G3 John McGrath Auto Black Opal S $300,000 1200 metres
Hightail (Written Tycoon) has looked good in a short career with two wins from four starts and a runner-up finish in the Magic Millions 2YO Classic to his credit.
He will be ridden by Hugh Bowman and along with stablemates McLaren (Exceed And Excel) and Rome (Pierro) the Snowden yard look to hold the aces.
The former was impressive on debut before he was fourth in the G2 Silver Slipper S. while Rome has finished in the money in both outings and is a recent trial winner at Randwick.
James Cummings has the last-start winner Pin Sec (Lonhro) engaged in what is shaping up as a race between two major stables.
Allergic to give winning reaction
Listed TAB Canberra Cup $200,000 2000 metres
Allergic (Street Cry {Ire}) gets up to a more suitable trip and he promises to be competitive in this grade.
He has been out twice this preparation and, while unplaced on both occasions, was making late ground so a middle distance is now ideal.
His barn mare Morton’s Fork (Ad Valorem {USA}) boasts a similar profile and Samadoubt (Not A Single Doubt), aside from his last effort, has been racing well. He deserves another chance.
Taikomochi (Snitzel) won a couple of trials before a solid fifth on the Kensington track and with some luck from an awkward barrier he can give plenty of cheek.
Stablemates hard to go past
XXX Gold Canberra Guineas $130,000 1400 metres
Ciaron Maher and David Eustace hold a strong hand here with a pair of smart and in-form 3-year-olds.
Yulong January (King Of Prussia) has won three of his six starts and was a sound third in the G3 Zeditave S. when resuming while Etana (Shamus Award) has only been beaten once in four appearances.
Coterie (Your Song) has finished in the money in both starts since a break while Laburnum (Denman) and Major Wager (Exceed And Excel) have also been in decent form in the lower grades.
Sausedge (Shamus Award) is a progressive type and won the Guineas Preview in good enough style to think he can be aroudn the money again.
Veteran a strong chance
Listed Geocon National Sprint $130,000 1400 metres
Snippets Land (Snippetson) is a veteran short course performer and the 8-year-old showed last time out that he still has plenty to offer.
He finished runner-up when returning from a break in the G3 Liverpool City Cup and this represents a drop back in class for him.
Godolphin’s Flow (Street Cry {Ire}) is proven in stakes company and has had a recent trial to keep him up to the mark.
Mercurial Lad (Pendragon {NZ}) and Who’s Knocking (Star Witness) have both won their last two starts and while this represents a stiffer task, they are both place chances.
