Zaaki faces music
G1 Channel 7 Doomben Cup, $700,000, 2000m
The Annabel Neasham-trained Zaaki (GB) (Leroidesanimaux {Brz}) was a dominant force when winning his last start at Group 2 level. The talented import faces tougher opposition here but has been set for this race and can produce a peak performance fourth-up. James McDonald sticks in the saddle and will give Zaaki every chance at success from barrier nine.
Mugatoo (Ire) (Henrythenavigator {USA}) looms as one of the key dangers to Zaaki. The Kris Lees-trained gelding hasn’t been far away at his two most recent starts since winning the $5 million The All-Star Mile in March. He presents fifth-up but his runs have been spaced well by the stable. If he can get luck in running from barrier one expect him to be right in the finish .
Dual Group 1-winning entire Sir Dragonet (Ire) (Galileo {GB}) finished 0.4l ahead of Mugatoo in the G1 Queen Elizabeth S. Prior to that he was a dominant G1 Tancred S. winner, albeit against weaker opposition and over 2400 metres. However, if he handles the firmer surface here, he’s up to the task.
Melody Belle (NZ) (Commands) was luckless last start in the G2 Hollindale S. when caught back and wide. This is the start Kiwi mare’s finale career start and she is capable of putting in a big showing under star New Zealand hoop Opie Bosson, while old marvel Humidor (NZ) (Teofilo {Ire}) is another capable of producing a big performance at what is likely to be his final career start.
All grace
G2 ANZ Bloodstock News The Roses, $250,000, 2000m
Bargain (NZ) (Ocean Park {NZ}) presents here five weeks between runs after producing a big third-placed effort behind two classy fillies in the G1 Australian Oaks. The Mark Newnham-trained 3-year-old may be at a slight disadvantage dropping back in trip from 2400 metres but is certainly capable of another forward showing, based on the merit of a recent 1200 metre trial.
Bargain (NZ) | Image courtesy of Ashlea Brennan
Grace And Harmony (NZ) (Sebring) is shooting for four on the trot after taking out a high-rating 1800 metre event at the Gold Coast last fortnight. She has drawn out in barrier 14 but looks set to relish the rise in trip.
Signora Nera (NZ) (Sweynesse) finished second in that event behind Grace And Harmony. There the Chris Waller-trained filly was dropping back from 2400 metres to 1800 metres. So, expect her to bridge the gap this time in thanks to the extra 200 metre journey.
Tycoon Evie (Written Tycoon) was held up badly when finishing 10th last start in the same race as the two previously mentioned gallopers. The 2000 metre journey remains a query as she isn’t proven beyond a mile.
Class on parade
G3 Magic Millions Pam O’Neill S., $150,000, 1600m
Paradee (Epaulette) drops back from 2000 metres to contest this feature event. The Danny O’Brien-trained mare strung together three on the trot before being tipped out following a most impressive fourth-placed effort in the G1 Australian Cup. She’s proven fresh and will take a power of beating with clear air.
Greysful Glamour (Stratum) is a quality mare on her day, but she hasn’t won for some time now. She faded badly to run last at Group 1 level two back and again peaked on her run mostly recently at Hawkesbury. She sticks to a mile here and can again give sight out in front back on top of the ground.
Yamazaki (Regal Saga) broke a recent run of outs when winning her last start in fine fashion earlier this month at the Gold Coast. She steps up from 1400 metres here and can again make her presence felt this time for new trainer Matt Dunn, while Nudge (Fastnet Rock) is knocking the door down after being narrowly denied at her last two attempts.
Under his skin
G3 TAB BRC Sprint, $175,000, 1350m
Garibaldi (I Am Invincible) was on a roll winning four in a row before narrowly missing when charging late at a good one in Fender (Toronado {Ire}) at Eagle Farm. He gets back to a track where he boasts five top two finishes and can again figure prominently in the finish, this time under star hoop Glen Boss.
Skins (Sepoy) is yet to miss the money in seven career starts to date, and there is no reason to suggest that he can’t run another big race. Stephanie Thornton will have no choice but to ride the David Vandyke-trained galloper cold from barrier 18 in hope that the speed is on up front.
The Anthony and Sam Freedman-trained Groundswell (Fastnet Rock) has delivered on some of his early promise in winning his last two in a row. Damian Lane sticks in the saddle and will give his rivals something to catch rolling forward out in front, while Group 1-winning mare Tofane (NZ) (Ocean Park {NZ}) can build on her commendable first-up showing over 1200 metres at Randwick.
First-season sire stakes
Listed City Property Services Carter S., $150,000, 1200m
Stellar Magic (Star Turn) is yet to put a foot wrong in her short career to date, finishing in the top two at all five starts. The classy juvenile filly was entitled to beat Miss Hipstar (Star Turn) last start at Eagle Farm but peaked on her run late. She draws in barrier three here and will be ridden by rising young hoop Baylee Nothdurft.
Socialist (Capitalist) broke through at start number four when winning at Canterbury over 1200 metres on May 5. The Ciaron Maher and David Eustace-trained juvenile is rock-hard for this event and can go on with the job under Kerrin McEvoy.
Dovetail Diva (Headwater) peaked on her run fresh over 1200 metres. Expect an improved performance with that run under her belt, while Hoover Lucy (No Nay Never {USA}) is capable of breaking her maiden in this competitive event.
Here comes the Boom
Listed Chief De Beers, $125,000, 1110m
Sugar Boom (Spirit Of Boom) returned to form last start at the Gold Coast when running second over 900 metres. He secures the services of Hugh Bowman for this event and can rightfully return to the winner’s stall by running his rivals into the ground.
King Of Hastings (Ilovethiscity) presents first-up off the back of two nice trial performances. Barrier 14 presents some challenges for rider Damian Lane but if he can score cover expect a big performance from this quality 4-year-old.
Godolphin-galloper Varda (Lonhro) chased hard through the line fresh at Hawkesbury and that run would have brought her on perfectly for this event. She sticks to a similar trip and can prove one of the hardest to beat, while California Zimbol (I Am Invincible) has the ability to finish right in the mix despite running a poor race at Randwick in April.
