A strong field of 14 will line up for the first Group 1 of the calendar year, the $500,000 C.F. Orr Stakes. Run under weight-for-age conditions, the race has been won by some greats of the Australian turf including Black Caviar, Lonhro, Elvstroem, Redoute’s Choice and Saintly.
As he often does, Darren Weir holds plenty of aces in the race as he saddles up $4.60 Tosen Stardom, 5-time Group 1 winner and last year’s winner, Black Heart Bart ($6) as well as Brave Smash ($8.50) for Australian Bloodstock.
Two other Group 1 winner runners will take their place in the race with Goldolphin’s Hartnell ($6) resuming from barrier 12 while ’16 Vinery Stud Stakes winner Single Gaze will also go into the race first up where she’s a $34 chance.
Of the others, Chris Waller-trained Shillelagh looks to be a winning hope and has been well supported throughout the week firming into $8.50 from an opening quote of $10 while the progressive Thronum will look to improve further on his G2 Australia Stakes victory. The Snitzel-entire has been $12-$11.
Group 1 C.F. Orr Stakes Market
Tosen Stardom $4.60
Hartnell $6
Black Heart Bart $6.50 scr
Brave Smash $8.50
Shillelagh $8.50
Mr Sneaky $9
Thronum $11
Mighty Boss $14
Tshahitsi $18
Dollar for Dollar $19
Lord of the Sky $34
Single Gaze $34
Abbey Marie $34
Jester Halo $81
