2017 Australian Guineas Preview
The Australian Guineas, run over the 1600 metres at Flemington is always a talking point with another 3yo G1 ran over the same distance, on the same day at Randwick. None the less a cracking field lines up for this year’s race with many winning chances.
Hey Doc heads the betting at $3.30 and comes into this race third up off a dominant last start victory. Third up last preparation he produced arguably his career best performance at Moonee Valley and then was only beaten less than a length in the Caulfield Guineas after a torrid run. The Tony McEvoy trained galloper has had a faultless prep this time in and has got the barrier (2) to be just in behind the speed and get a great run in transit. He's an extremely consistent gelding and will be very hard to beat. He is short enough in the market now after been backed in from $3.80 when markets opened.
Morton’s Fork had the better of Hey Doc last preparation though it doesn’t appear he has returned in the same form. His Sandown Guineas win was something special and is now getting back out to a trip that suits. The mile is where he can show his best and with Craig Williams riding is super form, the Godolphin galloper should be right in the finish. Prized Icon comes down from Sydney to avoid the wet conditions the Randwick Guineas would likely have been run in. He has had one start at the famous Flemington track for a Group 1 victory in the VRC Derby last spring and will be looking to bolster it's stallion credentials after winning Group 1s at 2 & 3. He was good without being great first up and is another that will definitely improve getting out to the mile. Short of his best trip but he's an, big strong, adaptable colt who gives his all every start.
Harlow Gold looks to be the best of the fillies. She was an eye catching run in the Vanity first up and stamped herself as a very classy filly during the spring. She is on an Oaks campaign so the mile probably short of her best as well, however if there is tempo on she will relish the long Flemington straight. Knockout change to beat the boys.
The value looks to be with the two last start WFA performers. Divine Prophet and Attention both trading at $9 and $12 respectively at Bluebet.com.au. Divine Prophet won the Caulfield Guineas in the spring and looks much more suited back to his own age. His first up performance was quite solid considering the class runners he was up against and that form has since been franked with Black Heart Bart winning another Group 1. The biggest question mark is where he maps in the run. He will likely have to get a fair way back from the gate and whether or not he can give the likes of Hey Doc and Attention a big start is the query.
Attention was very game last start only beaten 0.9L by Black Heart Bart (Genuine G1 Star) and Championships bound Tosen Stardom. He will look to push forward from the wide gate and be in the first few in running. Brett Prebble won the 2015 edition, leading all the way on Wandjina and similar tactics could play out here. If he runs up to his Futurity Stakes showing, he is right in this and the current price looks very generous.
Tip – ATTENTION each way $12/$3
For the latest Australian Guineas market, click here.
Words: Jack McLoughlin
