STANDISH HANDICAP
Results
SGHIRRIPA (2) looks the obvious. He was too good winning the Listed Xmas Stakes at Caulfield last time out having handled himself well prior. Down the straight here but stays right down in the weights and he rates on top with 54.5kg. THE ASTROLOGIST (1) can be the big improver. He was 9th in the Xmas Stakes first up but wasn't terrible and is better suited down the straight. He's a G1 placegetter here and will take some catching with added fitness. CURRAN (4) will do his usual thing, charging home late. He's gotten into the placings at his past two and should be in the finish again. SNAPPER (6) resumes and is a handy sprinter on his day. He's won here and can give a sight. CROSSHAVEN (5) was good here first up and could improve.
Visit TAB.COM.AUSGHIRRIPA (2) looks the obvious. He was too good winning the Listed Xmas Stakes at Caulfield last time out having handled himself well prior. Down the straight here but stays right down in the weights and he rates on top with 54.5kg. THE ASTROLOGIST (1) can be the big improver. He was 9th in the Xmas Stakes first up but wasn't terrible and is better suited down the straight. He's a G1 placegetter here and will take some catching with added fitness. CURRAN (4) will do his usual thing, charging home late. He's gotten into the placings at his past two and should be in the finish again. SNAPPER (6) resumes and is a handy sprinter on his day. He's won here and can give a sight. CROSSHAVEN (5) was good here first up and could improve.
Multiple Group 1 placegetter. Second-up. First-up after six months 9th of 11 at Caulfield in the LR Xmas Stks on December 26 over 1100m, on a slow track; 4.5 len behind Sghirripa carrying 60kg at $16. Previously second-up 6th of 16 at this track in the G1 Newmarket on March 11 over 1200m, 2.25 len behind In Secret with 54kg at $41. Loves it here and can improve out of sight.
Recent form sound. Last start ran on from midfield and won by 1.75 len at Caulfield LR Xmas Stks December 26 over 1100m on a soft track defeating Najem Suhail carrying 54kg at $5.50. Before that ran on from midfield; 3rd of 11 at Caulfield in the LR Caul Village on November 18 over 1100m, 2 len behind Hypothetical carrying 54kg at $2.60. Got the job done last time and is a leading hope again.
Group 2 winner. Back from a spell. Finished off last preparation sixth of 9 at Ascot in the LR Starstruck December 17 2022 over 1600m, 2.25 len behind Alsephina with 59kg at $5.50. Previously first up; eighth of 12 at Ascot Rtg 78+ October 8 2022 over 1400m, 2.75 len behind Em Tee Aye carrying 57.5kg at $2.80. Win would surprise.
Group 2 placegetter. Going well. At the latest run ran on strongly from last on the turn; 3rd of 11 at Caulfield in the LR Xmas Stks on December 26 over 1100m, on a slow track; 2.5 len behind Sghirripa carrying 54kg at $15. The start before that 2nd of 11 at Caulfield in the LR Caul Village on November 18 over 1100m, 2 len behind Hypothetical carrying 57.5kg at $19. Will be charging late again.
Group 1 placegetter. Useful type. Last start 9th of 11 at this track in the LR Chstr Manifold on January 1 over 1400m, 9 len behind Not An Option with 57.5kg at $10. The run before that second last of 7 at Caulfield in the G3 Heffernan on December 2 over 1400m, slow going 3 len behind King Magnus carrying 59kg at $10. Doesn't win many but can improve.
Group 3 winner. Has won previously first-up and resumes here after a break of three-and-a-half months. Finished off last preparation second last of 13 at this track in the G2 Gilgai October 7 over 1200m, 11 len behind Star Patrol with 58.5kg at $61. When resuming last campaign fourth of 7 at Moonee Valley in the LR Norman Carlyon August 26 over 1000m, 3.5 len behind Acromantula carrying 58.5kg at $13. Can give a sight.
Group 2 winner. First-up. Finished off last preparation sixth of 8 at Ballarat Gold Nugget September 22 over 1600m, 7 len behind Ascension with 57kg at $7.50. First up last campaign fifth of 7 at this track Qlty June 17 over 1100m, 3.5 len behind Sigh with 57kg at $5. Looks up against it.