2017 Coolmore Classic Preview
Saturday 11 March 2017
The Group 1 Coolmore Classic always assembles a classy field of Australia’s best fillies and mares and this year is no exception. It’s one of the highlights of the Rosehill carnival and is very important from a future standpoint leading into The Championships. The race became even more interesting with the top three favoured runners all drawing very wide.
The worst of the draw is Omei Sword, who will be jumping from James Ruse Drive. Barrier 19 of 19 for ‘The Gun’ Brenton Avdulla to deal with is the major question mark over the filly’s chances. Her first up run was quite remarkable considering the circumstances. After missing her first two scheduled runs of this preparation, she was first up at 1400 metres on a bog Randwick track. The market suggested she wasn’t quite ready ($4-$9), but still had the audacity to settle last and rocket through the field for a fast finishing second. The daughter of High Chaparral will be very competitive in a Doncaster Mile and if that’s the case you’d think she’d go close here. Any luck in running, watch out. All class.
Dixie Blossoms couldn’t have been more impressive last time in. Although Tim Clark had a picnic out in front, she still went on with the job and won by a widening 6.5 lengths. That day Randwick was rated a heavy 10 so you know she loves the cut out. From barrier 12 she should settle front half and third up at the 1500m is ideal. Her trainer Ron Quinton won the race last year with exciting mare Peeping and he can repeat the feat in 2017.
The Victorian visitor Silent Sedition is currently a $12 chance at BlueBet. Again drawn extremely wide (barrier 18) making her Sydney assignment all the more difficult. An eye catching first up run and then did it all herself in the second up victory. Comes here in great form and with her turn of foot so can certainly figure in the finish. Danish Twist from the Lee’s yard will start from gate one, which could prove to be an inconvenience for her. She races best when allowed to settle and finish with her turn of foot. She did everything wrong last start so and was a total forgive run. The genuine tempo a big field generally provides is in her favour though will need the gaps to come at all the right times to be turning the tables on a mare like Dixie Blossoms.
Top weight First Seal is a group one winning filly who was beating up on Winx early in their careers. Her better racing has always been on good tracks so first up at 1500m on a rain affected track means her price of $23 is probably right on the mark. Denmagic is genuine mare who gives her all every start. Ran an eye catching third in the G1 Myer Classic last spring and is drawn to get a great run. Will be flying late and is a great light weight chance.
Euro Angel first up run was a lot better than first glance. The inside was off that day though she still made up a stack of ground to run a good second. I think this has been a goal of the Hawkes team with this mare for some time now and she gets in with 53kg. Has the services of the veteran in Robert Thompson and a great gate to match (2). Her win second up last prep was the best of her career and some solid form has come out of the race at Caulfield. Relishes the cut out of the ground, a 2kg weight swing on In Her Time and with natural improvement I think the value lies with her.
Tip – Euro Angel each way ($20/$5).
For the latest Coolmore Classic market, click here.
Words: Jack 'The Coach' McLoughlin
