The Group 2 Hill Stakes is the seventh race at Randwick racecourse on Saturday. The race will be run over 2000m with the current favourite being Lamasery but there has been good support for a few other runners in the race. View our Hill Stakes 2012 runner by runner preview and tips.
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1. MOURAYAN
Would have pleased connections first up a fortnight ago when finishing fourth (beaten 2.6) behind Southern Speed and Manighar in the Makybe Diva Stakes. Has produced good runs at both of his most recent second up efforts where he was rolling up on the pace. Expect him to go forward from his draw here.
2. GINGA DUDE
Claimed the G3 Tatt’s Cup over the Brisbane Winter Carnival and then was freshened up before returning in the Chelmsford Stakes, finishing sixth of nine. Better up to this trip and expect him to be in a prominent position for most of the trip.
3. CLASS IS CLASS
European import from the Waller yard who was well in the market at 8/1 when making his Australian debut a fortnight ago in the G3 Tramway Stakes. Got home steadily and the step up in distance will suit, as should the tempo and from gate four, he should get a nice trail. Nominated for some big races, including the Cup.
4. MIDAS TOUCH
Performed well in good races last Spring and has had three runs in this time, at 1200, 1400 and 1600m. Was ridden forward last week in the Dato Tan Chin Nam before weakening behind Happy Trials and Green Moon. Would have to show some significant improvement.
5. LAMASERY
Ran a cracking race first up in the Warwick Stakes behind Pinwheel and then edge just might have been taken off him second up in the Chelmsford where he finished third, beaten 3.1. He’ll be much better suited here third up and has won five of eight on a dry surface.
6. PERMIT
Put together a very solid campaign last time in winning four of his eight starts including the Listed Manion Cup (2400m) and G2 Chairman’s (2600m). Was second when chasing home Glencadam Gold (entered in the Newcastle Cup Thursday) in the Premier’s Cup over 1800m. This trip, third up, looks ideal. The concern here would be the WFA conditions.
7. THE VERMINATOR
Had every chance in the run last week but failed to finish the race off and was beaten seven lengths behind Stout Hearted. Does like racing here at Randwick having won three from four including the Group 1 Metropolitan but on last week’s effort, he’ll be for loyal followers only.
8. STOUT HEARTED
Was four back on the fence heading into the turn last start before the runs opened like the Red Sea for him in the straight and he recorded 1.5 length win in the G3 Kingston Town Stakes. That made it four wins from eight starts in Australia for the imported stayer and even though he steps up to WFA conditions here, appears to still be on the improve.
9. MR. O’CEIRIN – Scratched
Lightly raced 5yo from Victoria who resumed after a ten week layoff with a solid fifth of sixteen in the Slickpix Stakes (1700m), three weeks back. Has some staying potential and won seven of eighteen but hard to see him winning here.
10. POLISH KNIGHT
Winner of the Tulloch Stakes as a 3yo before being pipped on the line in the AJC Derby. Returned to racing with a 2.8 length ninth in the Warwick Stakes and was scrubbed along second up in the Chelmsford Stakes where the pace was solid – finishing 5.5 length of winner Danleigh. Better suited this trip and expect a better performance.
11. LIGHT OF HEAVEN
Re-captured her brilliant early form over the Brisbane Winter Carnival and won the Group 2 Eagle Farm Cup and backed that up with a strong win in the Brisbane Cup. Was doing her best work late when resuming in the Warwick Stakes (1400m) but never figured at her next and latest start, finishing last (beaten 10 lengths) in the Chelmsford. Hard to have her among the leading chances on that effort.
OVERVIEW
Ginga Dude and Midas Touch show the way with Mourayan and Mr. O’Ceirin coming across from their wide gates. Thought Mourayan was solid first up and has shown in the past that off the one run back, he can produce a run over this trip second up. Favourite Lamasery is quoted at $3.00 and will be hard to beat. Himself and Mourayan ($7.50) have competed well under WFA conditions in the past and appeal the most. Any betting moves around Class Is Class should be closely monitored and we are expecting a better effort from Polish Knight.