Thunder to roll
Eagle Farm, G3 Magic Millions Vo Rogue Plate, $300,000, 1400m
Thunder Mania (Snitzel) was a sound first-up third before he got home late for sixth in a competitive edition of the Listed Gold Edition S. This is probably an easier assignment and the extra distance is also very much in his favour.
Oscar Zulu (Epaulette) earned a trip to Queensland with a smart resuming victory at Rosehill and expect him to strip sharper for the outing while Apache Chase (Better Than Ready) is another in top form after his last-start third at Doomben.
Tony Gollan’s pair of Palladas (I Am Invincible) and Starosa (Starspangledbanner) are both racing well, but have tough draws to overcome. By contrast, the smart filly Gotta Kiss (Not A Single Doubt) will have every opportunity to make an impact from a handy gate.
Portland Sky (Deep Field) hasn’t run since he won the G3 Red Anchor S., but acts well in a fresh state and Plutocrat (Rich Enuff) is another favoured with a good barrier and wasn’t far away in the Gold Edition.
Athiri tough to beat
Eagle Farm, Listed Magic Millions Nudgee S., $200,000, 1200m
Godolphin’s Athiri (Lonhro) won the Listed Razor Sharp S. with authority and is a particularly genuine mare. In her current touch and with Nash Rawiller to ride from a handy draw, she looks the mare to beat.
Yes Baby Yes (Dissident) is a quality filly, as evidenced by her Group 2 success in the Fillies’ Classic at The Valley and Boomtown Lass (Spirit Of Boom) is in great nick and beaten by the barest of margins in the Listed Bribie S.
Kisukano (Bel Esprit) is an interesting runner and has all the talent, but will need to be on her best behaviour to test a few of these. Wild Vixen (Foxwedge) won’t have it easy with the topweight of 57kg, but from a handy gate should get an economical run and has to be taken seriously.
Truly a great hope
Ascot, G2 TAB Touch Perth Cup, $400,000, 2400m
Truly Great (Dundeel {NZ}) has a task ahead of him with 60kg, but he is in such grand form that he’s hard to go past. He has won the G1 Kingstown Town Classic and G2 Van Heemst S. and the step up in distance shouldn’t bother him.
There are no concerns with Princess Jenni (NZ) (High Chaparral {Ire}) at 2400 metres as a G3 Bendigo Cup winner this preparation and she will be a tough nut to crack.
Neufbosc (Fr) (Mastercraftsman {Ire}) is enjoying life with new trainer Neville Parnham and in his current form is a serious contender and, likewise, Trap For Fools (Poet’s Voice {GB}) is racing solidly and can be backed with confidence.
Adam Durrant’s Adornment (Medaglia D’Oro {USA}) has been a dominant winner of his last two starts on this course and has run 2200 metres out strongly so the extra 200 metres here is of no concern.
Neufbosc’s stablemate Platoon (Playing God) stuck on gamely for third in the Van Heemst and presents as a decent place prospect again while Midnight Blue (So You Think {NZ}) and Juicing Carrots (Black Tom) are two lighter-weighted contenders racing well.
If there is to be a blow out the most likely contender could be Taxagano (Rogano). He can be hard to follow, but dangerous if in the right mood.
Dancing to her music
Ascot, G3 Mrs Mac’s La Trice Classic, $150,000, 1800m
Dance Music (War Chant {USA}) is well-placed here to continue her run of form following a last-start victory in the Listed Starstruck Classic. She has 58.5kg, but is clearly the top-rated runner in the line-up.
She’s Alight (NZ) (Tavistock {NZ}) won the Listed Jungle Dawn Classic before finishing runner-up to Dance Music so she has obvious claims as does Naughty By Nature (Trade Fair {GB}), who was a sound third in the Starstruck.
Chantrea (Puissance De Lune {Ire}) caused a stir with her unbeaten run last preparation and has been solid, but not brilliant this preparation so will need to improve to get back to winning ways.
Special Choice (Redoute’s Choice) has been going along steadily and the step up in distance might help her mount a more serious challenge. Lonsdale Lady (Maschino) won at her only attempt at the trip so could be an outside place hope.
First-up prospect
Ascot, Listed Furphy Summer Scorcher, $100,000, 1000m
Misty Metal (Oratorio) is a talented mare at best and she has trailled twice, winning her most recent one ahead of a return off a break. She is a past first-up winner and can give a bold sight.
Vital Silver (Wanted) was off the pace in the G1 Winterbottom S., but should be far more competitive in this grade and Essential Spice (Gingerbread Man) has a similar profile.
Carocapo (Husson {Arg}) is on a roll after two wins on the bounce so is in the right form for a black-type challenge. Samizdat (Not A Single Doubt) and Mervyn (Henny Hughes {USA}) are back from spells and has winning first-up form to consider.
