The Prophet to fire
G3 Coolmore Dark Jewel Classic, $200,000, 1400m
More Prophets (Smart Missile) looks set to fire second-up here. The John Thompson-trained mare boasts an imposing record and is yet to miss the top three from nine career starts. She’s a proven performer over 1400 metres having won twice and can again relish stepping out to a suitable trip.
Rocha Clock (Pierro) was most impressive when beaten by a good one last start in a BM100 at Randwick. She is the class of the race here but will need a great steer from Rachel King to offset barrier 14 of 16.
Godolphin galloper Asiago (Medaglia D’Oro {USA}) has finished back in the field at her first two runs this time in. However, she hasn’t been beaten all that far, having finished within 3.5l of the winner on each occasion. She’s drawn in barrier seven and will get every chance at success under Kerrin McEvoy.
Air To Air (Smart Missile) is trending towards a well-deserved victory this time in and this race certainly looks winnable for the Jason Coyle-trained 4-year-old. Last start she settled back in the field and was doing her best work late. Stepping out to 1400 metres is a big tick.
Laure to flash home
Scone, Listed Darley Scone Cup, $200,000, 1600m
Laure Me In (Ad Valorem {USA}) was superb on return when flashing home to finish fourth behind three quality types over 1400 metres. Now stepping up to a mile, should see him prove hard to hold out late. Royal Celebration (Excelebration {Ire}) looks one of the hardest to beat here. Two back he was only narrowly denied at BM100 before again only missing by a small margin in the Listed Hawkesbury Cup. He stays at a mile here and can again prove competitive.
Pandano (Dundeel {NZ}) was nailed over the concluding stages in the Provincial Championships Final on April 17. He has since trialled over 950 metres at Randwick and can again measure up, while Bottega (Snitzel) can bounce back after finishing 4.6l last at Randwick in April.
