THE METROPOLITAN 2019 PREVIEW
RANDWICK RACE 8 – 16:45 AEST
OPEN GROUP 1
2400m
$750,000
SOFT 5
Rail OUT 3M entire
| # | Form | Horse | Trainer | Jockey (barrier) | Weight (kg) | Current Price |
| 1 | 21x00 | SHRAAOH | C WALLER | H BOWMAN (5) | 56.5 | $27 |
| 2 | 16x04 | GALLIC CHIEFTAIN | ARCHIE ALEXANDER | TOMMY BERRY (15) | 55.5 | $20 |
| 3 | 12x94 | GREY LION | M SMITH | BEN ALLEN (17) | 55.0 | $21 |
| 4 | 0x807 | NEUFBOSC | D & B HAYES & T DABERNIG | N RAWILLER (1) | 55.0 | $13 |
| 5 | 02021 | STAMPEDE | G WATERHOUSE & A BOTT | A HYERONIMUS (8) | 54.5 | $6 |
| 6 | 11611 | WU GOK | C WALLER | J B MC DONALD (14) | 54.5 | $13 |
| 7 | 326x7 | BIG DUKE | K LEES | J R COLLETT (10) | 54.0 | $18 |
| 8 | 11126 | COME PLAY WITH ME | C WALLER | B AVDULLA (3) | 54.0 | $8 |
| 9 | 7x900 | PATRICK ERIN | C WALLER | G SCHOFIELD (12) | 54.0 | $101 |
| 11 | 0x705 | SIR CHARLES ROAD | L SCOTT | A ADKINS (9) | 53.0 | $26 |
| 12 | 0x091 | BRIMHAM ROCKS | C WALLER | K MCEVOY (4) | 52.5 | $4.40 |
| 13 | 16621 | HUSH WRITER | G WATERHOUSE & A BOTT | TIM CLARK (7) | 52.5 | $9.50 |
| 14 | x1432 | ATTENTION RUN | K LEES | A GIBBON (11) | 50.0 | $17 |
| 15 | 27x27 | SCARLET DREAM | MARK NEWNHAM | R DOLAN (2) | 50.0 | $7 |
OVERVIEW
A field of seventeen lines up for the final Group 1 race of the weekend which looks set to be interesting edition of the Metropolitan with various form lines leading in. It’s the first Group 1 staying race over 2000m so far this season and we might see a few of these line up for the Melbourne Cup later this year. Last year’s winner Patrick Erin lines up again but is heavily unfancied.
SPEED MAP
We can expect a strong tempo any time Stampede runs around and this should be no different, however Stampede may face some competition for the lead in Hush Writer. Wu Gok may push forward from the wide barrier, however there are a number of inside runners who might also elect to push forward. Big Duke may be forced toward the rear of the field with Neufbosc.
KEY RUNNERS
- STAMPEDE ($6)
Racing in top form at the moment, scoring an impressive win last start at Group 3 where he was able to lead and demonstrate his true staying ability. It was the first time he had run that distance and handled it well. Prior to that was narrowly run down by Finche, who runs in another Group 1 in Melbourne. If gets an easy run in front could take some catching.
- WU GOK ($13)
Has been in terrific form recently, having only been beaten once in his past five starts. His string of good form included wins in the Group 3 Premier Cup and also the Wyong Cup. This is a relatively weak Group 1, however he will face stiffer competition than he has all prep. Will need to improve again here.
- BRIMHAM ROCKS ($4.40)
Interesting runner who was super impressive at Caulfield last start when he swept to the front at the 200m and scored comfortably in the Group 3 Naturalism. Prior to that had been racing at 1600m but last start he relished the extra trip. Gets an extra 400m here and has shown in the past his liking for this trip. Looks a deserved favourite.
BLUEY’S PICK
- STAMPEDE ($6)
Another wide-open race here with a number of chances, however I’m siding with the dour Waterhouse frontrunner Stampede who has been impressive so far this prep. He showed his true staying ability last time out and if he gets it easy out in front, he will be very tough to run down.
