DARLEY CHAMPIONS SPRINT
Results
The first of three outstanding Group 1 races. It's hard to go past BELLA NIPOTINA (5) who is in career best form, tough when wide throughout to win The Everest two back before getting a sweet trail and coming away to win easily last time. Small query is her record down the straight but she's been an absolute marvel of late and looks a fair gamble. OVERPASS (2) was a very strong winner of the G2 Sydney Stakes first-up and arguably would've gone close in The Everest, winning in quicker time than that race. GIGA KICK (1) was excellent third-up in The Everest when charging into 2nd behind Bella. He's a proven straight track performer who looks back to something like his best. SUNSHINE IN PARIS (6) is a classy mare who could suit the straight. BARAQIEL (4) can acquit himself well off a strong G2 win.
Visit TAB.COM.AUThe first of three outstanding Group 1 races. It's hard to go past BELLA NIPOTINA (5) who is in career best form, tough when wide throughout to win The Everest two back before getting a sweet trail and coming away to win easily last time. Small query is her record down the straight but she's been an absolute marvel of late and looks a fair gamble. OVERPASS (2) was a very strong winner of the G2 Sydney Stakes first-up and arguably would've gone close in The Everest, winning in quicker time than that race. GIGA KICK (1) was excellent third-up in The Everest when charging into 2nd behind Bella. He's a proven straight track performer who looks back to something like his best. SUNSHINE IN PARIS (6) is a classy mare who could suit the straight. BARAQIEL (4) can acquit himself well off a strong G2 win.
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Going well. Most recently 2nd of 11 at Randwick in the G1 Everest on October 19 over 1200m, slow going nose behind Bella Nipotina carrying 58.5kg at $14. The start before that 4th of 7 at Randwick in the G2 Premiere on October 5 over 1200m, 1.0 len behind Airman carrying 58.5kg at $3. Making headway. Great run in The Everest, has huge claims.
Second-up today. Last run won by 1.5 len at Randwick G3 Sydney Stks October 19 over 1200m in soft going defeating Coal Crusher with 58.5kg at $5.50. At only start last preparation raced right near the speed and boxed on; won by 0.9 len at Ascot Quokka April 20 over 1200m defeating Amelia's Jewel with 58.5kg at $6. He's a Group 1 sprinter who will be very hard to catch.
Third-up today and placed third-up in the past. Resuming 2nd of 8 at Warwick Farm Bm100 on October 7 over 1000m, long-neck behind Hard To Say with 60kg at $2.30. Second run from a spell ran on strongly from last on the turn; 2nd of 9 at Moonee Valley in the G2 Mcewen on October 26 over 1200m, 2.75 len behind Baraqiel carrying 58.5kg at $5.50. Would have to improve even further.
Most recently raced right near the speed and boxed on; won by 2.75 len at Moonee Valley G2 Mcewen October 26 over 1200m defeating I Am Unstoppable with 58.5kg at $3.50. The race before that tracked the speed and boxed on steadily; won by 0.8 len at Moonee Valley Bm84 September 27 over 1200m defeating War Machine carrying 58kg at $5. Very progressive and wouldn't shock if he measured up.
Recent form sound. Last start favourite; raced right near the speed and boxed on; won by 1.75 len at Rosehill Russell Balding November 2 over 1300m defeating Sunshine In Paris carrying 56.5kg at $2.50. The start before that favourite; tracked the speed and boxed on steadily; won by a nose at Randwick G1 Everest October 19 over 1200m in soft going defeating Giga Kick with 56.5kg at $9. Only query is her Flemington record but she's flying.
Most recently came from the tail of the field 2nd of 11 at Rosehill Russell Balding on November 2 over 1300m, 1.75 len behind Bella Nipotina carrying 56.5kg at $4. The race before that 5th of 11 at Randwick in the G1 Everest on October 19 over 1200m, on a slow track; 1.5 len behind Bella Nipotina with 56.5kg at $7. Has to turn the tables but she's very talented.
Useful mare. Last start ran on from midfield; 3rd of 11 at Rosehill Russell Balding on November 2 over 1300m, 3 len behind Bella Nipotina with 56.5kg at $17. Before that 6th of 18 at Randwick in the G3 Sydney Stks on October 19 over 1200m, on a slow track; 4 len behind Overpass with 56.5kg at $19. Good effort last time, place hope.
Last start won by a nose at Caulfield G2 Caul Sprint October 19 over 1000m on a soft track defeating Rey Magnerio carrying 59kg at $5.50. The start before that did the work up front then tired 7th of 12 at Moonee Valley in the G1 Manikato on September 27 over 1200m, 3.5 len behind Southport Tycoon with 56.5kg at $7.50. Some query at 1200m but she'll give a sight.
Comes off a 35 day let-up. Last start settled well back; won by a nose at this track G2 Gilgai October 5 over 1200m in soft going defeating Arkansaw Kid with 56.5kg at $5. The run before that 4th of 10 at this track in the G2 Bobbie Lewis on September 14 over 1200m, on rain affected going; 2 len behind Arkansaw Kid with 54kg at $3.50. Loves the straight, this is a new test.
At the latest run 8th of 14 at Randwick in the G3 Silver Eagle on October 19 over 1300m, slow going 4 len behind Ostraka with 55.5kg at $14. The start before that came home strongly from last on the turn; 3rd of 12 at this track in the G2 Gilgai on October 5 over 1200m, slow going long-neck behind Right To Party carrying 57kg at $13. Looks outclassed here.
Most recently won by a head at Caulfield G1 Caul Guineas October 12 over 1600m defeating Feroce with 57kg at $13. The run before that 4th of 11 at Caulfield in the G3 Gneas Prel on September 21 over 1400m, 0.6 len behind Angel Capital with 56kg at $4. Happy to be against this time.
Last start 2nd of 14 at this track in the G1 Coolmore Stud on November 2 over 1200m, 2.75 len behind Switzerland with 55kg at $8.50. The race before that won by 0.5 len at Caulfield G2 Schillaci October 12 over 1100m defeating Oscar's Fortune carrying 51kg at $6.50. Ran very well in hot G1 Coolmore and that should hold up.