THINK. IS THIS A BET YOU REALLY WANT TO PLACE?
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date | Sat 02 Nov 2024 |
track | Flemington |
distance | 1200m |
conditions | Set Weights, 3yo |
status | Group 1 |
prizemoney | $2,000,000 |
The Coolmore Stud Stakes, registered as the Ascot Vale Stakes, has had an ever-changing history since its inception in 1863. It was actually a two-year-old race for over 100 years, up until 1965, originally run over 1000m, but quickly changed to six furlongs. As a race for three-year-old’s, it became a Group 2 in 1979, and was held in September up until it became a Group 1 in 2006. Since then, it has become the undisputed grand final for sprinting three-year-old’s, with connections of colts in particular hoping to secure a long future as a high class stallion after winning.
The Coolmore is a race that almost guarantees the best of the young sprinters from Melbourne and Sydney meet in one explosive race, thundering down the Flemington straight. There have been many memorable winners in recent years, from Home Affairs bolting in 2021, Merchant Navy weaving an incredible passage in 2017, and wins from boom colts like Brazen Beau (2014), Zoustar (2013) and Sepoy (2011).
Cylinder is the horse to beat, and how could he not be? He won his first two races this prep while still building his fitness, and really should have won the Golden Rose if not for a bit of bad luck at the wrong stage. He followed that up by being beaten just over a length in the world’s best sprint, The Everest. Ahead of him that day were Think About It, I Wish I Win, Private Eye and In Secret (who won this race last year). It’s a murderer’s row of sprinters, and now Cylinder drops back to his own age group.
It might be tough to swallow $3.50 in a 19 horse field thundering down the Flemington straight, especially for a horse that hasn’t raced there, but Cylinder might just be better than them.
Stretan Angel appeals as the main danger, despite her $13 quote, given her last two starts down the straight. She simply savaged the line from near last in the Cap D’Antibes, and followed it up with a gusty win in the Danehill when ridden more forward. In a bigger field, she might be ridden more quietly, which can allow her to be more dynamic.
King’s Gambit disappointed down the straight when sent out $2.90 favourite in the Posiedon, well beaten by Archo Nacho and I Am Unstoppable. But he led on that occasion, when he is far better off taking a sit, which he did to win the Roman Consul at Rosehill last start.
The best bolter is Butch Cassidy, who has been just shaded by Cylinder at his last two starts, in the Golden Rose and Run to the Rose. He just keeps racing well, and can be a presence at 40-1.
Selections: 1.Cylinder 2.Stretan Angel 3.King’s Gambit 4.Butch Cassidy
WIN
* Odds Correct At Time Of Posting. Check Playup Website For Latest Odds
YEAR | HORSE | JOCKEY | TRAINERS |
---|---|---|---|
2023 | Ozzmosis | Rachel King | Bjorn Baker |
2022 | In Secret | James McDonald | James Cummings |
2021 | Home Affairs | James McDonald | Chris Waller |
2020 | September Run | Craig Williams | Chris Waller |
2019 | Exceedance | Dwayne Dunn | Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes |
2018 | Sunlight | Luke Currie | Tony McEvoy |
2017 | Merchant Navy | Mark Zahra | Aaron Purcell |
2016 | Flying Artie | Hugh Bowman | Mick Price |
2015 | Japonisme | Glyn Schofield | Chris Waller |
2014 | Brazen Beau | Joao Moreira | Chris Waller |
2013 | Zoustar | Jimmy Cassidy | Chris Waller |
2012 | Nechita | Christian Reith | John Thompson |
2011 | Sepoy | Kerrin McEvoy | Peter Snowden |
2010 | Star Witness | James Winks | Danny O'Brien |