s the type of horse that will take to the straight course well.
Expect to see him finishing hard.
11. ENGLISH – M Zahra (1)
Ran home well in both he G2 The Shorts and Premiere Stakes but found herself a few lengths from the winner on each occasion and it was s similar story in the G1 Manikato where she ran seventh (2 lengths). Wouldn’t think the inside draw does her any favours here and to include her among the better hopes, would’ve liked to have seen her finish closer still than she has to the winner from her three starts this time in.
12. SHEIDEL – B Shinn (9)
Confidently backed on Derby Day when she contested the Sensis Stakes (1100m) and didn’t let punters down, hanging on to record a narrow win over Wild Rain. She’ll find this a much tougher assigned thought and despite being in good form, would think there’s a few classy sprinters here that will have her measure over the final 100m.
RACE SUMMARY –
Lankan Rupee, Japonisme and Holler will set the pace. Hard to know how they’ll run this race but leaning to those drawn wider out. Malaguerra maps to get a lovely run from eleven if they come down the outside and his first up effort was good. Like that they’ve kept him fresh and can see no reason he doesn’t run well. The Quarterback’s two runs back this time in have been first rate and now back to his favourite track third up – he’ll be cherry ripe. Our Boy Malachi was super impressive in the Schillaci and that ability to be able to camp behind and finish over the top will serve him well up the straight. Speith is the X-factor in the race. May not have beaten a quality field in the Lightning, but gave them a start and a beating. As mentioned above, think the straight track will be do his liking.
1.THE QUARTERBACK
2.MALAGUERRA
3.OUR BOY MALACHI
4.SPEITH