G2 Australia S., $350,000, 1200m
Streets Of Avalon (Magnus) attempts to become the first horse since his sire's close relation Black Caviar (Bel Esprit) to win this race twice and the first-ever to win it in consecutive years (noting that this race has changed complexion, formerly run as the Norman Carylon S. and before that the Stanley Wootton S.).
He was a dominant winner last year and comes off similar form - first-up off a good spring run in the G3 Heffernan S. (fourth in 2020, third last year). He has an odds-on favourite to contend with here - Marabi (I Am Invincible) who has really looked the goods winning all five starts including the Listed Christmas S. at her most recent outing. She has good Moonee Valley form as does Mariamia (Toronado {Ire}) who is up in class having been luckless last start.
Another lightly raced and promising galloper is Lightsaber (Zoustar) who has been good at the jump-outs in preparation for his return. Also resuming off nice jump-out form is Wild Planet (Animal Kingdom {USA}) who first-up last time in was only just beaten by Eduardo (Host {Chi}) in the G1 Doomben 10,000.
Order Of Command (Squamosa) was below his best last time in but can pull out a run fresh as can Just Folk (Magnus) who won the G2 Crystal Mile at this track in the spring. The imported Sinawann (Ire) (Kingman {GB}) defeated Streets Of Avalon at Sandown in November and having had only two local starts still has plenty of upside.
Fellow import Turaath (GB) (Oasis Dream {GB}) will strip fitter for her good first-up performance in the G3 Standish down the Flemington straight.
Sunshine Coast: Listed Sunshine Coast Cup, $130,000, 1400m
Scallopini (Snitzel) attempts to win this race for a second time having been successful in 2020 and his good first-up run in the Magic Millions Sprint suggests he is up for the fight. Meanwhile East Asia (NZ) (Swiss Ace) seeks to become the second Sunshine Coast Cup winner in a row for Robert Heathcote who cheered home Emerald Kingdom (Bryannbo's Gift {NZ}) last year. She looked good winning a Doomben trial since finishing off well in trying conditions in the Listed Nudgee H.
The Harrovian (Fastnet Rock) has been in the thick of things at both of his runs this time around and looks nicely primed whilst Hard Empire (Hard Spun {USA}) can bounce back having worked hard from an outside gate in the R. Listed Magic Millions Cup - he has drawn more favourably this time. It is a similar story for Oscar Zulu (Epaulette) who was wide from barrier 15 in that same race, jumping from six this time.
Desert Lord (High Chaparral {Ire}) is capable of a forward first-up showing whilst Animate (Animal Kingdom {USA}) should run his usual honest race. Chapter And Verse (Rothesay) has drawn well off a good effort in a $1 million race last start whilst also likely to get a good run is Mr Money Bags (Written Tycoon).
