The start of the Adelaide Racing Carnival gets underway with two Group 1’s set for Saturday’s program at Morphettville.
Tasmanian raider and last-start Group 3 winner Wings Of Song is the current favourite ahead of the Australasian Oaks, while this year’s Robert Sangster Stakes field features some strong Victorian flavour with Estriella, Zapateo, and I Am Me all lining up.
There’s big value to be found, and our thoughts on the nine-race meeting can be found below!
RACE 1 – GRAND SYNDICATES HANDICAP (1100 METRES)
Smart filly that has won 2/3 starts, the stable thought enough of her to bring her to Melbourne in the spring to contest a Group 3 on Oaks Day.
I have really liked her recent work at the jump outs, she looks well above average and meets a race in which a lot of these runners don’t possess the same talent.
She draws perfectly in barrier 2, I expect Jake Toeroek to take advantage of the low draw and put her into the race early.
She looks a great way to start a big day of racing at Morphettville.
Suggested Bet: No. 12 Aviatress
RACE 2 – BREEDERS STAKES (1200 METRES)
Karavas looks a very progressive filly.
She was very impressive last preparation taking out the Ottowa Stakes at Flemington, taking care of the likes of Hayasugi and Eneeza – form that has turned out very well to say the least.
She then returned at Morphettville first up and was far from disgraced, she gave them a big start and I loved the way she worked to the line.
She strips fitter here, with plenty of speed on in this event she will get her chance to charge over the top of them late.
Suggested Bet: No. 7 Karavas
RACE 3 – PFD FOOD SERVICES CHAIRMAN STAKES (2000 METRES)
Warmonger was very good last start behind the current favourite here in Air Assault to nearly run him down right on the post.
He will strip fitter here and should be ready to peak, I love the rise in distance to 2000m which should really suit him, his only knock will be being back in the field but he should get his chance to run on and get over the top of them late.
Suggested Bet: No. 3 Warmonger
RACE 4 – JOHN HAWKES STAKES (11OO METRES)
Schirippa contested some hot races including the Group 1 Oakleigh Plate and the Newmarket Handicap at Flemington in which he was far from disgraced.
Has to lump the top weight here but on his form and figures so he should, he looks to be the class runner of the field, Craig Newitt sticks with him which is great as he now knows the horse well after riding him last preparation.
The race sets up well for him with good tempo on paper, he should sit midfield in the running line and be very strong late.
Suggested Bet: No. 1 Sghirripa
RACE 5 SPORTSBET TOBIN BRONZE STAKES (1200 METRES)
Pivot City was very good getting the job done last start after having not much luck earlier this preparation, he is a horse I have always had a lot of time for.
Yes, this race is much stronger than what he contested last start but the figure he produced is good enough to be highly competitive here.
He has fitness on his side and a good barrier with Blake Shinn on board in the Tobin Bronze Stakes.
Suggested Bet: No. 5 Pivot City
RACE 6 QUEEN OF THE SOUTH STAKES (1600 METRES)
Campionessa has been very consistent this preparation, last start things didn’t go to plan in Sydney behind Zougotcha and Atishu, I believe with clear galloping room she is in the finish.
She meets a much easier assignment here in the Queen Of The South Stakes, she will have to go back from the wide draw but she has a clear class edge on her rivals and with even luck she can get over the top of them late.
Getting back on dry ground will also be to her liking.
Suggested Bet: No. 1 Campionessa
RACE 7 AUSTRALAISIAN OAKS (2000 METRES)
Private Legacy I have found at a huge price, she has contested the strongest races of any other runner coming into this being beaten by Good Banter and Autumn Angel in the Adrian Knox in Sydney, we. Have seen Autumn Angel come out and since beat Orchestral in winning the Oaks in Sydney.
Yes she was beaten a fair margin in that run but this is a much easier assignment, she is rock hard fit, gets a middle barrier and Craig Williams to steer. She is a crazy price and looks a nice each way play.
Suggested Bet: No. 12 Private Legacy
RACE 8 ROBERT SANGSTER STAKES (1200 METRES)
I can not believe they are offering up double figures for this mare.
She was breathtaking first up defeating Zapateo in the Challenge stakes, she then went to The Galaxy and was just ok. She is a mare who prefers her races to be spaced and she gets a nice month between runs here.
I feel this is a set play from the in-form Graeme Begg barn to have her fresh enough with the month between runs from Sydney to tackle this race. She is a star sprinter who draws well, I anticipate she sits right on the speed and gives her backers a great sight.
Suggested Bet: No. 3 Passive Aggressive
RACE 9 THOMAS FARMS HANDICAP (1600M)
Im A Dexter really impressed me last start behind the smart Meridius to be beaten a length, his performance rated very well.
He has won 3 out of his last 4 starts in good style, he gets a good draw here in barrier 3, yes he is up in grade but he only has to carry 54kg and I anticipate Alana Livesy will put that light-weight to good effect by racing right on the speed.
He looks a great chance to round out the day in an open race.
Suggested Bet: No. 10 I’m A Dexstar